How to Add Acidity to Soil: 7 Easy Ways

Adding acidity to soil is a great way to improve plant growth and health. There are several ways to do this, and the best method for your garden will depend on your specific needs.

Before you add acidity to your soil, it is important to have your soil tested. This will help you determine the right amount of acidity to add and allow you to monitor the effects of the changes on your plants.

There are a few different ways to add acidity to the soil. You’ll find the top seven methods below.

About pH Levels

The pH level of a substance is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. It’s important to be aware that the pH scale ranges between 0 and 14.

A reading of “0” means something is at its highest acidity, while a reading of “14” means it is at its highest alkalinity. For a neutral pH level, it should be at 7.

Most plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Soils with a pH below 6 are considered acidic, while those with a pH above 7 are alkaline.

While some plants can tolerate and even thrive in more extreme soil conditions, most will do best in soils that are slightly acidic.

The 7 Ways to Add Acidity to Soil

1. Use Sulfur

Sulfur is a great way to lower the pH of the soil and make it more acidic. You can add sulfur to your soil in the form of elemental sulfur, sulfate of ammonia, or ammonium sulfate.

You should be able to find sulfur at most garden stores, and it is easy to apply. As a vital nutrient for plants, sulfur also has the added benefit of helping to improve plant health while boosting disease resistance.

It’s important to note that you must get the sulfur content just right, as adding too much sulfur can actually cause negative effects on your plants. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1.5 pounds of sulfur per 100 square feet of garden area.

2. Use Aluminum Sulfate

Aluminum sulfate is an acidifying agent that can be found at most garden stores. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to lower the pH of their soil.

To use aluminum sulfate, simply mix it with water according to the directions on the package and then pour it around the base of your plants.

It’s important to be careful when using aluminum sulfate, as it can be harmful to plants if used in too high of a concentration.

3. Use Compost

Compost has long been used as a natural way to add acidity to soil. It is made from decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves and plants, and is rich in nutrients that can help to improve the quality of your soil.

And because compost is rich in organic matter, it helps to improve the structure of your soil by increasing its ability to hold nutrients and moisture.

It also adds beneficial microorganisms to your soil, which can help to break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil.

To make your own compost, you can simply put together a mix of leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps. You can also buy compost from your local garden center or nursery.

4. Use Mulch

It’s no secret to seasoned gardeners that mulch is an important tool in the gardening arsenal. But did you know that it can also help lower the pH of your soil?

Mulch is any organic or inorganic material that you place on top of your soil. It can be anything from bark chips to straw, and its main purpose is to protect your soil from erosion and evaporation.

But mulch also has the added benefit of slowly releasing organic matter back into the soil as it breaks down, which can help to lower the pH. And because it protects your soil from the elements, it can also help to keep moisture levels more consistent, which is important for plant health.

If you’re looking to add mulch to your garden, make sure to choose an organic variety. Inorganic mulches, like rocks and gravel, can actually raise the pH of your soil.

5. Compost Tea

If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH levels by adding compost tea. This will also add beneficial microorganisms to the soil, which will help improve plant growth.

To make compost tea, simply steep some finished compost in water for 48 hours. But before you do this, let the water sit in the sun for about 24 hours. This serves to remove chlorine from the water.

Be sure to stir on occasion over the next two days to ensure optimal steeping. Use about 1 gallon of water for every 1 or 2 cups of compost.

Then, strain out the solids and use the liquid to water your plants. You can add your newly made compost tea to a sprayer for a convenient way to apply it to your plants.

Once the tea is finished, dilute it with an equal amount of water and apply it to your soil. This can be done once a week until the desired pH level is reached.

6. Peat Moss

Peat moss is yet another excellent way to add acidity and improve drainage in your garden. It is also a great source of organic matter. Peat moss is made from partially decomposed sphagnum moss.

When purchasing peat moss, make sure to get the kind that is meant for gardening and not the kind used for packing material. Peat moss is very light and fluffy, so it’s easy to overdo it when adding it to your soil.

A general rule of thumb is to add no more than 2 to 3 inches of peat moss to your garden soil. Once applied, you can work it into the topsoil.

7. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are a great way to add acidity to your soil. Collect them from your local coffee shop, or save them from your own brewing at home. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen and other nutrients that can help to improve plant growth.

Add coffee grounds to your soil before planting, or use them as a mulch around your plants. As the grounds break down over time, they will help to increase the acidity of your soil.

Soil Tips

When it comes to soil, there are different ways to classify and study it. However, for practicality in the home garden, we will break it down into two categories: organic and inorganic. Soil is composed of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter.

The ratio of these ingredients determines how well your soil drains, how much water and nutrients it can hold, and how easy (or difficult) it is to work with.

Organic soil is made up of decomposed plant or animal matter. This type of soil is teeming with microorganisms that help break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil for plants to use. Organic soil is ideal for gardens because it provides a wide range of nutrients for plants, and it helps to improve drainage and aeration.

Inorganic soil is made up of sand, silt, clay, and minerals. This type of soil does not provide nutrients for plants, but it can be amended with organic matter to improve drainage and aeration. In general, inorganic soils are easier to work with than organic soils.

Proper Acidity

Most plants prefer slightly acidic soil (a pH between 6 and 7). If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding sulfur or other amendments. You can have your soil tested to see what amendments it needs.

Optimal Aeration

To improve drainage and aeration in heavy clay soils, add organic matter such as compost or manure. This will also help retain moisture and nutrients.

In sandy soils, organic matter will help improve water and nutrient retention. Adding mulch will also help reduce evaporation and keep roots cooler in hot weather.

No matter what type of soil you have, adding organic matter will improve its structure and fertility.

Be Sure to Test Periodically

Even if your soil is in good condition, it’s a good idea to test it periodically to make sure the pH and nutrient levels are where they should be. This will help you catch any problems early and prevent them from becoming serious.

Conclusion

Acidifying your soil is a great way to improve plant growth and yield. It can also help reduce stress on plants and make them more resistant to pests and diseases.

The method you use to add acidity to your soil will depend on the type of soil you have, the plants you are growing, and your personal preferences.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to test your soil regularly to ensure that it is within the ideal range for your plants.

Featured Image Credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock