A special study submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Special Studies Project Report (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1982

The utilization of actual and potential acid sulphate soils for agricultural land use all over the world (most especially in the tropics where these soils cover vast tracts of agricultural land) have been faced with the problems on acidity, toxicity, low fertility (due to nutrients depletion or fixation), and contamination of adjacent productive areas through surface flows like flooding or irrigation of water originating from or passing through these soils, hence, resulting to low crop yield or productivity potential of specific land use. This study aims to provide substantial suggestions and recommendations for reclamation, management and improvement of acid sulphate soils especially in Southeast Asia. Noteworthy to mention are the: a) need for good water management schemes, b) addition of nutrients (fertilization), c) practices (e.g., ridging, leaching and flooding), d) conservation of organic matter content, e) knowledge of soil physical and chemical composition of the soil in question, etc , There is no single general method which is applicable for improvements of these soils due to variation in soil properties, different degrees of acidity levels, sulphur content, and age of specific soil series considered, Local materials for amendments and facilities (i, e., for irrigation and drainage) would greatly aid in planning to tap the potential for agricultural use of acid sulphate soils and render reclamation processes viable and economic.