Soil pH Management Research Articles

Examining the adaptability of soil pH to soil dynamics using different methodologies: A concise review

Soil pH is crucial to soil health, influencing nutrient availability, microbial activity, and plant growth. This review aims to assess the adaptability of soil pH under changing soil conditions by analyzing natural and human factors. Information was gathered from various sources, including peer-reviewed articles, field studies, and recent advances in soil science. The study explores how natural factors such as parent material, climate, and vegetation establish baseline soil pH, while human activities such as intensive farming and land-use changes further modify it, often leading to soil acidification or alkalinization. Traditional management methods like lime application, organic amendments, and crop rotation are reviewed for their effectiveness in stabilizing soil pH and their limitations under varying soil conditions. The review also explores modern technological innovations like precision agriculture, which uses soil sensors and variable rate technology for targeted pH management, and biological approaches, such as microbial inoculants, to enhance nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Integrating these traditional and contemporary approaches is essential for sustainable soil pH management and long-term productivity. The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach that combines historical knowledge with emerging technologies to promote sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

Effect of Soil pH Variation on Peanut Plant Growth

This research investigates the qualitative effects of soil pH variation on peanut plant growth, aiming to provide insights into the complex interactions between soil properties and plant responses in agricultural ecosystems. Through semi-structured interviews with ten informants, supplemented by insights synthesized from prior research and theoretical frameworks, the study explores perceived relationships, implications for soil health and nutrient availability, challenges, opportunities, and practical implications for peanut production. Key findings highlight the critical influence of soil pH on peanut growth and productivity, with deviations from optimal pH levels affecting nutrient availability, root health, and overall plant vigor. Participants underscore the importance of targeted soil management practices, including lime application, organic matter incorporation, and crop rotation, in optimizing soil pH and supporting resilient peanut production systems. The study identifies challenges in soil pH management, such as limited accessibility of soil testing services and inadequate farmer knowledge, while also highlighting opportunities for innovation and improvement. The insights gleaned from the study contribute to advancing knowledge in agricultural sciences and inform evidence-based soil management practices for sustainable peanut production.

Impact of liming and maize residues on N2O and N2 fluxes in agricultural soils: an incubation study

AbstractSince it is known that nitrous oxide (N2O) production and consumption pathways are affected by soil pH, optimising the pH of agricultural soils can be an important approach to reduce N2O emissions. Because liming effects on N2O reduction had not been studied under ambient atmosphere and typical bulk density of arable soils, we conducted mesoscale incubation experiments with soils from two liming trials to investigate the impact of long-term pH management and fresh liming on N transformations and N2O production. Soils differed in texture and covered a range of pH levels (3.8–6.7), consisting of non-limed controls, long-term field-limed calcite and dolomite treatments, and freshly limed soils. Both soils were amended with 15N-labelled potassium nitrate (KNO3) and incubated with and without incorporated maize litter. Packed soil mesocosms were cycled through four phases of alternating temperatures and soil moistures for at least 40 days. Emissions of N2O and dinitrogen (N2) as well as the product ratio of denitrification N2O/(N2O + N2), referred to as N2Oi were measured with the 15N gas flux method in N2-reduced atmosphere. Emissions of N2O increased in response to typical denitrifying conditions (high moisture and presence of litter). Increased temperature and soil moisture stimulated microbial activity and triggered denitrification as judged from 15NO3− pool derived N2O + N2 emissions. Fresh liming increased denitrification in the sandy soil up to 3-fold but reduced denitrification in the loamy soil by 80%. N2Oi decreased throughout the incubation in response to fresh liming from 0.5–0.8 to 0.3–0.4, while field-limed soils had smaller N2Oi (0.1–0.3) than unlimed controls (0.9) irrespective of incubation conditions. Our study shows that the denitrification response (i.e., N2O + N2 production) to liming is soil dependent, whereas liming effects on N2Oi are consistent for both long- and short-term pH management. This extends previous results from anoxic slurry incubation studies by showing that soil pH management by liming has a good mitigation potential for agricultural N2O emissions from denitrification under wet conditions outside of cropping season.

