Well-drained and loose soil will be more easily altered. On the other hand, compacted soil that has a lot of clay in it will be difficult to change. Determining your soil type will help you figure out the best method for applying any materials to it.
Azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries and conifers like acidic soils (pH 5. 0 to 5. 5) Vegetables, grasses and most ornamentals prefer slightly acidic soils (pH 5. 8 to 6. 5)
There are also some DIY methods that include making your own pH test strips.
You can use commercial pH test strips or an electronic pH meter.
Pulverized lime is finely ground and more easily absorbed by the soil. However, it is more difficult to spread because it can clog the applicator. Granular and pelletized lime are easier to spread. However, it is not as effective at altering the soil pH. Hydrated lime should only be used with extremely acidic soils since it is more water-soluble and can quickly increase a soil’s pH. Some lime sources contain micronutrients like dolomite, which is a mixture of calcium and magnesium carbonates. However, you should only use dolomitic lime if your soil is magnesium deficient. Do not add more magnesium to soils that are already high in it. [8] X Research source
Keep the ash from coming into contact with any plant roots or germinating seedlings because it may damage them. Wood ash works well in sandy soil.
You can apply the lime by hand if you have a small enough piece of land. You can also use a spreader to apply liming material to a yard. You can use a rake or a rototiller to work the liming material into the soil. Because lime is not very water-soluble, tilling it into the soil will maximize its effect.
How often you water the soil depends on the size of the plot of land and the amount of moisture already in the soil. Too much watering can leech other minerals out of the soil.
Organic matter is also useful for improving a soil’s drainage and aeration. Because of the amount of organic matter used and the time needed to break it down into usable soil, this application is best for small plots.
You can buy sulfur at most home and garden stores. Avoid using powdered sulfur because it is too fine for acidifying soil. The increase in acidity is due to a biological reaction involving bacteria.
You can buy aluminum sulfate at most home and garden stores. Because aluminum sulfate creates a chemical reaction in the ground, as opposed to a biological one, some farmers and gardeners are less inclined to use it over materials that produce acidity through a biological reaction.
Avoid over applying the sulfur or aluminum sulfate.
