Sulphate soil accounts for about 12% of Vietnam’s agricultural land area (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2022), mainly concentrated in the Mekong Delta (MD) and the Central Coast. This is a major challenge to food security and sustainable development due to its potential to cause soil degradation, water pollution and biodiversity loss.
So what is sulphate soil? What is the formation process and how to effectively improve sulphate soil?
Alum-contaminated soil is soil containing a lot of sulfate radicals (SO42-), low pH of only 2-3 and very high levels of toxic substances Al3+, Fe2+, SO42. Therefore, the exchange and buffering capacity of the soil environment is broken, the soil does not lose its self-cleaning ability. These things make the soil polluted, thereby killing plants and microorganisms en masse.
- CAUSES OF FORMATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ALUM SOIL
In addition to the above factors that cause the formation of alkaline soil (salty and acidic soil). There are also cases where alkaline water from other places has caused alkaline contamination of the soil ecosystem. Acid sulfate soils are common in tropical and subtropical climates.
Causes of acid sulfate soil formation
Natural factors
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Acid sulfate soils are mainly formed in tidal areas where sedimentary materials are affected by seawater.
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When seawater penetrates into brackish water, sulfur-containing compounds combine with iron in the soil to form pyrite (FeS₂).
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When the soil dries or is dug up, pyrite is oxidized to produce sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), which sharply reduces the pH of the soil, causing acid sulfate soils.
Human impacts
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Reclamation and digging of drainage canals change the water level groundwater, promoting pyrite oxidation, increasing soil acidity.
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Using chemical fertilizers inappropriately, people use fertilizer products containing a lot of sulfur, over time without improvement, the soil is exposed and oxidized, leading to alum contamination.
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Improper cultivation causes alum soil to degrade faster.
Characteristics of alum soil
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Low pH: Usually from 2 to 4, making it difficult for plants to grow.
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High aluminum and iron content: Makes the soil toxic to plants planting.
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Tight structure, poor drainage: Easily waterlogged in the rainy season and dry in the dry season.
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Poor in nutrients: Low phosphorus and potassium content, not enough to supply plants.
SERIOUSNESS OF ALUM CONTAMINATED SOIL FOR PLANTS
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Soil cannot improve itself, if it lacks nutrients, plants cannot grow. Alkaline soil has a negative impact on the process of exchanging and absorbing nutrients in the soil.
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Alkaline soil limits the ability of plants to exchange nutrients. Plants often grow and develop poorly, bringing low yields.
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The soil cannot improve itself, lacks nutrients, while plants need these substances to grow, so the plants cannot develop.
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Some phenomena that often appear in plants: dead buds, dead seedlings (rice plants), yellow leaves, slow flowering, …
EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO IMPROVE ALUM SOIL
Deep plowing and leaving fallow:
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One of the first techniques to improve alkaline soil that needs to be mentioned is deep plowing and leaving fallow. So what exactly is this technique? Here, deep plowing is the way for farmers to expose the acidic soil surface as much as possible. And then we continue to bring in a certain amount of rainwater or irrigation water. This step will help wash away that acidic soil layer.
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In addition, the drying process is simply understood as using solar energy to control the maximum number of pathogens in the soil. Mainly, covering the surface of the soil with transparent layers of shade. This is to keep the energy from the sun to completely destroy the pathogens.
Irrigation measures:
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To grow crops conveniently on acid sulfate soil, irrigation measures are given top priority. Build a system of ditches, irrigation canals, and parallel drainage canals to wash away acid sulfate soil and lower the groundwater level.
Imposing lime:
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Another effective solution to improve acid sulfate soil is liming. The main purpose is to provide calcium to help neutralize acidity, reduce the toxicity of free iron and aluminum.
Increase organic fertilizers, barnyard manure, micronutrients, nitrogen fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, etc.
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Help increase humus to help retain nutrients well, increase fertility. Improve pH, create conditions for microorganisms to grow. Balanced fertilization, adjust appropriately to keep N, P, K to be suitable for plants. Avoid using sulfur-containing fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate, potassium fertilizer, etc.
THE SECRET TO IMPROVING ALAM SOIL WITH JAPANESE GENESIS CARBON (GENESIS CARBON).
What is genesis carbon?
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Genesis Carbon is a new material originating from Japan, created by processing cellulose at the atomic level through a special manufacturing process. This is a material that does not exist in nature but is completely synthesized by modern technology.
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Genesis Carbon has the ability to absorb ions extremely well, is a highly active allotropic form of the element Carbon. Thanks to that, Genesis Carbon easily attracts other substances and quickly decomposes.
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Alkaline (pH > 8), balances the pH of the soil environment
Why is Genesis Carbon the secret to improving acid sulfate soil?
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The high pH in Genesis Carbon neutralizes the low pH in acid sulfate soil.
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Genesis Carbon’s ability to absorb I-On is extremely good, absorbing and decomposing pyrite (FeS₂), Al3+, Fe2+, SO42 ions.
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Absolutely safe for humans and plants, Genesis Carbon can be used with cultivated soil.
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Helps microorganisms develop and restore the soil, making it easier for plants to absorb.
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Is Breakthrough technology product from Japan, OMJ certified
>>> See more about Genesis Carbon solution
