Which amendment can be used to lower soil pH?

Lowering soil pH is essential for managing soil acidity, which significantly impacts nutrient availability and plant health. Sulfur is an effective amendment used for this purpose because when sulfur is added to the soil, it undergoes a biological oxidation process, converting it into sulfuric acid. This acid effectively lowers the pH of the soil, enhancing the acidity.

The effectiveness of sulfur in adjusting soil pH depends on the soil conditions, including microbiological activity and moisture levels, which can influence the rate of sulfur oxidation. This makes sulfur a common choice among agricultural practices to amend alkaline soils or improve conditions for acid-loving plants.

Compost typically has a neutral to slightly acidic pH and often does not contain enough acidity to lower soil pH significantly. Gypsum, primarily composed of calcium sulfate, does not affect pH but can improve soil structure and drainage. Lime, on the other hand, is primarily used to raise soil pH by adding calcium carbonate, which neutralizes acidity rather than promoting it.

Using sulfur for lowering soil pH is a direct and effective method, making it the correct choice in this scenario.