Management of Acid Soils for Sustainable Crop Production Under a Changing Climate
摘要
Highly weathered soils such as Ultisols (Acrisols and Alisols) and Oxisols (Ferralsols) are widespread in the humid tropics. Management of these soils, which are commonly found in upland and hilly areas, poses a significant challenge to farmers due to their strongly acidic condition (pH < 5.5) and low inherent fertility. Aggravating the problem are the increasing air temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and increased soil erosion and leaching due to climate change. The most widely accepted soil management strategies for these problem soils include liming, organic matter application, proper fertilization, and use of acid-tolerant crops. It is essential always to maintain the soil covered with food crops or legume cover crops to minimize soil erosion and degradation.