Article Sidebar

Submitted
January 21, 2026
Accepted
March 16, 2026
Published
April 1, 2026
Download
PDF
Statistic
Read Counter : 44 Download : 38

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Main Article Content

Abstract

Declining agricultural productivity in tropical and subtropical regions is largely due to high soil acidity, which inhibits nutrient availability and increases the solubility of toxic elements such as aluminum and iron. Acidic soil is one of the main constraints in agricultural systems, characterized by low soil pH and an imbalance of essential nutrients for plants. This study aimed to systematically review various approaches to acid soil amelioration, focusing on the mechanisms and materials used. The method used in this study was a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), through an analysis of 38 reputable scientific articles published between 2021 until 2025 and indexed in the Scopus database. The article selection process was based on inclusion criteria specifically related to the results of acidic soil amelioration research. The synthesis results show that acidic soil amelioration approaches could be grouped into several main categories, namely liming-based, biochar-based, biochar and organic-based, organic (non-biochar)-based, organomineral-based, and industrial waste-based. Although research on acid soil amelioration has developed rapidly, there was still considerable variation in the selection of materials, composition, and application methods used. Overall, this systematic literature review provides a structured overview of the mechanisms and materials used in acid soil amelioration.

Keywords

acidic soil soil amelioration soil fertility soil modifier soil sustainability

Article Details

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Ezra Delfianza, Fitri Khoerunnisa

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
Delfianza, E., & Khoerunnisa, F. (2026). Acidic soil amelioration strategies for improving soil fertility: a systematic literature review of techniques, materials, and mechanisms. Jurnal Lahan Suboptimal : Journal of Suboptimal Lands, 15(1), 87–97. https://doi.org/10.36706/jlso.15.1.2026.799
Download Citation
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
BibTeX

