Benguet’s soil becoming more acidic, says study

The farm soils of some parts of Benguet have become more acidic, owing to continual application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

The solution: Apply lime, advised A. Cabaling, a researcher of the Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Cabaling conducted a study and noted that soils in the Benguet towns of La Trinidad, Buguias, Kapangan, and Sabangan have become acidic in view of the continued direct and indirect application of inorganic fertilizers.

In Buguias, for instance, the soil pH ranged from 4.1 to 5.16, which is relatively similar to the soil pH of the other places in Benguet.

"Low pH indicates that the soil is suffering from acidity," the BSU researcher explained.

Soil reaction describes the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and it is expressed in pH. This property hinges on the concentration of hydrogen ions in solution.

Under field condition, pH varies from 3.5 (very acidic) to 10 (extremely alkaline). Most commercial crops grow best in soils within pH neutral range of 6-7.

Pathogens (those that cause diseases) are prevalent in acidic soil.

Liming has harmful as well as beneficial effects. Overliming a soil may cause the pH to rise above seven, making it extremely basic.

"Lime may not be life-threatening to human as compared to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, but it is absolutely advised to use it with extra care in order that the desirable quality and yield of plants be achieved," Cabaling concluded. – RAF