A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Landscape trials and triumphs Making soil more acidic.

What can I use, short of a chemistry lab and truck loads of chemical, to lower the alkaline levels in my yard? They are currently just over 8.5. I have heard that Peat moss will lower it, but have not seen anything as far as how much to rake in. Does anyone know of another way?

Compost acts as a buffer to protect plants from unbalanced soil pH. You can use decayed vegetable matter, compost, stable manure and straw, etc. to increase the acidity of the soil. This method allows the pH to be slowly lowered over time, while increasing microbial life and improving the structure of your soil.
This is the least expensive method and organic. It is relatively slow to alter the soil.
A quicker way is to add ammonium sulfate or sulfur coated urea. If you purchase these, the amounts needed are often listed somewhere on the container. But it is always an interesting game to alter the Ph. If you have sandy soil, it will take different amounts than if you have a clay-based soil.
Your local Ag extension or something would be able to give you a better idea as to amounts needed for your needs.

I use Bills articles to lower the pH in my soil where I am growing blueberries. I started last year and I'm expecting much improved numbers this spring when I do a test with a garden kit.

p.s. I tried peat moss first and it did not change my pH at all.

Thank you for the info Tina. I will look into the ammonium sulfate. I had also heard of aluminum sulfate and rock sulfur. I would prefer to use cow manure, but I don't think my wife will let that happen.