Ascription of nosZ gene, pH and copper for mitigating N2O emissions in acidic soils

Soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are alarming for global warming and climate change. N2O reduction is carried out only by nosZ gene encoded N2O-reductase, which is highly sensitive to acidic pH and copper (Cu) contents. Therefore, a microcosm study was conducted to examine the attribution of soil pH management, Cu supply and nosZ gene abundance for N2O emission mitigation. Cu was applied at the dose of 0, 10, 25 and 50 mg kg−1 to three acidic soils (Soil 1, 2 and 3) without and with dolomite (0 and 5 g kg−1). Cu application and soil pH increment substantially enlarged the abundance of nosZ gene, and consequently mitigated soil N2O emissions; highest reduction with 25 Cu mg kg−1. Decline in NH4+ and subsequently accumulation of NO3−, and large contents of MBC and DOC in dolomite treated soils led to a substantial N2O reduction. The cumulative N2O emissions were lowest in the treatment of 25 Cu mg kg−1 with dolomite application for each soil. Results suggest that soil pH increment, an adequate Cu supply, and nosZ gene abundance can potentially lower soil N2O emissions in acidic soils.

The role of stress factors in severity of Cytospora plurivora in greenhouse and field plantings of 13 peach (Prunus persica) cultivars.

Understanding the host-pathogen-environmental interactions in a pathosystem is essential for management of diseases and diminished crop yields. Abiotic stressors such as cold damage, water deficit, and high pH soils can be major limiting factors to tree fruit production. Along with decreased yields, these abiotic factors can have direct implications for disease severity within orchards. Cytospora plurivora is a ubiquitous fungal canker pathogen in western Colorado, USA and is a major focus in integrated pest management strategies. This research evaluated the influence of biotic and abiotic stress factors on peach tree health. Thirteen peach cultivars were placed under abiotic stress and inoculated with C. plurivora in greenhouse and field conditions. Under deficit irrigation, C. plurivora infections were significantly larger and more severe in both the greenhouse and field trials when compared with those under the full-irrigation controls. In controlled greenhouse conditions, a positive correlation between lesion size and water potential was evident, but no trend of cultivar tolerance was observed. Furthermore, increase in irrigation water pH, through additions of sodium carbonate and bicarbonate, in the greenhouse trials resulted in decreased leaf water potentials and increased pathogen necrotic tissue volumes (mm3). In field trials, there was no positive relationship between lesion size and water potential; trees with the most negative water potentials had the smallest lesions sizes that did not correspond to cultivar, suggesting that other abiotic or biotic factors may be shielding water stressed trees from increased pathogen aggression. This research highlights the importance of proper irrigation and soil pH management as tools for the management of Cytospora canker in peach orchards.

A comparison of soil liming requirement methodologies in temperate, Northern European pedo‐climates

AbstractBackgroundLiming agricultural land is essential to optimise crop yield and soil nutrients. Despite the importance of pH management in agricultural soils, liming applications have been decreasing in the United Kingdom for decades. There is no comparison of contemporary and historical liming requirement (LR) methods for Northern European, temperate climate mineral soils high in organic matter (OM).AimsThe aims of this research were to thoroughly comparatively analyse current methodologies and to ascertain which soil characteristics contribute to LR reactions.MethodsAnalysis compared methods for determining liming values common in the United Kingdom (Scottish Agricultural College [SAC] look‐up chart, RothLime model), Europe and the United States (Shoemaker–McLean–Pratt, Sikora, Modified Mehlich buffers), and the 30‐min calcium hydroxide titration developed by the University of Georgia.ResultsRothLime and SAC highly underestimated the LR value in acidic soils. The buffers highly over or underestimated LRs. The UGA titration method is a cheap, easy and accurate method which could be utilised for high OM soils but requires further calculation development. The characteristics most associated with soil–lime reactions in this experiment were measures of exchangeability (cation exchange capacity and loss on ignition, and by proxy, lime buffering capacity).ConclusionsThere is an opportunity to create buffer calculators and titration equations adapted to high OM soils. These are suggested for further development, through a larger diversity of UK soil types grouped by buffering capacity ranges. Including soil exchangeability factors in lime management calculations may contribute to more accurate values and therefore better resource management. Increasing LR accuracy for site‐specific soil pH management, used in precision agriculture technologies, is a necessary tool for the conservation of natural resources like limestone, managing resource use efficiency, and for optimising yields.

