How to deacidify soil in autumn, what means to use

Disruption of soil acidity primarily results in plants not absorbing applied fertilizers due to the acidic environment. Furthermore, certain types of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms cannot thrive in such soil, which negatively impacts crop yields.

Acidic soil is characterized by increased density, which makes it difficult for oxygen to reach the roots, and the acid-base balance is disrupted.

Determination of acidity level and timing

At home, the analysis can be performed any time from early spring to late fall, when there is no frost and a soil sample can be taken from the site for measurement. No complicated equipment is required.

Using litmus paper

To determine acidity, you need litmus paper, which can be purchased at a pharmacy or chemical supply store. Its packaging features a color scale indicating the acidity level: from red (acidic pH) through yellow (neutral pH), to blue (alkaline pH). Here's what to do:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of soil in different areas of the garden.
2. Prepare several portions of solutions with distilled (boiled) water 1:1, mix.
3. Dip the paper into all solutions.
4. The color of the litmus paper will accurately indicate the acidity level of this area.

Red color indicates acidic soil, yellow color indicates neutral soil, and green color indicates alkaline soil (very rare).

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Determining acidity using vinegar

Regular 9% vinegar will do. Sprinkle some soil on the glass and add a few drops of vinegar. If the reaction produces carbon dioxide gas in the form of bubbles, the soil is alkaline. If the gas is released in small amounts, the soil is considered alkaline, and if there is no reaction, the soil is acidic and needs to be amended.

Using grape juice

Add 1 teaspoon of soil from the area to the glass containing the juice. If the color changes or the soil bubbles, the soil is neutral; if there is no change, the soil is acidic.

With the help of plants

A number of weeds can help you determine if your soil is too acidic. These include:

• horsetail;
• mint;
• moss;
• woodlouse;
• horse sorrel.

If these plants are found in a garden plot, it is necessary to take measures to reduce acidity.

Acidic soils: what to do

If the soil is excessively acidic, it is reduced artificially. Certain components are added, such as dolomite flour, slaked lime, chalk, and gypsum. Green manure crops are also sown, which increase soil aeration, control weeds, and improve the soil's quality.

Crops that prefer different types of acidity

Some plants can tolerate slightly acidic soil, but most vegetables grow well and produce fruit only in neutral soil. Vegetables that prefer slightly acidic and neutral soil pH include:

• tomatoes;
• carrot;
• oil crops;
• legumes.

The following plants grow and bear fruit in slightly acidic soils:

• potato;
• green;
• all types of cabbage;
• beet.

There are many flowers that enjoy low pH. These include:

• lupines;
• sunflowers;
• roses;
• nasturtiums;
• poppies;
• purslane;
• zinnia;
• cloves;
• fern.

At application of fertilizers, the flowers grow and develop beautifully.

How to increase soil acidity

In some cases, soil pH exceeds 7.5. This type of soil is typical of steppes and forest-steppes, with a limestone base and excessive salinity. Under these conditions, micronutrients such as iron, boron, and manganese form insoluble bases with alkali, which plants are unable to absorb. A nutrient deficiency is evident by a yellowish discoloration of the leaves (chlorosis).

Increasing acidity with organic matter

The following are used as organic additives to reduce pH and increase soil acidity:

• fresh manure;
• compost;
• high-moor peat;
• distillation;
• sphagnum moss.

Organic additives slowly acidify the soil, but help improve its composition, moisture and air permeability, and contain plant nutrients.

Increasing acidity with mineral components

Mineral fertilizers cope with the task of acidification much faster.

1. Colloidal sulfur can reduce pH by 2 units if added during autumn digging at a rate of 1 kg per 10 sq.m.
2. Iron sulfate reduces pH by 1 unit when applied at 0.5 kg per 10 sq.m.
3. Ammonium nitrate, when applied to the soil in the fall, can slightly increase acidity.

It cannot be applied under plants in the fall.

Use of acid solutions

For hobbyists growing blueberries and hydrangeas in their gardens, using weak solutions of sulfuric acid, citric acid, or acetic acid as a watering solution is essential. For every 10 liters of water, you'll need 50 ml of sulfuric acid, or 2 teaspoons of crystalline citric acid, or 100 ml of 9% vinegar. Water the plants at the roots with this solution, avoiding the leaves.

