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Fertilizer Recommendations for Acidic Soils

Fertilizer Recommendations for Acidic Soils
Acidic soils (pH below 6.0) require both pH adjustment and nutrient supplementation. Below are fertilizer recommendations for acidic soils:  

1. Alkaline or Neutral Fertilizers (for pH Adjustment)
Lime-based materials:  
Quicklime (CaO) or Hydrated lime (Ca(OH)₂): Rapidly neutralizes acidity but requires controlled application (typically 50-150 kg per mu).  Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃): Gentle and long-lasting effect.  
Dolomite powder: Supplies calcium and magnesium, ideal for magnesium-deficient acidic soils.  
Application note: Apply in multiple stages to avoid over-liming; mix deeply into the soil for better results.  
Wood ash:  
Contains potassium (K₂O) and calcium, weakly alkaline. Apply in small, frequent doses (100-200 kg per mu) and avoid mixing with ammonium-based nitrogen fertilizers.  

2. Suitable Chemical Fertilizers for Acidic Soils 
Phosphate fertilizers:  
Calcium magnesium phosphate (alkaline): Suitable for southern red soils, provides P, Ca, and Mg.  
Rock phosphate (slow-release): Requires soil acidity for dissolution, good for long-term improvement.  
Avoid: Superphosphate (acidic, may worsen soil acidity over time).  
Nitrogen fertilizers:  
Calcium nitrate or Sodium nitrate: Alkaline nitrogen sources, suitable for short-term pH adjustment.  
 Use cautiously: Ammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride (acid-forming, may increase soil acidity).  

Potassium fertilizers:  
 Potassium sulfate (neutral): Minimal impact on pH.  
Avoid excessive use: Potassium chloride (may acidify soil over time).  

Micronutrients:  
  Acidic soils are often deficient in molybdenum (Mo)—supply with ammonium molybdate. Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are usually abundant and rarely need supplementation.  

3. Organic Amendments  
Well-decomposed organic manure (compost, animal manure):  
  Buffers pH and improves nutrient retention. Apply 2-3 tons per mu annually.  
Green manure:  
  Grow legumes (e.g., clover, alfalfa) and till them into the soil to increase organic matter and reduce acidity.  

4. Additional Considerations 
Regular pH testing: Target pH 6.0–6.5 (optimal for most crops). Over-liming may reduce micronutrient availability.  
Avoid acidifying fertilizers: Such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP) or ferrous sulfate (use only for iron deficiency correction).  
Crop rotation: Include legumes to reduce nitrogen fertilizer dependency and slow acidification.  

Summary Strategy
1. Adjust pH first: Apply lime or wood ash based on acidity levels.  
2. Then fertilize: Prefer alkaline fertilizers (e.g., calcium magnesium phosphate, calcium nitrate) combined with organic matter.  
3. Long-term management: Reduce ammonium-based nitrogen, increase organic inputs, and monitor soil regularly.  

By integrating these measures, you can effectively neutralize soil acidity while ensuring balanced crop nutrition.

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