Soil pH management for mitigating N2O emissions through nosZ (Clade I and II) gene abundance in rice paddy system

Soil nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced by abiotic and biotic processes, but it is solely consumed by denitrifying microbes-encoded by nosZ genes. The nosZ gene includes two groups i.e. Clade I and Clade II, which are highly sensitive to pH. Managing pH of acidic soils can substantially influence soil N2O production or consumption through nosZ gene abundance. Nevertheless, the response of nosZ (Clade I and Clade II) to pH management needs elucidation in acidic soils. To clarify this research question, a pot experiment growing rice crop was conducted with three treatments: control (only soil), low dose of dolomite (LDD), and high dose of dolomite (HDD). The soil pH increased from 5.41 to 6.23 in the control, 6.5 in LDD and 6.8 in HDD treatment under flooded condition. The NH4+ and NO3− contents increased and reached the maximum at 30.4 and 21.5 mg kg−1, respectively, in HDD treatment under flooding condition. The contents of dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon showed a swift rise at midseason aeration and reached maximum at 30.7 and 101 mg kg−1 in the HDD treatment. Clade I, Clade II and 16S rRNA genes abundance increased with the onset of flooding, and occurred maximum in the HDD treatment. A peak in N2O emissions (5.96 μg kg−1 h−1) occurred at midseason events in the control when no dolomite was added. Dolomite application significantly (p ≤ 0.001) suppressed N2O emissions, and HDD treatment was more effective in reducing emissions. Pearson correlation, linear regressions and principal component analysis displayed that increased soil pH and Clade I and Clade II were the main controlling factors for N2O emission mitigation in acidic soil. This research demonstrates that ameliorating soil acidity with dolomite application is a potential option for the mitigation of N2O emissions.

Bahiagrass and soil responses to lime sources and application levels

AbstractThe increasing cost of lime and the agronomic problems associated with soil acidity management has prompted the need to re‐examine management strategies to correct soil pH while maintaining forage productivity. This study evaluated the effect of different lime sources (pelletized dolomitic limestone [dolomite] and hydrated calcitic limestone [Hi‐Cal]) and application levels (0, 1.1, 2.2, and 4.4 Mg ha–1 yr–1) on soil chemical properties and bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) responses in 2014 through 2017. Forage and soil responses were monitored during the 4‐yr period, and residual lime effect was also evaluated 3 yr after liming ceased (2020). Liming increased bahiagrass herbage accumulation by 12% relative to control; however, no effect of lime source (P = .6), application level (P = .16), or their interaction (P = .11) was observed. Both lime sources increased tissue P, Mg, Ca, and S concentrations relative to control; however, tissue B, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu generally decreased. A single application of Hi‐Cal or two annual applications of dolomite increased soil pH from 4.5 to the recommended level of 5.5 for bahiagrass. Soil pH (0–45 cm depth) increased with repeated lime applications particularly in Hi‐Cal treatments, but no adverse effects on bahiagrass were observed. Soil pH remained above the recommended level 3 yr after liming ceased. Despite the lack of treatment effect, soil P and K levels decreased with time likely because of nutrient removal with harvested forage. Proper P and K fertilization along with soil pH management are key components to maintain long‐term productivity of bahiagrass.

