Understanding Acidic Soils and Their Management

"Understanding Acidic Soils and Their Management" explores the processes of soil acidification and alkalization, highlighting changes in soil chemistry. We cover the theoretical background of ecosystem proton budgets, assessing external and internal acid loads. The book discusses the chemistry of organic matter and oxides of aluminum, iron, and manganese as sources and sinks for acid loads in soils, with special attention to the solubility and reaction kinetics of aluminous minerals.

Our book addresses the formation of toxic elements in soil solutions from inorganic oxides, changes in nutrient status, soil fertility, and the transfer of acidity from soils to surfaces. Originating from concerns over soil acidification in southern Australia, we examine soil acidity within a broader context relevant to all agricultural and natural ecosystems on acid soils.

The first chapters discuss soil acidity chemistry and ecological processes, followed by biological responses to soil acidity, including nitrogen mineralization, plant diseases, mycorrhizal associations, symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes, and genetic variability in plant responses. Subsequent chapters focus on correcting soil acidity problems through liming, application rates, effectiveness of liming materials, and the use of computer modeling procedures to aid researchers and farmers.