Managing Soil pH for Crop Production in Calcareous-Alkaline Soil

Authors

Cody Zesiger, Utah State UniversityFollow
Jody Gale, Utah State UniversityFollow
Matt Yost, Utah State UniversityFollow
Grant Cardon, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

12-11-2023

First Page

1

Last Page

8

Abstract

In semiarid soils of the Western U.S., altering soil pH is not easily accomplished nor straightforward. Utah’s soil pH range can be 1,000 times more acidic or alkaline than neutral (7.0) pH soils. In semiarid regions, typical high-pH soils are also calcareous, meaning there is a large amount of solid calcium carbonate (lime) in the soil. When soil-acidifying amendments are added to these soils, the lime dissolves and counteracts any of the applied soil-acidifying amendments. This fact sheet explains how to identify whether crop symptoms are related to soil pH, how to perform an in-field test for soil pH buffering capacity, and what can or cannot be done to alter soil pH in calcareous soils.

Recommended Citation

Zesiger, C., Gale, J., Yost, M., & Cardon, G. (2023). Managing soil pH for crop production in calcareous-alkaline soil [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.