Processes of acidification or alkalization of soils are treated, taking the qualitative changes in soil chemistry into consideration. Following a theoretical background of ecosystem proton budgets, the application for assessing external and internal acid loads are demonstrated. The chemistry of organic matter and the oxides of aluminum, iron, and manganese are treated in the context of being sources and sinks for acid loads in soils. Special attention is payed to the assessment of solubility and reaction kinetics of aluminous minerals. The formation of toxic elements in soil solution resulting from the solubilization of inorganic oxides as well as aspects of changes in the nutrient status of soils, changes of fertility and processes leading to a transfer of acidity from soils to surface are discussed.

Discusses the control, management and reduction of soil acidification in various agricultural systems. The text presents strategies to modify and adjust crop production processes to decrease the toxicity of soil contaminants, balance soil pH, improve nutrient uptake and increase yield.

The chemistry of acidity. Physiological effects of hydrogen, aluminum, and managanese toxicities in acid soil. Physiological aspects of calcium, magnesium, and molybdenum deficiencies in plants. Liming materials and practices. Crop response to lime in the southern united states. Crop response to lime in the midwestern united states. Crop response to lime in the northeastern united states. Crop response to lime in the wested states. Crop response to lime on soils in the tropics. Glossary-common and scientific names of crops referred to in this monograph.

Soil Acidity and Plant Growth emerged from concerns over increasing acidification of soils under improved pastures over wide areas of southern Australia. While the book has its origin in the problems of acidification of Australian soils under pastures, the authors examine soil acidity within a much broader framework, making their views relevant to all agricultural and natural ecosystems on acid soils. The book's first two chapters discuss the chemistry of soil acidity and the ecological processes leading to it. This is followed by separate chapters on biological responses to soil acidity, covering mineralization of soil nitrogen, incidence of plant diseases, plant mycorrhizal associations, symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes, and genetic variability in plant response to toxicities. The remaining chapters focus on the correction of soil acidity problems by liming. These include studies on the rates of application and effectiveness of liming materials; and the development and use of computer modelling procedures to help researchers identify the effects and interactions of soil pH on component processes and to provide assistance to farmers in the management of long-term subterranean clover pastures.

Research needs; Soil survey; Soil microvariability; Physical properties of soil; Soil nitrogen and organic matter; Soil phosphorus and sulfur; Soil potassium; Soil acidity and liming; Soil micronutrients; Fertilizers; Soil management systems; Soil testing and soil fertility evaluation services.

Plant nutrients are found in a relatively thin layer of soil materials that covers all of the continents of the entire world. These plant nutrients provide the necessary food, clothing, and shelter for human existence. As the population of the world increases, the plant nutrients in desert environments become more and more important for the survival of mankind. Plant Nutrients in Desert Environments is a general information book for both professionals and laymen. The common plant nutrients present in deserts are identified, and detailed instructions are given on how to effectively utilize them in commercial agriculture, home gardening, home landscaping, for disturbed land reclamation and for recreational purposes. Outstanding photographs illustrate the topics.

Soil acidity is a major limitation to crop production in many parts of the world. Plant growth inhibition results from a combination of factors, including aluminum, manganese, and hydrogen ion toxicities and deficiencies of essential elements, particularly calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and molybdenum. Agricultural management practices and acid precipitation have increased acid inputs into the ecosystem and heightened concern about soil acidity problems. While application of lime has proved to be effective in ameliorating surface soil acidity in many areas, significant soil acidity problems still exist. Scientists from Alberta, Canada, recognized the need to provide a forum for researchers from different disciplines to exchange information and ideas on solving problems of plant growth in acid soils. As a result of their efforts, the First International Symposium on Plant-Soil Interactions at Low pH was held at Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, in July 1987. In many acid soil areas, liming materials are not readily available, the cost may be prohibitive, or subsoil acidity cannot be corrected by surface application of lime. New management approaches involving both the plant and the soil are needed in these situations. Progress has been made in the selection and breeding of acid-tolerant plants. However, continued progress will be limited by our lack of understanding of the physiological and biochemical basis of differential acidity tolerance among plants.