Clemson Soil Acidification Calculator

For most South Carolina soils and crops, soil acidification is not necessary. In some instances, however, lowering the soil pH is desirable. Plants listed by the Clemson Soil Test Lab for which acidification may be beneficial include: blueberries, azaleas, camellias, rhododendron, centipede grass, and other acid-loving plants.

This calculator specifies the rate of aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur require to lower a soil pH from the specified pH to a specified target pH. The calculations are based on information provided by Clemson Extension in Clemson Agricultural Service Laboratory: Soil pH Management, where the the following notes are included:

Two or more soil samples should be taken from the area for a firm determination of the soil pH. ...Granular, superfine dust, or wettable sulfur may be used to decrease pH. Granular sulfur is best for home lawn situations due to the ease of application with cyclone fertilizer spreaders and the reduced possibility of foliar burn from the granules. Thoroughly water-in sulfur after application, taking care to wash off all above- ground plant parts. Do not apply more than 5 to 10 pounds sulfur per 1,000 square feet [or 0.05 to 0.10 pounds sulfur per 10 square feet; or 218 to 436 pounds of sulfur per acre] per application. Repeat applications of sulfur should not be made more often than once every 2 to 3 months and only when temperatures are cool (<75°F) and should be watered-in immediately after application (Southern Lawns, Bert McCarty, Editor, Clemson University, EC 707, 2003).

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For most South Carolina soils and crops, soil acidification is not necessary. In some instances, however, lowering the soil pH is desirable. (...click for more)

APA Citation:
Kirk, K.R., Plumblee, M.T., and McAlhany, F. (2019). Clemson Soil Acidification Calculator. Clemson University Precision Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.clemson.edu/extension/agronomy/PrecisionAgriculture/calculators/

(c) 2019-2021 Clemson University Precision Agriculture

Disclaimer: This calculator is brought to you as a free service by Clemson University Cooperative Extension. The accuracy of the calculator is not guaranteed. User assumes all risks and liabilities from its use.