If your soil has pH value lower than seven it is acidic. As also discussed in amend & improve garden soil, soil acidity is extremely dangerous for plants as it prevents them from absorbing nutrients from the soil. Plants become weak and more prone to diseases, they may deteriorate further and hence die. Acidic soil inhibits the growth of vegetables, fruits as well as normal lawn grass as plant absorb nutrients from the soil as discussed in plant nutrition deficiency. A simple soil test can help determine its acidity, once you are sure of that it needs to be rectified immediately and then the test should be conducted before every sowing season. We will discuss some ways of treating soil acidity here whichever way you adopt it is important to know that treating soil acidity is a slow process. It needs patience and with time the soil will start getting better. Better soil will help plants grow stronger, produce better and repel pests easily.

Lime

Soil acidity can be quickly improved by raising its pH value. Natural limestone or garden limestone is beneficial as it helps reducing soil acidity and also a pest repellent. Dolomite limestone can also be used as it also provides magnesium to the soil. Quick lime or hydrated lime is also available easily in the market however they are not safe for use in gardens.

Inorder to treat the acidity of your soil you need to spread across eight to ten pounds of any of the recommended limes in one hundred sq. feets. This will marginally increase the soil pH value, however it is advisable adopt a slower approach. If there is higher proportion of clay in your garden soil then the quantity of lime to be added should be higher. Getting your soil tested at a proper facility is hence advisable this will help provide better recommendation and treatment.

Bone Meal

Bone meal is a slow acting method for increasing your soil’s pH value. It acts slowly on soil but is an excellent source of calcium. Ten pounds bone meal can be added to 50 sq. feets of your garden, this proportion will help you increase the soil pH value.

Compost

Adding compost to your soil has many benefits. It improves the pH value of soil and also provides important nutrients as it further breaks. The soil’s acidity will be enriched due to the compost and the acidity will also be neutralized. Adding compost should be a regular practice for every gardener, it can be added directly on the surface or it can be added while digging the soil.

In any vegetable garden it is advisable to dig up the soil few inches and add compost before sowing new crops. While on the other hand you can simply add it to the soil surface for trees or shrubs.

Wood Ash

Wood ash can also be used to increase soil pH value. Adding ten pounds wood ash over one hundred sq. fts garden space will be sufficient. Black walnut wood or any other soft wood should be avoided as it may have bad results. Any hard wood ash is good for the plants, garden soil should be dug and wood ash can be added upon easily this will help the light particles to be intact rather than blowing away in the wind.