References

  1. Agegnehu, G., Amede, T., Desta, G., Erkossa, T., Legesse, G., Gashaw, T., Van Rooyen, A., Harawa, R., Degefu, T., Mekonnen, K., & Schulz, S. (2023). Improving fertilizer response of crop yield through liming and targeting to landscape positions in tropical agricultural soils. Heliyon, 9(6), 1˗16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17421
  2. Alemu, E., Selassie, Y. G., & Yitaferu, B. (2022). Effect of lime on selected soil chemical properties, maize (Zea mays L.) yield and determination of rate and method of its application in Northwestern Ethiopia. Heliyon, 8(1), 1˗8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08657
  3. Badiane, A., Faye, B. A., Sambou, A., Ba, I., Diop, K., Diallo, M., Gueye, S., Bamba, B., & Fall, S. (2023). Cultural mode and organo-mineral amendment effect on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and soil chemical properties in sulfated acid soils of Basse-Casamance. Heliyon, 9(8), 1˗14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18830
  4. Becerra-Agudelo, E., López, J. E., Betancur-García, H., Carbal-Guerra, J., Torres-Hernández, M., & Saldarriaga, J. F. (2022). Assessment of the application of two amendments (lime and biochar) on the acidification and bioavailability of Ni in a Ni-contaminated agricultural soils of northern Colombia. Heliyon, 8, 1˗9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10221
  5. Bossolani, J. W., Crusciol, C. A. C., Leite, M. F. A., Merloti, L. F., Moretti, L. G., Pascoaloto, I. M., & Kuramae, E. E. (2021). Modulation of the soil microbiome by long-term Ca-based soil amendments boosts soil organic carbon and physicochemical quality in a tropical no-till crop rotation system. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 156(5), 1˗15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2021.108188
  6. Bossolani, J. W., Crusciol, C. A. C., Mariano, E., Fonseca, M., Moretti, L. G., Momesso, L., Portugal, J. R., Costa, N. R., Calonego, J. C., & Kuramae, E. E. (2023). Long term co-application of lime and phosphogypsum increases 15 N recovery and reduces 15 N losses by modulating soil nutrient availability, crop growth and N cycle genes. European Journal of Agronomy, 149(8), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2023.126907
  7. Chen, D., Wang, X., Carrión, V. J., Yin, S., Yue, Z., Liao, Y., Dong, Y., & Li, X. (2022). Acidic amelioration of soil amendments improves soil health by impacting rhizosphere microbial assemblies. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 167(4), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2022.108599
  8. Enesi, R. O., Dyck, M. F., Thilakarathna, M. S., Strelkov, S. E., Gorim, L. Y., dos Santos, B. S., Ferreira, T. C., Rosalem, P. F., Olivio, M. L. G., Bossardi, V. P., Martins, A. R., Souza, L. A., Camargos, L. S. de, Pang, Z., Mo, L., Liu, Q., Huang, Q., Xiao, Y., Yuan, Z., … Chernet, T. (2024). Liming improves wheat nutrient use efficiency, yield, and quality on acid soils in Ethiopia. Rhizosphere, 210(2), 167–183. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-024-10369-2
  9. Etana, D., & Nebiyu, A. (2023). Response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to lime and TSP fertilizer under acid soil. Heliyon, 9(4), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15176
  10. Fan, Q., Jiu, Y., Zou, D., Feng, J., Zhao, M., Zhang, Q., Lv, D., Song, J., Xu, Z., & Ye, H. (2023). Alkaline humic acid fertilizer alters the distribution, availability, and translocation of cadmium and zinc in the acidic soil–Sauropus androgynus system. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 268(20), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115698
  11. Fernández-Caliani, J. C., Fernández-Landero, S., Giráldez, M. I., Hidalgo, P. J., & Morales, E. (2024). Unveiling a Technosol-based remediation approach for enhancing plant growth in an iron-rich acidic mine soil from the Rio Tinto Mars analog site. Science of the Total Environment, 922(17), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171217
  12. Geng, N., Kang, X., Yan, X., Yin, N., Wang, H., Pan, H., Yang, Q., Lou, Y., & Zhuge, Y. (2022). Biochar mitigation of soil acidification and carbon sequestration is influenced by materials and temperature. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 232(4), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113241
  13. He, D., Liu, X., Hu, D., Lei, P., Zhang, J., Dong, Z., & Zhu, B. (2025). Density functional theory calculation for understanding the roles of biochar in immobilizing exchangeable Al3 + and enhancing soil quality in acidic soils. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 290(2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117630
  14. Jouichat, H., Khiari, L., Gallichand, J., & Ismail, M. (2024). Modeling temporal variation of soil acidity after the application of liming materials. Soil and Tillage Research, 240(6), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2024.106050
  15. Kari, A., Nagymáté, Z., Romsics, C., Vajna, B., Tóth, E., Lazanyi-Kovács, R., Rizó, B., Kutasi, J., Bernhardt, B., Farkas, É., & Márialigeti, K. (2021). Evaluating the combined effect of biochar and PGPR inoculants on the bacterial community in acidic sandy soil. Applied Soil Ecology, 160(4), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2020.103856
  16. Kibet, P. K., Mugwe, J. N., Korir, N. K., Mucheru-Muna, M. W., Ngetich, F. K., & Mugendi, D. N. (2023). Granular and powdered lime improves soil properties and maize (Zea mays L.) performance in humic Nitisols of central highlands in Kenya. Heliyon, 9(6), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17286
  17. Le, V. S., Herrmann, L., Nguyen, T. B., Trap, J., Marsden, C., Robin, A., Degrune, F., Nguyen, V. H., Bräu, L., & Lesueur, D. (2025). Response of soil biodiversity and crop productivity to liming in acidic soil of organic tea plantations in Northern Vietnam. Total Environment Microbiology, 1(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.temicr.2025.100007
  18. Li, B., Zhu, H., Zhu, Q., Zhang, Q., Xu, C., Fang, Z., Huang, D., & Xia, W. (2024). Improving liming mode for remediation of Cd-contaminated acidic paddy soils: Identifying the optimal soil pH, model and efficacies. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 272(4), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116038
  19. Li, C., Dong, Y., Yi, Y., Tian, J., Xuan, C., Wang, Y., Wen, Y., & Cao, J. (2023). Effects of phosphogypsum on enzyme activity and microbial community in acid soil. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33191-2
