soil alkalinity, causes, effects and remedy

What is soil alkalinity? Soil alkalinity is caused when there are excessive quantities of soluble minerals in the soil. The soil which is alkaline is usually found in arid or semi-arid areas like deserts and Sahel Savanna.

Soil alkalinity refers to the condition in which soil has a high pH value, typically above 7 on the pH scale. Alkaline soils are characterized by an excess of hydroxide ions (OH-) and a deficiency of hydrogen ions (H+), making them basic or alkaline in nature. This alkaline condition can have significant implications for plant growth and agriculture.

Causes of Soil Alkalinity:

Several factors can contribute to soil alkalinity:

  1. High Calcium Carbonate (Limestone) Content: The presence of calcium carbonate or limestone in the soil is a common cause of alkalinity. Over time, calcium carbonate can neutralize acidic compounds, raising the soilโ€™s pH.
  2. Irrigation Water: The use of alkaline irrigation water, which contains high levels of dissolved salts or bicarbonates, can increase soil alkalinity over time as the water evaporates and leaves behind these alkaline substances.
  3. Volcanic Ash: In regions with volcanic activity, volcanic ash can contribute to soil alkalinity due to its mineral composition.
  4. Weathering of Certain Rocks: Soils developed from certain types of rocks, such as limestone or basalt, can naturally be more alkaline.

Effects of On The Soil:

  1. Nutrient Availability: Alkaline soils can limit the availability of essential nutrients like iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), making it challenging for plants to acquire these nutrients. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies in crops.
  2. Nutrient Imbalances: Elevated soil pH can lead to imbalances in nutrient uptake by plants. For example, excessive calcium and magnesium levels can compete with other cations, affecting overall nutrient balance.
  3. Toxicity: In alkaline soils, certain elements like aluminium (Al) and boron (B) can become more soluble and potentially reach toxic levels for plants, leading to reduced growth and crop damage.
  4. Decreased Microbial Activity: The Soil can inhibit the activity of beneficial soil microorganisms, affecting nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition.

Remedy for Soil Alkalinity:

Managing soil alkalinity is essential for optimizing plant growth. Here are strategies to remedy alkaline soils:

  1. Acidification: The most common approach is to lower soil pH by adding acidifying materials. This can be achieved through the application of elemental sulfur, ammonium sulfate, or other acid-forming compounds. The choice of amendment depends on the severity of alkalinity and specific crop requirements.
  2. Gypsum Application: Gypsum (calcium sulfate) can help improve soil structure and drainage in alkaline soils. It can also mitigate the harmful effects of high sodium content in soils.
  3. Organic Matter Addition: Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can enhance soil structure and microbial activity. Organic matter can also buffer pH and improve nutrient retention.
  4. Proper Irrigation Management: Careful management of irrigation water can help prevent the exacerbation of soil alkalinity. Using water with a lower pH or treating alkaline water sources can reduce the risk of increasing soil pH.
  5. Crop Selection: Choosing crop varieties that are more tolerant of alkaline soils can be an effective strategy. Some crops, like barley and salt-tolerant varieties of wheat, are better adapted to high-pH conditions.
  6. Soil Testing: Regular soil testing is essential to monitor changes in pH levels and guide remediation efforts. Soil tests provide valuable information on pH and nutrient status.

Alkalinity can have detrimental effects on crop production and soil health. Addressing alkalinity through proper management techniques, including acidification, organic matter addition, and irrigation management, is crucial for maintaining optimal soil conditions and supporting healthy plant growth in alkaline soils.

How to remove alkalinity from the soil

Alkaline of the soil can be removed through the application of irrigation to dissolve some of the salt present in the soil


The application of some acid fertilizers like ammonium Sulphate can also help to reduce or remove soil alkalinity although in this case, the help of professionals should sought after for assistance.

the removal in the best possible way can largely depend on the soil type present on the farmland.


An important means of removing Alkaline from the soil is the application of sulphur to the soil, by mixing the sulphur with Irrigation water which can be carried out using overhead or surface Irrigation method


This blog post is all about how to remove soil alkalinity it is not too deep but in the case of the pH level of the soil you can read my blog post here on causes of acidity and alkalinity in the soil

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