Fertiliser Acidification Explained: What Really Causes Soil Acidification in Pastures
Soil acidification is a natural part of pasture growth but nitrogen cycling, organic matter breakdown, and fertiliser use all influence how quickly it occurs. This lesson Dr Ants Roberts, Science Mentor, explains the real science behind fertiliser acidification, how plants themselves acidify soil, and why the nitrogen cycle (from clover, fertiliser, dung, urine and feed) is the main driver of long-term pH decline.
You’ll also learn how to interpret soil acidity in the context of your farm system and why maintenance liming programmes are essential for protecting productivity, soil biology and pasture performance.
Video details
Duration 1:20
Presented by
Dr Ants Roberts
Science Mentor, Ravensdown
Dr Ants Roberts is a Science Mentor at Ravensdown and a recognised authority on soil fertility management with more than four decades of experience. He leads agronomic research and development, works directly with farming shareholders, and trains Agri Managers and staff in soils, fertilisers and pastoral agriculture.