  20. Li, K., Guo, L., Yan, J., Biswash, M. R., & Xu, R. (2025). Lime requirement determination for acidic soils based on the measurement of soil mobilized aluminum with a portable colorimeter under field conditions. Journal of Environmental Management, 396(24), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128162
  21. Liu, C., Mo, T., Zhong, J., Chen, H., Xu, H., Yang, X., & Li, Y. (2023). Synergistic benefits of lime and 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate application to mitigate the nitrous oxide emissions from acidic soils. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 263(15), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115387
  22. Liu, W., Luo, Y., Zhu, X., Dong, D., Wang, M., Ma, J., Ye, Z., & Liu, D. (2025). Optimizing tea plantation productivity: Magnesium-modified tea pruning litter biochar enhances soil quality and tea aroma profiles. Environmental Technology and Innovation, 40(4), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2025.104375
  23. Lu, J., Ma, J., Wang, B., Ogino, K., Si, H., & Li, Y. (2025). Study on mechanism of biochar improving acid Soil: Multi-scale experiment and numerical simulation. Journal of Environmental Management, 389(17), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126083
  24. Ndiate, N. I., Qun, C. L., & Nkoh, J. N. (2022). Importance of soil amendments with biochar and/or Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi to mitigate aluminum toxicity in tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) on an acidic soil: A greenhouse study. Heliyon, 8(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09009
  25. Peñalver-Alcalá, A., Álvarez-Rogel, J., Conesa, H. M., & González-Alcaraz, M. N. (2021). Biochar and urban solid refuse ameliorate the inhospitality of acidic mine tailings and foster effective spontaneous plant colonization under semiarid climate. Journal of Environmental Management, 292(17), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112824
  26. Sawargaonkar, G. L., Datta, A., Kamdi, P. J., Rakesh, S., Pasumarthi, R., Davala, M. S., Panigrahi, U., Singh, R., & Jat, M. L. (2025). Bundled management practices for enhanced Finger millet productivity in acid soils: Empirical evidence from Odisha, India. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 21(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2025.101946
  27. Shang, X. chao, Zhang, M., Zhang, Y., Li, Y., Hou, X., & Yang, L. (2023). Combinations of waste seaweed liquid fertilizer and biochar on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedling growth in an acid-affected soil of Jiaodong Peninsula, China. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 260, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115075
  28. Słomkiewicz, P. M., Świercz, A., Dołegowska, S., & Wideł, D. (2025). Carbon-mineral composites as effective soil deacidification agents and adsorbents of substances used in crop protection products. Desalination and Water Treatment, 322(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2025.101078
  29. Yao, F., Chen, Y., Chen, Q., Qin, Z., Liu, X., Shi, Z., & Zhang, J. (2024). Addition of organic amendments derived from invasive apple snails alleviated soil acidification, improved soil nitrogen and phosphorus effectiveness, microbial growth
  30. and maize yield in South China. Environmental Technology and Innovation, 33(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2023.103475
  31. Yigezu, E., Laekemariam, F., & Kiflu, A. (2023). Effects of liming and different land use types on phosphorus sorption characteristics in acidic agricultural soil of Sodo Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia. Heliyon, 9(3), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14124
  32. Yin, J., Cui, W., Xu, Y., Ma, Y., Chen, H., Guo, J., Liu, R., & Chen, Q. (2023). Understanding the relative contributions of fungi and bacteria led nitrous oxide emissions in an acidic soil amended with industrial waste. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 255(7), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114727
  33. Ylivainio, K., Leta, R., Esala, M., Jauhiainen, L., Peltovuori, T., & Chernet, T. (2024). Liming improves wheat nutrient use efficiency, yield, and quality on acid soils in Ethiopia. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 129(2), 167–183. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-024-10369-2
  34. Zhang, Y., Wu, J., Yuan, J., Chen, Q., Wang, D., Cui, Y., Xie, M., Li, H., & Feng, D. (2024). Nitrogen fixation and calcium activation of oyster shell during composting and its performance on acidic soil amendment. Environmental Technology and Innovation, 36(4), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2024.103792
  35. Zhao, L., Zhang, L., Zhang, Q., Zeng, Q., Zhao, N., Yang, J., Zhao, C., La, Y., Lin, D., & RuigangWang. (2025a). A novel liquid-phase passivator for cadmium immobilization in acidic and alkaline soils: Chemical and microbial mechanisms for reducing cadmium accumulation in wheat. Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, 7(1), 1933–1945. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enceco.2025.08.003
  36. Zhao, W., Wang, C., Zhao, K., Jiang, J., Shi, R., Abdulaha-Al Baquy, M., Song, J., Pan, S., Wang, H., & Gao, H. (2025b). Amelioration of different acidic soils in China using seafood shell biochars. Journal of Environmental Management, 373(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123580
  37. Zhou, S., Chang, T., Zhang, Y., Shaghaleh, H., Zhang, J., Yang, X., Qin, H., Talpur, M. M. A., & Alhaj Hamoud, Y. (2024). Organic fertilizer compost alters the microbial composition and network structure in strongly acidic soil. Applied Soil Ecology, 195(3), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2023.105263
  38. Zhu, W., Liu, C., Butterly, C. R., Ouyang, S., Su, L., Zhang, L., & Wang, L. (2025). Crop residues reshape microbial community composition and function across acidic soils via interactions between carbon chemistry, soil pH and nutrient availability. Geoderma, 461(9), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117496
  39. Zhu, X., Ros, G. H., Xu, M., Xu, D., Cai, Z., Sun, N., Duan, Y., & de Vries, W. (2024). The contribution of natural and anthropogenic causes to soil acidification rates under different fertilization practices and site conditions in southern China. Science of the Total Environment, 934(29), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172986
  40. Žurovec, O., Wall, D. P., Brennan, F. P., Krol, D. J., Forrestal, P. J., & Richards, K. G. (2021). Increasing soil pH reduces fertiliser derived N2O emissions in intensively managed temperate grassland. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 311(7), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2021.107319

Similar Articles

<< < 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.