The Hidden Cost of Soil Acidity in Ghana And How to Fix It

Many Ghanaian farmers unknowingly lose up to 30% of their yields due to a silent but widespread problem, soil acidity. While fertiliser application is common practice, very few smallholder farmers test or correct their soil pH. Acidic soils lock up essential nutrients, reducing fertiliser effectiveness and limiting crop productivity.

Understanding Soil Acidity

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Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Most Ghanaian crops thrive within a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Unfortunately, continuous fertiliser use without balancing soil nutrients, declining organic matter levels, and high rainfall, particularly in regions like the Eastern, Ashanti, and Western belts, often cause acidification, dropping soil pH below 5.5.

When soil becomes too acidic:

• Key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium become chemically unavailable to crops.
  
  
• Root development is restricted, weakening the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
  
  
• Beneficial soil microbes that support plant growth decline, reducing soil vitality.
  
  
• Crops show visible symptoms such as poor growth, yellowing leaves, and reduced yields.
  
  

According to the CSIR Soil Research Institute (2019), up to 40% of cocoa and maize farms in Ghana are currently operating on sub-optimal pH levels.

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The Solution: Liming with Calciprill

The most effective way to correct soil acidity is through liming, applying ground limestone to neutralise the excess acidity in the soil. However, not all lime products are equally effective. Traditional bulk agricultural lime is often coarse, slow to react, and unevenly applied.

OMYA’s Calciprill offers a superior solution for modern farmers in Ghana. Manufactured from high-purity calcium carbonate (approximately 36% elemental calcium), Calciprill is an ultra-fine granulated limestone, with prill sizes of 2–6 mm. This fine particle size provides a much larger surface area for reaction compared to conventional lime, allowing it to neutralise soil acidity significantly faster.

The technical benefits of Calciprill include:

• Rapid pH correction within weeks rather than months.
  
  
• Consistent, even application using standard fertiliser spreaders.
  
  
• Precision application that allows targeted treatment based on soil test results.
  
  
• Simultaneous improvement of soil structure, nutrient availability, and plant health.
  
  

OMYA research suggests that applying 300 kg/ha on sandy soils or 500 kg/ha on clay loams can raise soil pH by approximately 0.5 units, a much lower quantity than required with traditional lime products. Field studies confirm Calciprill’s ability to deliver fast-acting, effective soil pH correction under diverse conditions.

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Why Fast pH Correction Matters

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Correcting soil pH quickly is essential because:

• Nutrient use efficiency improves dramatically. At optimal pH, plants are able to absorb nearly all applied nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
  
  
• Calcium strengthens plant cell walls, increasing disease resistance and overall plant vigour.
  
  
• Beneficial soil microbes thrive in neutral pH conditions, enhancing nutrient cycling and soil structure.
  
  
• Crop yields rise significantly, as roots access a full spectrum of nutrients and water.
  
  

Calciprill’s rapid solubility allows farmers to see improvements within the same growing season, making it a highly cost-effective intervention.

Demeter Ghana: Your Soil Health Partner

As a leader in the agricultural industry in Ghana, we offer a full-service approach to help farmers correct soil acidity and restore productivity:

1. Soil sampling and laboratory analysis to determine precise pH levels.
   
   
2. Tailored Calciprill recommendations based on soil test results and crop requirements.
   
   
3. Supply of premium Calciprill product for precise and efficient application.
   
   
4. Field agronomy support throughout the cropping cycle to ensure success.
   
   
5. Ongoing monitoring with annual soil testing to maintain long-term soil health.
   
   

As our agronomists often state, "Without testing your soil, applying fertiliser is simply guesswork."

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Correcting soil acidity is one of the most cost-effective ways for Ghanaian farmers to increase yields, maximise fertiliser efficiency, and strengthen long-term profitability. OMYA’s Calciprill offers a fast, efficient, and precise solution, supported by strong scientific research and field performance. Backed by the full agronomic support of a leader in Ghana’s agricultural industry, farmers can unlock the full potential of their land and secure healthier harvests for years to come.

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For expert soil testing and Calciprill supply, contact us today on +233 24 529 7047 and begin your journey to optimised soil pH and healthier harvests.