Moderately acid soils without aluminium toxicity 
(pH >5 and <6.5)

In moderately acid soils there are no principal differences with regard to the pH demands of crops if aluminium toxicity is excluded.  Even crops which are known to demand more neutral soil conditions such as sugar beet, barley and wheat may give reasonable yields on moderate acid soils if appropriate nutrient and water supply and favourable rooting conditions are ensured.  The negative effects of soil acidity on physical and chemical soil conditions can be partly compensated by a high organic matter content.  The lower the soil pH, the higher should be the organic matter content of the soil.  A high organic matter content helps to achieve favourable tillage conditions, good aggregate stability and soil aeration.  Consequently appropriate attention has to be given to increase the organic matter content in moderate acid soils.  This can be achieved, for instant, by mulching or no-tillage systems.

Reference Soil Groups which mainly contain acid soils are:

• Acrisols and Ferralsols
• Podzols