Summary
This narrative review examines evidence-based approaches to restoring acidic soils through integrated physical, chemical, and biological interventions. The authors emphasise the central role of microbial communities—particularly those involved in nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilisation, and organic matter decomposition—in achieving soil health restoration. The review highlights how combined amendment and management strategies can simultaneously enhance agricultural productivity, soil resilience, and climate change mitigation potential.
Regional applicability
Acidic soil degradation is a global concern affecting many regions, including parts of the United Kingdom where upland and sandy soils naturally tend towards acidity. The mechanisms and restoration strategies reviewed—liming, organic amendments, biochar application, and agronomic practices—are directly applicable to UK farming contexts, particularly in areas where intensive cropping or acid deposition has exacerbated soil acidification.
Key measures
Soil pH, nutrient availability, aluminium and manganese toxicity, microbial activity and community composition, soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised physical, chemical, and biological approaches to acidic soil restoration, with emphasis on microbial community shifts and their role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and disease suppression. It also examined how integrated restoration strategies enhance soil resilience, carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
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