Soil Amendment Stewardship Program
What is it?
Over time, soil used to grow food crops will become acidic – and acidic soil can stunt the growth of crop plants by preventing them from absorbing nutrients. Under DFWT’s Soil Amendment Stewardship Program, farmers apply lime and gypsum to their soil to neutralize its acidity and improve their field’s productivity.
How does it benefit wildlife?
Farmland is also often the only available habitat for wildlife in urban areas, providing nesting and foraging areas for a wide range of species. Practices that promote soil health help to ensure the continued existence of farms and the habitat they offer.
How does it benefit farmers?
Lime neutralizes soil acidity, while gypsum adds calcium and sulphate to the soil for improved plant nutrition and crop yield. Gypsum also reduces aluminum toxicity, which often accompanies soil acidity, particularly in subsoils, and it reduces erosion by increasing the ability of soil to soak up water after a rainfall.
• Lime and gypsum applications can:
• Reduce soil acidity
• Increase plant nutrition
•Reduce aluminum toxicity in the soil
• Improve soil structure and water infiltration
• Prevent phosphorus and nutrient run-off
• Promote deeper root growth
How do DFWT and farmers work together to deliver the program?
Under the Soil Amendment Stewardship Program, DFWT cost-shares the application of lime and gypsum to farm fields with farmers.
How Can You Help?
Your donation will work towards conserving important farmland and wildlife resources contained in the Fraser River delta.