Bodenentsäuerung

Bodenentsäuerung, also known as soil acidification correction, is a process aimed at reducing the acidity of soil. Soil naturally becomes acidic over time due to various factors, including the decomposition of organic matter, the leaching of basic cations, and atmospheric deposition of acidic compounds. Excessive soil acidity can negatively impact plant growth by reducing nutrient availability, increasing the solubility of toxic metals like aluminum, and impairing microbial activity.

The primary method for Bodenentsäuerung involves the application of liming materials. These materials, typically derived from calcium carbonate (limestone) or calcium and magnesium carbonates (dolomite), react with the soil's acidic components, neutralizing the excess hydrogen ions and raising the soil pH. Common liming agents include agricultural lime, hydrated lime, and burnt lime, with agricultural lime being the most frequently used due to its slower reaction rate and lower risk of over-liming.

The amount of lime needed depends on the soil's current pH, its buffering capacity (often indicated by cation exchange capacity), and the desired pH target for the specific crops or vegetation. Regular soil testing is crucial to determine the appropriate liming strategy. Besides agricultural purposes, Bodenentsäuerung is also important in ecological restoration projects where acidic soils may hinder the recovery of native plant communities.