Upland crops often struggle to reach their full productivity potential due to several reasons. The prevailing type of soil found in upland areas is yellow-red podzolic soil, which is characterized by its high acidity levels, typically below pH 5.5. As a result of this acidity, the soil becomes saturated with aluminum and lacks crucial nutrients.
Aluminum is naturally present in soil, but excessive amounts can be detrimental to plant growth. When soil becomes saturated with aluminum, it hampers the absorption of nutrients by plant roots. As a result, plants face difficulty in obtaining the necessary elements for their healthy development.
Because of aluminum saturation, soil pH levels become more acidic. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium can all be lost as a result of acidic conditions, making them unavailable for plant uptake. Acidic soils also inhibit beneficial soil bacteria, further reducing nutrient availability.
Aluminum saturation interferes with the uptake of essential nutrients by plant roots. This disruption affects the availability of vital elements like phosphorus and nitrogen, which are crucial for plant growth, photosynthesis, and overall health. The deficiency of these nutrients weakens plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Additionally, upland soils have a low cation exchange capacity. To optimize the growth of high-yielding fruit crops in mountainous regions, it is essential to treat the soil accordingly. One effective method is to incorporate agricultural lime into the upland soils, which can raise the pH level to a range of 7 to 7.5.
Furthermore, it is recommended to regularly apply manure to improve the population of soil microorganisms. An enhanced presence of these microorganisms presents various benefits, such as ameliorated soil productivity and the facilitation of organic substance disintegration.
