Namami Gange has issued a natural-farming guide explaining how soil pH influences nutrient availability and crop growth. The guide describes pH as a measure of soil acidity or alkalinity and says it determines whether nutrients can reach plant roots.
It links highly acidic soil with the binding of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. In highly alkaline soil, it says iron, zinc and manganese may not be available. The guide also presents natural methods as less costly, longer-lasting and less harmful to soil than chemical amendments that may require repeated application.
The pH categories
The guide divides soil into 4 ranges:
- Highly acidic soil: below pH 5.5.
- Moderately acidic soil: pH 5.5 to 6.5.
- Neutral soil: pH 6.5 to 7.5.
- Alkaline soil: pH 7.5 and above.
A pH meter displayed in the guide shows a reading of 6.5.
Treatments outlined by the guide
For highly acidic soil, it recommends applying lime according to soil-test findings. The guide says lime should be used adequately once a year and may improve pH by 12% to 17%.
For moderately acidic soil, it recommends sufficient cow-dung manure or comand repeated application in each season. It says increasing organic matter can help pH regulate itself and can also improve cation-exchange capacity.
For alkaline soil, the guide lists gypsum and well-decomposed cow-dung manure, along with regular application of biofertiliser. It also recommends incorporating green manure, including dhaincha and sunhemp, into the soil.
Neutral soil is described as the most suitable category. The guide recommends maintaining it with cow-dung manure and mulch and says no special treatment is required.
Testing and management reminders
The guide recommends soil testing once every 3 years and describes the government facility as free. It also advises farmers to connect with a nearby agricultural science centre for precise recommendations.
Another reminder is to use fully decomposed cow-dung manure rather than raw material. Continued mulching is presented as a way to increase organic matter and allow pH to regulate itself.
Signs of an imbalance
The guide lists several visible signs associated with unsuitable soil pH. Yellow leaves with green veins are linked to iron deficiency and excessive pH. Plants may flower without producing fruit when phosphorus is deficient and pH is very low.
It also associates short, weak roots with highly acidic soil. A further sign is that weeds may fail to grow, which the guide connects with strongly alkaline soil.
The guide closes with the message: “pH सही, पोषण सही, फसल सही” and identifies the material with Namami Gange and natural farming.
