Soil acidification is the process by which soils become increasingly acidic, primarily driven by industrial activities and intensive farming practices. The application of nitrogen fertilizers and the occurrence of acid rain are significant contributors to this troubling phenomenon.
Soil inorganic carbon (SIC), which includes forms like calcium carbonate, is vital for maintaining soil health. It plays a crucial role in regulating nutrient availability, supporting plant growth, and facilitating the carbon sequestration process. Additionally, SIC contributes to stabilizing the soil’s pH and enhancing its overall structure.
India faces a potential loss of approximately 3.3 billion tonnes of SIC from the top 0.3 metres of its soil over the next 30 years due to the ongoing issue of soil acidification.
Acidic soils are predominantly found in India’s humid southwestern, northeastern, and Himalayan regions. Alarmingly, the northeastern region records acidity in about 95% of its soils.
The depletion of SIC can lead to a significant reduction in soil quality, adversely affecting its capacity to regulate nutrients and promote plant growth. This loss also increases the soil's susceptibility to higher carbon dioxide emissions, which can disrupt global carbon cycles and hinder climate change mitigation efforts.
Acidic soils pose a challenge to agricultural productivity by limiting the availability of essential nutrients required by plants. This reduced nutrient availability can severely impact crop yields, leading to considerable economic and food security implications, especially in a densely populated and agrarian nation like India.
To combat the effects of soil acidification, improving agricultural practices is crucial. This includes optimizing fertilizer use and implementing effective soil pH management techniques. Additionally, researching more sustainable farming methods and integrating SIC considerations into climate strategies are essential for long-term solutions.
Recent studies suggest that lost SIC may have the potential to relocate to deeper soil layers. However, further research is necessary to fully understand this process and its long-term impacts on carbon storage and overall soil health.
For sustainable management of soil resources and to ensure agricultural productivity, it is vital to address the challenges posed by soil acidification. Enhancing the understanding of SIC dynamics in Indian soils will play a key role in safeguarding the future of agriculture and the environment.
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