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How to reduce soil acidity in autumn

There are several ways to deacidify the soil in your garden in the fall. The following are used for this purpose:

• green manure;
• dolomite flour;
• slaked lime;
• chalk;
• ash;
• gypsum.

Each method can be used.

Deoxidation with green manure

Natural farming advocates are advised to reduce soil acidity by sowing green manure, which, in addition to increasing pH:

• suppress weed growth;
• enrich the soil with nitrogen;
• improve the composition of the soil, making it looser;
• help in getting rid of pests (wireworms, nematodes);
• serve as organic fertilizer.

After harvesting, in the fall, plant:

• white mustard;
• phacelia;
• rye;

The cleared land is leveled with a rake and green manure seeds are scattered over it.

Deoxidation with dolomite flour

Dolomite flour is obtained by crushing dolomite. It contains magnesium and calcium, which are leached from acidic soils. Soil deoxidation with dolomite flour solves a number of other problems:

• the soil is enriched with nutrients;
• the growth of garden crops increases;
• the acidic soil that had fallen into disrepair is brought back to life.

Negative results can be obtained when:

• failure to comply with the dosage;
• joint application with various incompatible preparations (ammonium nitrate, urea, superphosphate, manure);
• pH level above 6.

Depending on the soil pH, 30 to 50 kg of dolomite per 100 square meters is applied in the fall during tillage after harvest. In the spring, dolomite flour is applied two weeks before planting vegetables. In acidic soil, dolomite flour is applied once every six years.

Deoxidation with slaked lime

Soil deoxidation is carried out in the fall by applying slaked lime or slaked lime after harvesting. The lime is scattered over the soil surface at a rate of 500 g per 10 square meters. Repeat treatment is carried out after 3-5 years.

Deoxidation with chalk

Chalk is a natural substance and is often used as a soil deoxidizer. It is spread directly on snow in the spring. Meltwater dissolves the chalk grains, carrying them into the soil. It can be applied annually, but in small doses to prevent soil salinization.

Ash deoxidation

Ash is a natural acidifier and a source of potassium, phosphorus, and many micronutrients. Its advantage over other fertilizers is that it can be added throughout the growing season. Ash is added during soil cultivation at a rate of 1 kg per square meter and is also added to the planting hole. It serves several functions:

• deoxidizer;
• fertilizer;
• soil improver;
• pest repellent.

Deoxidation with gypsum

Gypsum is also used to normalize pH. It has one unique feature: it dissolves in acid rather than water, meaning it reacts with the acids in the soil, bringing the pH to 6-7. If acidification recurs, it reacts again, reducing the soil's acidity. Application rates range from 400 g per square meter for acidic soils to 100 g per square meter for slightly acidic soils.

Frequency of deoxidation procedure

The frequency of using acidifiers in a plot depends on the soil condition. On acidic soils, the procedure is carried out once every 4 years, on slightly acidic soils, once every 5-6 years. However, to maintain the desired pH level, certain procedures must be carried out annually. When digging the soil in the spring, add a small amount of dolomite flour, and when planting, add a handful of ash to the hole.

Is it always necessary to reduce acidity?

If the site contains plants that require acidic soil to thrive, soil deacidification is performed in specific areas or not at all. The following plants grow well in soil with a low pH:

• sorrel;
• rhubarb;
• blueberry;
• mint;
• fern;
• rhododendrons.

Most vegetables thrive in slightly acidic or neutral soils rich in nutrients. But too frequent liming This leads to excess calcium in the soil, which inhibits plant root growth. Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend checking the soil pH in the spring and basing further actions on this value.

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Deoxidation and basic fertilizers

When carrying out the deoxidation procedure, it is necessary to take into account some factors:

• when adding deoxidizers to the soil in the fall, mineral fertilizers are added in the spring or are not used for 2 years;
• It is necessary to adhere to precise dosages of deoxidizers, otherwise manganese, boron, and iron form compounds that are insoluble in water and not absorbed by plants.

You can monitor the soil pH yourself, and only if you get negative results should you take action and use one of the deoxidizers.