Decreasing soil pH, also called soil acidification, is a growing concern in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Researchers and farmers have measured soil pH values below 5.0 throughout the Palouse region. Decreasing soil pH has serious implications for the cropping systems of the Palouse. The WSU Small Grains team is developing an interrelated series of fact sheets that introduce the fundamentals of soil pH and acidification. These fact sheets will be published as soon as they’re available.

Soil pH Video Series

Watch the Soil pH health video series playlist on YouTube.

Published Fact Sheets

Soil pH and Implications for Management: An Introduction
Abstract: Decreasing soil pH, also called soil acidification, is a growing concern in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Researchers and farmers have measured soil pH values below 5.0 throughout the Palouse region. Decreasing soil pH has serious implications for the cropping systems of the Palouse. This introduction is the first in a series of fact sheets on soil acidification and introduces the fundamentals of soil pH and acidification. Other fact sheets in the series will cover more specific information on topics such as the influence of pH on pathogens and microbes, herbicide activity, crop nutrition, liming, and variety selection.

Recommended Crop Species and Wheat Varieties for Acidic Soil
Introduction: As discussed in the Implications for Management – An Introduction, not all crop species—nor all varieties within species—respond the same to acidic soil (Figure 1). Of the crops commonly grown in eastern Washington and northern Idaho, legumes are the most sensitive to soil acidity, while wheat and barley are less sensitive, followed by triticale and grass hay/seed crops, which can tolerate more acidic soil (Table 1). Canola and buckwheat also fare better on acidic soils than legumes and some wheat varieties, although canola is relatively sensitive to manganese (Mn) toxicity, which can be a problem on some acidic soils.

How Soil pH Affects the Activity and Persistence of Herbicides
Abstract: Decreasing soil pH, also called soil acidification, is a growing concern in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Researchers and farmers have measured soil pH values below 5.0 throughout the Palouse region, in particular. Decreasing soil pH has serious implications for the cropping systems of the Palouse.

Using a pH Meter for In-Field Soil pH Sampling
Abstract: Soil pH continues to decline across much of the Palouse and the Pacific Northwest, primarily as a result of the application of nitrogen for the production of wheat and other crops. A handheld sampling meter can be utilized for the infield checking of the soil pH with good results. Within a few minutes of arriving at a field location, it is possible to collect a soil sample, test the soil, and record the pH values.

Agricultural Lime and Liming

Part 1. Introduction: This section contributes to the discussion on the increasing incidence and severity of acid soils in the IPNW and emphasizes: i) soil sampling and monitoring concepts to consider when managing acid soil conditions; ii) the role of soil testing; and iii) characterization of liming materials used to elevate pH of acid soil.

Part 2. Laboratory testing to determine lime requirements: This section delves more deeply into variations among soil types and why laboratory testing is used to characterize soil pH. We define the terms “lime requirement” and how it relates to soil buffering capacity. We also provide information on lime requirement test methods commonly performed by soil testing laboratories. A companion lime requirement calculator based on common buffer tests and base saturation is provided for reference.  Lime Requirement Calculator (Excel file)

Part 3. Agricultural Liming Material Selection and Comparison User GuideThis document is a user’s guide for the interactive online utility “Agricultural liming material selection and comparison.” The publication describes the attributes used to perform calculations to characterize liming material, while the interactive utility provides a platform to compare up to three liming materials for their relative effectiveness, costs, and economic efficiency.

In Progress Fact Sheets

  • Regional Map and Susceptibility Risk
  • Soil pH and Nutrition
  • Introduction to Soil pH and Microbes
  • Introduction to Soil pH and Pathogens

Additional Resources