How to Make Acidic Soil Alkaline

Soil pH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline a soil is. The soil pH level is can affect nutrient availability for some plants. You can alter the pH level by adding lime or wood ash to the soil. Most plants, vegetables and fruits prefer a soil that is alkaline, but before altering the soil pH, verify the preferred soil for the plants you will be growing.

Things You'll Need

• Soil pH test kit
• Hydrated lime
• Grass seeder
• Water
• Wood ash

Instructions

1. Buy a soil pH test kit and complete a test of the soil. Test several areas if the coverage is large. A 7 on the pH scale is neutral. Alkaline soil is 7.1 to 14, while acidic soil is 0 to 6.9.

2. Add hydrated lime into the soil by measuring out 8 ounces per square yard for a loam- type soil. Add 4 ounces for sandy soil or 12 ounces for clay soil.

3. Spread the lime onto the soil using a lawn seeder and water well to assist with absorption. Hydrated lime is fast-acting and could hurt plants growing in the treated area.

4. Add wood ash as another option to make the soil more alkaline. Spread wood ash over the area in winter and till it into the soil during the spring.

5. Test the soil pH the following growing season and make adjustments to the soil if needed. Increase the soil pH slowly, raising the level 1.0 points per growing season. Gradual adjustments on a yearly basis will prevent damage to the soil nutrients.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a face mask and gloves while working with dusty particles such as lime.

• Lime is fast-acting; do not be apply it unless a test shows it necessary.

References

• The Garden Helper
• Landscraping Ideas Online