The soils in the hill regions of Manipur are generally acidic. This is because the soils are derived from the weathering of igneous rocks, which are rich in silica and poor in bases. The acidic soils are not very fertile, and crops grown in these soils need to be fertilized with lime to improve their growth.
Acidic soils have a pH below 7. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 indicates an acidic soil, while a pH above 7 indicates an alkaline soil.
Acidic soils are common in areas with high rainfall, such as the hill regions of Manipur. The rain dissolves the minerals in the rocks and carries them away, leaving behind the acidic soil.
Acidic soils can be a problem for plants, as they can make it difficult for them to absorb nutrients. However, there are a number of ways to improve the fertility of acidic soils, such as adding lime or gypsum.
Lime is a type of limestone that is used to neutralize the acidity in soil. Gypsum is a type of mineral that is used to improve the drainage of soil.
By adding lime or gypsum to acidic soils, farmers can improve the fertility of the soil and make it more suitable for growing crops.