Comprehensive improvement of soil acidification in typical crop systems of China

Introduction

The increasing demand of food production has resulted in excess use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer, causing enhanced nitrate leaching and f soil acidification in major Chinese cropland systems. Currently, around 40% of China’s arable land is affected by soil acidity. Soil acidification has been a major threat to crop production in some area of China. Therefore, effective management to alleviate soil acidification on Chinese croplands is of great significance for sustainable agriculture development.

Objectives

The objectives of the project are to develop a scheme for improving soil acidification of typical crop systems based on the current acidification risk status and the mitigation effect of amendments for different crop systems in southern China to improve crop production.

Methods

First, soil acidification rates of typical crop systems in different regions in China will be quantified by integrating farmer questionnaires, official statistical data in the National Magnesium Network (NMN) (chemical fertilizer/manure type and dosage, crop yield, nutrient uptake, pruning branches and straw), the Science and Technology Backyard and published literature (deposition, fixation, irrigation, runoff/leaching and gas emission). Second, a meta-analysis will be performed quantifying the effects of different amendments on soil quality, i.e. soil acidity ( pH, base saturation and cation exchange capacity), soil organic matter content and soil compaction (bulk density), and crop yields. Third, we will develop a systematic method for prediction of the change of soil pH based on amendment rates and key characteristics of added amendments, focusing on lime, manure and biochar. Finally, a comprehensive improvement scheme will be developed for soil acidification in typical crop systems of southern China, including the use of multiple field experiments to verify the quantified amendment effects.

(Expected) results

1. Assessment of current and potential soil acidification risks for typical crops in southern China

2. Quantification of the effects of different amendments on soil properties, focusing on soil pH, and crop yield using meta-analysis

3. An empirical model to quantify the effects of lime, biochar and manure addition on soil pH as a function of amendment rate and soil properties

4. Mitigation strategies of soil acidification based on classified risk control in Chinese croplands

Publications

Zhang, S., Zhu, Q., de Vries, W., Ros, G., Chen, X., Muneer, M.A., Zhang, F., Wu, L., 2023. Effects of soil amendments on soil acidity and crop yields in acidic soils: A world-wide meta-analysis. J. Environ. Manage. 345, 118531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118531

Contact

Siwen Zhang, Prof.dr.ir. Wim de Vries and Dr.ir. Gerard Ros.