Due to overuse of chemical fertilizers, the soil in a farm has become acidic and crop yields have dropped. What remedial action will you recommend to the farmer? (2024)

FAQs

How can you treat a soil to which excessive chemical fertilizers have been added? ›

Due to the overuse of chemical fertilizers, the soil becomes acidic due to which growth of plants decreases. To maintain the neutrality of the soil, the farmer should use either quick lime or slaked lime. Quick lime and slaked lime are common bases, which can neutralize the acidity of the soil.

If the soil is too acidic, it should be treated using bases like quick lime (calcium oxide) or slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). As an alkaline, calcium oxide serves as a base to neutralize acidic soils and raise their pH to. Organic matter is added to soil that is too basic by itself.

If the soil is too acidic then farmers treat it with quick lime or slaked lime to neutralise the effect and make the soil neutral so that plants can grow properly.

However, in the present situation, the overuse of these commercial chemical fertilizers can pave the way to soil acidification, which in turn decreases naturally present organic compounds in the soil. So, the prolonged use of this type of fertilizer may cause an increase in pests and kill beneficial microbes.

A good watering with a drip cleaner in your irrigation system can move many types of fertilizer from the soil. Saturate your garden with a volume of water equivalent to the cubic area of the fertilized area. Repeat this step every few days until your plants show signs of recuperation.

There are three basic practices to reduce synthetic fertilizer use to consider: perennial pasture and crops, cover crops in rotation for annual crops, and good grazing management for livestock producers.

By adding lime to the natural soil, acidic soil can be converted to neutral soil. The alkaline nature of lime neutralizes the acidity of the soil. Quick lime can also be used to neutralize the acidic soil, which is known as calcium oxide. Calcium oxide neutralizes the soil as it is basic.

The application of limestone or other alkali material that neutralises soil acidity is the only practical amelioration technique. Its effectiveness is determined by product quality, rate and application method. Acid tolerant plant species can be used to maintain some production whilst implementing amelioration.

If the soil is too basic, acidic substances should be added to neutralise the pH of the soil. Manure or compost also called organic matter must be added to soil because they release acids that react to neutralise excess bases present in the soil and thereby reduce its basic nature and improve soil fertility.

Soil acidity can be corrected easily by liming the soil, or adding basic materials to neutralize the acid present. The most commonly used liming material is agricultural limestone, the most economical and relatively easy to manage source. The limestone is not very water-soluble, making it easy to handle.

What do farmers do when soil is too acidic? ›

Lime will neutralize this acidity by dissolving, whereupon it releases a base into the soil solution that reacts with the acidic components, hydrogen and aluminum.

Whenever soil is found to be acidic, calcium hydroxide is used to neutralise its effect. This is because calcium hydroxide is alkaline in nature. Calcium hydroxide is commonly known as hydrated lime or slaked lime.

Excess nutrients can cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems, which not only disrupt wildlife but can also produce toxins harmful to humans. Fertilized soils, as well as livestock operations, are also vulnerable to nutrient losses to the air.

When applying fertilizer, always read and follow all label directions carefully - too much fertilization can permanently damage trees and plants. Excess fertilizer alters the soil by creating too high of a salt concentration, and this can hurt beneficial soil microorganisms.

Chemical fertiliser overuse can contribute to soil acidification and soil crust, thereby reducing the content of organic matter, humus content, beneficial species, stunting plant growth, altering the pH of the soil, growing pests, and even leading to the release of greenhouse gases.

Yes, over fertilized plants can recover with proper care. To help them recover, you should flush the soil with water to remove excess nutrients. Adjusting the watering schedule and providing adequate sunlight can also aid in the recovery process.

Excess fertilizer alters the soil by creating too high of a salt concentration, and this can hurt beneficial soil microorganisms. Over- fertilization can lead to sudden plant growth with an insufficient root system to supply adequate water and nutrients to the plant.

However, excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to several issues such as serious soil degradation, nitrogen leaching, soil compaction, reduction in soil organic matter, and loss of soil carbon.