Effects of soil acidity on nutrient availability

Effects of soil acidity on nutrient availability

Approximately 50% of the agricultural lands in Australia are considered acidic and most of those lands are in the high rainfall regions of South Eastern Australia including Victoria (NLWARA, 2001). Soil acidification is a natural process; however, it has been accelerated under high productive farming systems such as horticulture, dairying and grazing industries.

Soil acidity interferes with various soil processes such as nutrient availability, substance toxicity, and microbial activity. As a result, soil acidity can influence the pasture production and pasture suitability of lands that are continually subjected to soil acidification processes. In addition, acidity has the potential to create major off-site environmental issues affecting wider communities unless it is alleviated through adaptation of sustainable farming practices.

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