Acid Soils: Their Chemistry and Management

Soil acidity is a significant intrinsic constraint that limits the growth potential of crops on cultivated land in the country. Approximately 30 million hectares of land have soil pH levels ranging from 4.5 to 5.5, which results in low crop diversity, low cropping intensity, and low crop productivity and profitability. This, in turn, leads to livelihood insecurity, poverty, and slow development in these areas. The chemistry of soil acidity has been extensively studied in the field of soil science. This book provides practical management practices for cultivating diverse crops and cropping systems, as well as plantation crops, on acidic soils. The focus is on improving agricultural productivity through amelioration of acid soils and optimizing nutrient use in crops. The book also discusses the availability, quality, and cost of suitable soil amendments, as well as the challenges and prospects of using them. The chapters of the book were written by scientists who have been working in this field for the past two to three decades. The Way Forward section outlines the technology and steps that can be taken to manage such soils, as well as the expected economic benefits.