How to Lower pH quickly and naturally for peach trees ?

[Esther Knapicius]

The Amish out here use Lime.

 

[Meadowlark]

The Amish out here use Lime.

Smart folks.

I formerly used lime on my hay meadows every five years or so...and it made very significant increases in production. However, the costs of purchasing and applying at about 5 tons per acre became prohibitive and I decided the increased production just wasn't economically justified.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Smart folks.

I formerly used lime on my hay meadows every five years or so...and it made very significant increases in production. However, the costs of purchasing and applying at about 5 tons per acre became prohibitive and I decided the increased production just wasn't economically justified.

The OP asked how to lower ph.
I always confuse whether acidic is high or low, so googled and got this..
"Lime is used to raise soil pH, meaning it's used to make soil less acidic (more alkaline). The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. So, if a soil is acidic (below pH 7), lime can be added to raise the pH towards a more neutral or alkaline level."

 

[Meadowlark]

The OP asked how to lower ph.

@Esther Knapicius offered that the Amish use lime. I offered that they are smart folks and as such I'm sure they recognize that lime tends to raise ph. I used it on my acidic soils for decades to increase ph and increase hay production.

I don't see a problem commenting on a technique to raise ph (e.g. using lime as @Esther Knapicius offered) within a thread in which the Op asked how to lower it. @Esther Knapicius was clearly talking about raising ph " lots of acidic leaves here" and yes, certainly the Amish understand it.

I fail to see a problem as long as we all understand and are clear whether we are discussing lowering or raising ph. Do you?

 

[Oliver Buckle]

@Esther Knapicius offered that the Amish use lime. I offered that they are smart folks and as such I'm sure they recognize that lime tends to raise ph. I used it on my acidic soils for decades to increase ph and increase hay production.

I don't see a problem commenting on a technique to raise ph (e.g. using lime as @Esther Knapicius offered) within a thread in which the Op asked how to lower it. @Esther Knapicius was clearly talking about raising ph " lots of acidic leaves here" and yes, certainly the Amish understand it.

I fail to see a problem as long as we all understand and are clear whether we are discussing lowering or raising ph. Do you?

Fair enough, as I said it is something that always gets me confused, it's probably my age.

If you want to increase th acidity naturally oak leaves are a good way to go. They take a good while to break down and would make an enduring mulch.

 

[smitty55]

Fair enough, as I said it is something that always gets me confused, it's probably my age.

If you want to increase th acidity naturally oak leaves are a good way to go. They take a good while to break down and would make an enduring mulch.

Even though compost may start out on the acidic side of things, over time as composting goes through the processes of heating and with adequate oxygen levels mesophilic bacteria take over and the pile naturally becomes more neutral. So even though you may have plenty of acidic oak leaves in your pile the final product will not have a low pH. Now when used as a mulch there may be an initial decrease in pH at the soil/mulch interface but I doubt that overall your soil will become more acidic as those leaves break down.

 

[cpp gardener]

Same with pine needles. Multiple studies have shown the same results. To lower pH you have to apply something acidic.

 

[Helen Wasserstein]

To quickly and naturally lower soil pH for your peach trees, consider using elemental sulfur in a more immediate application or try using organic matter like compost or pine needles. Compost can help gradually lower pH and improve soil structure. For quicker results, you can apply a dilute solution of coffee grounds around the base of the tree, as they are slightly acidic and can help lower pH without causing harm. Be sure to water well after any application to prevent root burn and re-check the pH regularly to adjust as needed.