Environment

SOIL ACIDIFICATION

The increased acidification of the natural environment by various pollutants including 'Acid Rain' raises issues of ecological significance not only for the Agricultural Industry, but also for Forestry and the Water Industry alike.

Acid soils in large areas of coniferous woodland give rise to acidic moorland streams and water courses which are unable to support fish and various algal species. This in turn has accelerated the increased acidification of fresh water lakes and reservoirs with the consequent change in their water chemistry.

The richness of our plant and animal ecology, the diversity in our fauna and flora, the health of our woodlands, and the quality and balanced chemistry of our water are all influenced by lime losses and soil acidity.

There are almost no soils in the United Kingdom where the lime status is naturally retained without loss from the factors previously outlined. The exception arises where a significant movement of liming material takes place by ploughing - such as on some of the thin soils over chalk where the chalk is ploughed up in quantity.

The lime industry manages land resources to provide high value amenity and conservation landscapes.  Reclamation and rejuvenation of production sites are an important focus of our activities. Soils over limestone do not, generally, achieve any benefit from the liming material lying below

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The advisory booklet 'Agricultural Lime, the natural solution' is available from the ALA. Click HERE to order a copy by email.