How do soil acidity and lime affect fruit farming?

In fruit farming, soil pH is a critical factor that determines which crops will thrive and what soil adjustments are necessary. Soil acidity influences the solubility of metals like aluminum and manganese; high acidity increases their solubility to levels that many fruit species cannot tolerate.1

While some plants, such as blueberries, prefer acidic conditions, many other fruit crops require lime to reduce acidity and improve fertility. Liming is particularly important in humid regions where rainfall leaches essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium from the soil.1234

Applying lime—typically ground limestone—provides calcium and sometimes magnesium, which are vital plant nutrients. Because calcium migrates slowly through the soil, lime must be mixed into the surface layer through tillage practices like plowing or disking. Conversely, excessive alkalinity can be problematic, as it makes managing iron deficiency difficult in orchards.324