A variety ofsoil amendmentsand fertilizers are available to provide this assistance to acid-loving plants.
Most of these amendments are readily available at garden centers and home improvement stores.
Lower numbers are acidic, while higher numbers are alkaline.
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However, some plants require more acidic soil to thrive.
It does not work very well to try and dig in sulfur around existing plants.
It is often used to treat specific symptoms of iron deficiency.
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This will acidify the soil for about two years.
Begin with mild solutions until you understand the impact on your plants.
However, there are concerns about the possibility of aluminum toxicity.
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Use this product with extreme caution.
Chemically, when combined with water, aluminum sulfate becomes corrosive sulfuric acid.
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Add Ammonium Sulfate
This is a good alternative to aluminum sulfate.
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It can be dug into the soil around the base of plants to increase sulfur levels in the soil.
It requires some care, however, because it can burn plants by increasing acid levels too quickly.
If you do not have lime, you might also use baking soda or crushed eggshells.
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No, Epsom salt does not increase acidity in soil.
As a neutral compound with a pH of 7.0, Epsom salt does not affect soil pH.
Adding sulfur to the soil is the least expensive way to lower soil pH.
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8 Oct. 2018, doi:10.3390/ijms19103073
How to Change the Color of Hydrangeas.
Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Aluminum Sulfate.New Jersey Department of Health.
Post-plant nitrogen applications on corn.Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The Spruce / Colleen & Shannon Graham
Preventing and treating iron chlorosis in trees and shrubs.
Utah State University Extension.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
