Module 4:

4.2 What are they used for?

4.2.11 Soil acidifiers / soil conditioners

1   These are chemicals applied as liquids, granules, fine crystalline material, or similar, to affect a change in the condition of the soil. An example of a material that can increase soil acidity, especially the surface layer, is sulphate of iron (ferrous sulphate) or ground sulphur, whilst a material that can be used to reduce an acidic soil is chalk (calcium carbonate).

2   Some soil conditioners supply nutrients and organic substances to the soil but can also have a secondary side effect, which might for example, contribute to the reduction of earthworms and their casting. Due to the wide-ranging impacts different soil conditioners can have on a soil and sward it is very important to know the components of any soil conditioner so as to better understand the implications and consequences of its use.