The influence of soil acidification on N2O emissions derived from fungal and bacterial denitrification using dual isotopocule mapping and acetylene inhibition

Denitrification, as both origins and sinks of N2O, occurs extensively, and is of critical importance for regulating N2O emissions in acidified soils. However, whether soil acidification stimulates N2O emissions, and if so for what reason contributes to stimulate the emissions is uncertain and how the N2O fractions from fungal (ffD) and bacterial (fbD) denitrification change with soil pH is unclear. Thus, a pH gradient (6.2, 7.1, 8.7) was set via manipulating cropland soils (initial pH 8.7) in North China to illustrate the effect of soil acidification on fungal and bacterial denitrification after the addition of KNO3 and glucose. For source partitioning, we used and compared SP/δ18O mapping approach (SP/δ18O MAP) and acetylene inhibition technique combined isotope two endmember mixing model (AIT-IEM). The results showed significantly higher N2O emissions in the acidified soils (pH 6.2 and pH 7.1) compared with the initial soil (pH 8.7). The cumulative N2O emissions during the whole incubation period (15 days) ranged from 7.1 mg N kg−1 for pH 8.7–18.9 mg N kg−1 for pH 6.2. With the addition of glucose, relative to treatments without glucose, this emission also increased with the decrement of pH values, and were significantly stimulated. Similarly, the highest N2O emissions and N2O/(N2O + N2) ratios (rN2O) were observed in the pH 6.2 treatment. But the difference was the highest cumulative N2O + N2 emissions, which were recorded in the pH 7.1 treatment based on SP/δ18O MAP. Based on both approaches, ffD values slightly increased with the acidification of soil, and bacterial denitrification was the dominant pathway in all treatments. The SP/δ18O MAP data indicated that both the rN2O and ffD were lower compared to AIT-IEM. It has been known for long that low pH may lead to high rN2O of denitrification and ffD, but our documentation of a pervasive pH-control of rN2O and ffD by utilizing combined SP/δ18O MAP and AIT-IEM is new. The results of the evaluated N2O emissions by acidified soils are finely explained by high rN2O and enhanced ffD. We argue that soil pH management should be high on the agenda for mitigating N2O emissions in the future, particularly for regions where long-term excessive nitrogen fertilizer is likely to acidify the soils.

Inventory and assessment of pH in cropland and grassland soils in Germany#

AbstractBackgroundSoil pH is one of the key factors affecting soil fertility. For optimal plant growth on agricultural land, suitable liming management is recommended. The basis of appropriate soil pH management in agriculture is provided by recommendations on site‐specific optimum pH ranges and lime application.AimsThis study determined the current variability of soil pH of cropland and grassland in Germany, analysed the factors associated with this variability, evaluated pH management on German agricultural land and developed a national map of current pH values in agricultural soils.MethodsThe study mainly focused on the topsoil layers of 2197 cropland sites (0–30 cm) and 812 permanent grasslands sites (0–10 cm) in the German Agricultural Soil Inventory, but reports soil pH (CaCl2) down to 50 cm. Random forest models were applied to identify environmental and management factors related to soil pH and develop a map of pH values in agricultural topsoils in Germany. The current pH status of the sampled sites was classified in accordance with German lime requirement recommendations.ResultsThe soil pH of both land‐use types showed a bimodal distribution, with peaks at pH 6.1 and 7.3 for cropland and pH 5.0 and 7.1 for grassland. Soils with pH <5 were mainly found on sandy soils in northern Germany and acidic parent material in southern Germany. Alkaline soils predominated in central and southern Germany on loess and carbonate‐rich material. The carbonate content was the major factor explaining soil pH variability, but its effect was restricted to pH values >6. Only 35.4% of the cropland sites and 23.9% of the grassland sites were within the recommended optimum pH range. The percentage of sites below the recommended pH range was greater for grassland than for cropland (52.0% and 41.0%, respectively).ConclusionsSoil pH of German agricultural land is influenced by natural factors and pH management. The first national inventory of soil pH showed that many agricultural soils exhibited pH values lower than those recommended. More conscientious pH management could help improve soil fertility and crop yield. This should be based on the regular topsoil pH analysis conducted by most farmers every five years, together with the determination of plant‐available potassium and phosphorus in soils.

Technological gap in adoption of recommended sericulture cultivation practices

The study was conducted in Vijayapur and Bagalkote districts of Northern Karnataka in 2019-20, which comes under non-traditional areas of sericulture. The sample size selected was 120 and the study revealed that 40.00 per cent of sericulture farmers belonged to high technological gap category. The major contributors in technological gap of sericulture production technology were soil pH management, disease control measures and chawki silkworm rearing methods. Keeping those above constraints to consideration the suitable policy implications by the government and with the suitable extension strategies it may be reduced and helped to improve sericulture status.

Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, 3rd Edition: Chapter 11. Special Situations

The information provided in the 2008 2nd edition is still sound for healthy citrus trees under Florida production conditions. Much of the information provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling and irrigation scheduling are also effective for huanglongbing (HLB) affected citrus trees. However, research conducted since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005 has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the 2nd edition of SL253 will appear in boxes similar to this one at the beginnings of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11.

Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, 3rd Edition: Chapter 10. Environmental Issues and Best Management Practices

The information provided in the 2008 2nd edition is still sound for healthy citrus trees under Florida production conditions. Much of the information provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling and irrigation scheduling are also effective for huanglongbing (HLB) affected citrus trees. However, research conducted since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005 has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the 2nd edition of SL253 will appear in boxes similar to this one at the beginnings of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11.

Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, 3rd Edition: Chapter 9. Irrigation Management to Improve Nutrient Uptake

The information provided in the 2008 2nd edition is still sound for healthy citrus trees under Florida production conditions. Much of the information provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling and irrigation scheduling are also effective for huanglongbing (HLB) affected citrus trees. However, research conducted since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005 has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the 2nd edition of SL253 will appear in boxes similar to this one at the beginnings of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11.

Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, 3rd Edition: Chapter 4. Soil and Leaf Tissue Testing

The information provided in the 2008 2nd edition is still sound for healthy citrus trees under Florida production conditions. Much of the information provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling and irrigation scheduling are also effective for huanglongbing (HLB) affected citrus trees. However, research conducted since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005 has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the 2nd edition of SL253 will appear in boxes similar to this one at the beginnings of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11.

Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, 3rd Edition: Chapter 5. Precision Agriculture for Citrus Nutrient Management

The information provided in the 2008 2nd edition is still sound for healthy citrus trees under Florida production conditions. Much of the information provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling and irrigation scheduling are also effective for huanglongbing (HLB) affected citrus trees. However, research conducted since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005 has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the 2nd edition of SL253 will appear in boxes similar to this one at the beginnings of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11.

Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, Third Edition

This update to 2007's second edition adds information regarding nutrition of Florida citrus trees affected by huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. Much of the guidance provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling, and irrigation scheduling is also effective for trees affected by HLB. However, research conducted since the previous edition was published has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the second edition will appear at the beginning of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11. <a href="http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_nutrition_of_florida_citrus_trees">See also this topic page</a> for links to individual chapters in HTML and PDF formats. This 115-page book was edited by Kelly T. Morgan and Davie M. Kadyampakeni, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences.

Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, 3rd Edition: Chapter 1. Introduction

The information provided in the 2008 2nd edition is still sound for healthy citrus trees under Florida production conditions. Much of the information provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling and irrigation scheduling are also effective for huanglongbing (HLB) affected citrus trees. However, research conducted since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005 has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the 2nd edition of SL253 will appear in boxes similar to this one at the beginnings of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11.

Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, 3rd Edition: Chapter 7. Methods of Fertilizer Application

The information provided in the 2008 2nd edition is still sound for healthy citrus trees under Florida production conditions. Much of the information provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling and irrigation scheduling are also effective for huanglongbing (HLB) affected citrus trees. However, research conducted since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005 has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the 2nd edition of SL253 will appear in boxes similar to this one at the beginnings of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11.

Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees, 3rd Edition: Chapter 8. Recommended Fertilizer Rates and Timing

The information provided in the 2008 2nd edition is still sound for healthy citrus trees under Florida production conditions. Much of the information provided in this document on nutrients, application methods, leaf and soil sampling and irrigation scheduling are also effective for huanglongbing (HLB) affected citrus trees. However, research conducted since HLB was detected in Florida in 2005 has established changes in many production practices, including nutrient rates, irrigation scheduling, soil pH management, and use of Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS). Changes to the 2nd edition of SL253 will appear in boxes similar to this one at the beginnings of chapters 2, 6, 8, 9, and 11.