Question

Citrus fruits are acidic in nature, then why are they grown in alkaline soil? Even if there is a neutralization reaction, the product or fruits should be neutral. Why isn't it so?

Answer 1

Hint :Citrus do not prefer very acid soils with a $ pH $ less than $ 5 $ . Because soils which are very acidic are deficient in essential plant nutrients such as calcium and magnesium and they are overly supplied with aluminium and manganese.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Citrus fruits are acidic in nature but they act as an alkalizing agent on the body. Oranges and other citrus fruits have citric acid and ascorbic acids and they have a sour taste. They are alkaline generating after they are digested and absorbed in the body. Citrus can grow in clay soil or even in containers but they cannot bear salty coastal conditions which range from slightly acidic to alkaline. Soil sulphur or iron sulphur is used to improve the $ pH $ of the soil by making alkaline soils acidic which makes the existing iron in the surrounding soil more available to the plants present there.

Note :
Slightly acidic soil with a $ pH $ less than $ 7 $ to $ pH $ $ 6 $ is required for citrus. This is because all of the important and necessary pant nutrients are in a chemical form that roots can absorb. If the soil is too acidic or if it is too alkaline it limits the availability of some nutrients and it may lead to the nutrient deficiency in citrus. In case, if the soil has a high $ pH $ , using a fertilizer that shows an acid reaction in soil can help to make the soil less alkaline. Urea has a slightly acidifying reaction in soil. So, it will not change soil $ pH $ quickly.