Acidification of Soils: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Mitigation Technologies

Soil acidification ranks among the primary global soil degradation issues, exerting pervasive impacts on agricultural productivity, ecological systems, and terrestrial carbon-nitrogen cycling. Acidification typically induces leaching losses of alkaline cations (e.g., calcium and magnesium), impairing soil fertility and exacerbating nutrient limitation. Concurrently, under acidic conditions, enhanced mobility of heavy metals and elevated greenhouse gases emissions emerge as prominent concerns. Soil acidification is a multifaceted process driven not only by exogenous factors such as acid deposition and excessive nitrogen input but also by intrinsic biogeochemical processes, including microbial-mediated carbon turnover, root metabolic activities, and mineral surface reactions. Alkaline amendments (e.g., lime) can effectively mitigate soil acidification, thereby promoting crop yield and heavy metal immobilization. However, the applied amendments may also entail unintended negative consequences (e.g., nutrient imbalance or soil structure disruption). While global efforts to remediate acidified croplands have yielded partial success, the critical challenge of balancing acid neutralization, soil fertility enhancement, and soil health maintenance persists. We propose prioritizing research on green mitigation strategies, such as optimized fertilization management, soil microbial community regulation, and the integrated application of organic manure and biochar, to achieve comprehensive control of soil acidification. Soil acidification poses a threat to global society and the economy that is progressing much faster than perceived. In contrast, mitigating soil acidity is a gradual, long-term endeavor requiring continuous monitoring and systematic evaluation. Given climate change scenarios, exploring adaptive mitigation approaches is scientifically and practically valuable for sustainable soil management. This Research Topic will focus on the mechanisms of soil acidification in relation to crop productivity and soil fertility. It will also explore new principles and technologies for regulating soil acidification and improving the productivity of areable land by mitigating soil acidification. Contents include, but are not limited to: (1)Mechanisms of soil acidification(2)Evolution patterns and driving factors of soil acidification(3)R&D of monitoring technologies and equipment for soil acidification(4)Relationships between soil acidification indicators, soil nutrients, and soil microorganisms(5)Relationships between soil acidification, crop growth, and crop yield(6)Screening of acid-tolerant crop varieties and supporting cultivation techniques(7)Research and validation of soil acidification remediation technologies(8)R&D and application of soil acidification remediation products(9)Regional remediation modes and typical cases of soil acidification Topic editors: Kailou Liu, Kazem Zamanian, Tianfu Han, Yuzhi Xu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83608/acidification-of-soils-mechanisms-consequences-and-mitigation-technologies