describe the process that cause soil acidity and three processes that cause alkalinity
Answers
Answer:
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. Ammonium based fertilisers are major contributors to soil acidification.
Answer:
• rainfall and Leaching
Excessive rainfall is an effective agent for removing basic cations over a long time period (thousands of years).
• parent Material
Due to differences in chemical composition of parent materials, soils will become acidic after different lengths of time.
• Organic matter decay
Decaying organic matter produces H+ which is responsible for acidity. The carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by decaying organic matter reacts with water in the soil to form a weak acid called carbonic acid. This is the same acid that develops when CO2 in the atmosphere reacts with rain to form acid rain naturally.
• Crop Production
Harvesting of crops has its effect on soil acidity development because crops absorb the lime-like elements, as cations, for their nutrition.
• Nitricifation
The use of fertilizers, especially those supplying nitrogen, has often been blamed as a cause of soil acidity.