A podcast dedicated to exploring the silent crisis threatening the foundation of our existence: soil degradation. In each episode, we delve into the problems facing our soils around the world and, most importantly, the practical solutions that we can all implement.
From erosion and desertification to the loss of nutrients and biodiversity, our conversations with experts, farmers, and activists reveal the urgency to act now. You'll discover why the Save Soil movement is crucial for global food security, the climate crisis, and the health of our ecosystems.
But this isn't just a podcast about problems: it's a call to action. We share regenerative techniques, effective policies, and lifestyle changes that can transform the health of our soils. You'll learn practical solutions that you can implement in your garden, community, or through your power as a consumer and citizen.
Join us on this essential journey to understand and protect our planet's most precious and undervalued resource. Because when we save the soil, we save our future.
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A podcast dedicated to exploring the silent crisis threatening the foundation of our existence: soil degradation. In each episode, we delve into the problems facing our soils around the world and, most importantly, the practical solutions that we can all implement.
From erosion and desertification to the loss of nutrients and biodiversity, our conversations with experts, farmers, and activists reveal the urgency to act now. You'll discover why the Save Soil movement is crucial for global food security, the climate crisis, and the health of our ecosystems.
But this isn't just a podcast about problems: it's a call to action. We share regenerative techniques, effective policies, and lifestyle changes that can transform the health of our soils. You'll learn practical solutions that you can implement in your garden, community, or through your power as a consumer and citizen.
Join us on this essential journey to understand and protect our planet's most precious and undervalued resource. Because when we save the soil, we save our future.
Acidic Soils: How to Restore Their Agricultural Fertility?
Save Soil
5 minutes 23 seconds
1 month ago
Acidic Soils: How to Restore Their Agricultural Fertility?
Summary:
- The episode by Andrés Díaz explains how acidic soils reduce crop performance and how to restore fertility.
- Key concepts: soil pH measures acidity, and CEC (cation exchange capacity) gauges how much positive charge the soil can hold. Soils with low CEC are more easily tipped out of balance by pH changes, and a vast soil microbiome helps release nutrients.
- Effects of acidity: calcium and magnesium become less available, soil structure tightens, roots get less oxygen, and plants expend more energy to uptake nutrients, leading to lower yields, higher disease risk, and less efficient fertilizer use.
- Diagnosis and targets: measure pH and base saturation; aim for pH around 6.0–6.5 for most crops (some fruit trees tolerate slightly lower); test deeper soil as well.
- Liming as a fix: use calcitic or dolomitic lime depending on whether you need Ca alone or Ca plus Mg. Do not guess the dose—calculate it from target pH, CEC, and soil reactivity, and apply in stages to avoid salinity shocks. Pair lime with increased organic matter (compost, manure, crop residues) because lime alone won’t restore soil life.
- Soil texture considerations: loamier or clay soils often respond better to corrections and need smaller doses than sandy soils; adjust fertilization if phosphorus or micronutrient gaps exist to prevent new imbalances.
- Practices to rebuild fertility and a living soil: add high-quality organic matter year-round, improve structure and water retention, and boost microbial diversity; this enhances nutrient availability and can reduce synthetic fertilizer needs.
- Cropping strategies: use rotation and cover crops (especially legumes) to add nitrogen and reduce erosion; select crops tolerant of slightly acidic conditions while aiming to raise pH for main crops.
- Six practical steps to follow: 1) test pH and base saturation; 2) calculate lime needs with professional help; 3) choose calcitic or dolomitic lime; 4) apply gradually; 5) add organic matter and use cover crops; 6) monitor and adjust annually. Keep records to learn what works in your climate.
- Takeaway messages: soil is a living ecosystem; compost and cover crops often yield the biggest medium-term gains; addressing lime costs is a common concern, but a well-planned correction can boost yields and reduce fertilizer costs over time. Patience and consistency are key, with professional guidance when possible.
- Additional inspiration: ideas from Save Soil and Sadhguru emphasize returning organic matter, protecting microbial diversity, and avoiding harsh chemicals, plus practical steps like composting, mulching, cover crops, and careful irrigation.
Remeber you can contact me at andresdiaz@bestmanagement.org
Save Soil
A podcast dedicated to exploring the silent crisis threatening the foundation of our existence: soil degradation. In each episode, we delve into the problems facing our soils around the world and, most importantly, the practical solutions that we can all implement.
From erosion and desertification to the loss of nutrients and biodiversity, our conversations with experts, farmers, and activists reveal the urgency to act now. You'll discover why the Save Soil movement is crucial for global food security, the climate crisis, and the health of our ecosystems.
But this isn't just a podcast about problems: it's a call to action. We share regenerative techniques, effective policies, and lifestyle changes that can transform the health of our soils. You'll learn practical solutions that you can implement in your garden, community, or through your power as a consumer and citizen.
Join us on this essential journey to understand and protect our planet's most precious and undervalued resource. Because when we save the soil, we save our future.
