Acid soil is deteriorated soil which consists of soil fertility and plant nutrient in low level. Planting in acid soil will decrease crop production. Land Development Department suggestion for this problem is to apply lime or organic matter, to leach acidity from the soil with rain-water and to grow acid tolerant plants.

              Acid tolerant plants which farmers always plant are rice and orange trees. From the study, Heliconia or Thamraksa (variety of Golden torch) has been suggested to be planted. It is the flowering plant growing well in acid sulfate soil and it needs less maintenance. Heliconia starts blooming within 3 months and its production is 40,000-50,000 flowers/rai/year. It is in great demand.

How to plant Heliconia
             In acid sulfate soil area, it is essential to plant Heliconia in the raised bedding because its soil consists of less acidity. There is no need to

apply marl or apply it only 1/2 ton/rai. Apply fresh husk 4 ton/rai for soil structure improvement and Heliconia growth and blooming. If the bedding has just been raised, apply marl 1 ton/rai and fresh husk 4 ton/rai.
              After planting Heliconia once, it can be harvested all the year and the harvest period is 2-3 years. It is acid tolerant plant which is in great demand. However, when flowers have been cut at their end, a lot of stubbles are cleared. As a result, plant nutrients in soil are lost. Add organic matter to prevent deteriorated soil.