Final answer:
Farmers adjust the pH of acidic soils by liming to improve soil fertility and mitigate issues like Aluminum toxicity. Crop rotation and natural fertilizers are also vital in maintaining soil health and productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Farmers commonly adjust the pH of their acidic soils through a process called liming. Liming involves applying lime (calcium or magnesium carbonate) to soil to neutralize its acidity, which is essential for improving soil fertility. Acidic soils, with a pH below 7, can be detrimental to plant growth, as seen in cases where Aluminum (Al) toxicity occurs when soils with pH values below 5.0 release A1³+, which is harmful to crops. Liming helps to raise the pH and mitigate this issue, making the soil more suitable for agricultural use.
Another fundamental practice farmers use to maintain soil health is crop rotation. This technique involves rotating different crops in a sequence across the same land to prevent soil exhaustion and break the cycle of pests and diseases. Crop rotation, alongside liming and using natural fertilizers, signifies a clear understanding of the scientific underpinning for novel strategies to overcome the challenge of Al stress and sustain agricultural production on acid soils.