AMELIORATING SOIL ACIDITY IN GHANA: A CONCISE REVIEW OF APPROACHES

The paper concisely reviews the causes and effects of soil acidity and the approaches used to ameliorate acid soils for sustained crop production in Ghana. Acid soils which are characterized as toxic and impoverished, posing serious constraints to crop production were only visible in the western part and lowland areas of the country, but have now become a nationwide threat. Both natural and anthropogenic factors cause soil acidity. However, anthropogenic activities exacerbate the rate of acidification. Application of lime, organic materials, the use of acid tolerant crops and agroforestry are some of the management options adopted in curbing the menace associated with soil acidity. A combination of lime and organic materials, however, are considered the most effective management option considering their availability and long term effectiveness. There is also the need to limit or curtail practices such as injudicious application of fertilizers that produce acidulating effects, and practices that can greatly deteriorate the soil’s inherent fertility.

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