Cambridge Secondary (7-9). Stage 9. MCE Science. Student Book - Unit 7: Salts - Question 38

A farmer notices that the soil in his field is too acidic for growing his crops. He neutralises the soil by adding calcium carbonate (limestone). After some time, the farmer collects a sample of the soil and sends it to a laboratory for analysis. The soil was found to contain calcium chloride.

Explain why the farmer should not use calcium to neutralise the acidic soil. Suggest another chemical that could be used instead of calcium carbonate to neutralise the acid.