Answer to Question #323509 in Chemistry for josta

Question

Discuss the cause of acidity and alkalinity in the soil and their management

Answer 1

Soil acidification is a natural process accelerated by agriculture. Soil acidifies because the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil increases. The main cause of soil acidification is inefficient use of nitrogen, followed by the export of alkalinity in produce.

The causes of soil alkalinity can be natural or man-made:

• The natural cause is the presence of soil minerals producing sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) upon weathering.
• Coal-fired boilers / power plants, when using coal or lignite rich in limestone, produce ash containing calcium oxide.