Chapter 17 Biological transformation and bioavailability of nutrient elements in acid soils as affected by liming

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of biological transformation and bioavailability of nutrient elements in acid soils as affected by liming. The chapter elaborates soil acidification as a natural process that can be accelerated by farming activities. Under managed farming systems, most of the acidity is generated from carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) biogeochemical cycles in soils and from fertilizer application. This chapter briefly discusses the various processes that generate acid during the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur in soils; the distribution of nutrient elements in soil organic matter; and the biological processes involved in the transformation of these nutrient elements. The detrimental effects of soil acidity on microbial functions, and the beneficial effects of liming in overcoming the problems associated with soil acidity, are examined in relation to the biological transformation of major and trace element nutrients. Concepts related to the processes of acid generation in soils are described along with the biological transformation of nutrients in soils. The distribution of nutrients in soils is also analyzed. The chapter also explains soil acidity and bioavailability of nutrients. An overview of liming and bioavailability of nutrients is also discussed.