Some farmers on Montana’s traditionally high pH soils are experiencing heavy yield losses due to the acidification of the top few inches of soil. At first, identifying the cause of poor crop growth has been a challenge, but now, the answer may come as quickly as doing a soil pH test in the field. “Soil acidification is an emerging issue in the state, where low soil pH has traditionally not been a concern,” said Clain Jones MSU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist. Soil pH levels low enough to harm crop growth have been found in 23 Montana counties.
This video shows the impact and explains the causes of soil acidification, and offers management options to prevent, adapt to, or correct acidic soil. The video was produced by Jones and Nate Kenney, a MSU filmmaking graduate student, and features a Fort Benton farmer collaborating with MSU scientists on this issue.
