Effect on plant nutrients: As acidity increases, chemical changes occur in the soil that reduce the overall growth and health of most plants, except acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries. Many plant nutrients, especially phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, become less available for plant use in acid soils. Other elements, such as aluminum and manganese, become available in quantities toxic to plants. The beneficial soil organisms that decompose organic matter are less active in acid soils, so the nitrogen obtained from the breakdown of organic matter is reduced.
Effect on plants: Plants growing in acid soil are often stunted and off-color. Their roots are sparse and small.
Decreasing soil acidity: To decrease soil acidity, add a ground dolomitic limestone material, according to the chart in Apply Limestone to Raise pH. In addition to raising the soil pH, dolomitic limestone supplies magnesium and calcium--nutrients in which acidic soil is usually deficient. Do not overlime acid soil, because the availability of some nutrients may be decreased when the soil pH is too high.