Organic Framing

Acid Soils

• Acid soils are those having pH less than 5.5.

Processes in acid soil formation

1. Laterisation of varying degrees.
2. Podzolisation with sub-temperate to temperate climate.
3. Intense leaching of light alluvial soils.
4. Marshy conditions with significant amount of partly decomposed organic matter.

Characteristics of acid soils

Physical

1. Light Texture
2. High Permeability
3. Poor Water Holding Capacity
4. Poor Cation Exchange Capacity
5. Poor Organic Matter Content.

Chemical

1. Base Unsaturated Soil, more anions than cations
2. Active and Potential Soil Acidity
3. Availability of Nutrients (Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Co). Toxic effects on plants Al3+ concentration is more.

Biological

1. There is no effect of pH on the population of fungi. Hence, fungi population is more than bacteria.
2. Fungi cause diseases.
3. Rate of decomposition of biological materials and rate of mineralization and nitrification, etc., are reduced when acidity is increased.

Management of acidic soils

1. By growing crops suitable for particular soil pH.
2. Ameliorating the soils through the application of amendments.