How is soil salinity diagnosed?
The standard procedure for salinity testing is to measure EC of a solution extracted from a soil wetted to a “saturation paste.” According to U.S. Salinity Laboratory Staff (1954), a saline soil has an EC of the saturated paste extract of more than 4 dS/m, a value that corresponds to approximately 40 mmol salts per …
How does salinity affect soil?
If the level of salts in the soil water is too high, water may flow from the plant roots back into the soil. Salinity affects production in crops, pastures and trees by interfering with nitrogen uptake, reducing growth and stopping plant reproduction.
What problems does salinity cause?
Salinity affects: farms – salinity can decrease plant growth and water quality resulting in lower crop yields and degraded stock water supplies. Excess salt affects overall soil health, reducing productivity. It kills plants, leaving bare soil that is prone to erosion.
What are the causes of soil salinity?
What Causes Soil Salinization?
- dry climates and low precipitations when excessive salts are not flushed from the earth;
- high evaporation rate, which adds salts to the ground surface;
- poor drainage or waterlogging when salts are not washed due to a lack of water transportation;
What is normal soil salinity?
The calcium and magnesium salts are at a high enough concentration to offset the negative soil effects of the sodium salts. The pH of saline soils is generally below 8.5. The normal desired range is 6.0 to 7.0, but many Texas soils are naturally 7.5 to 8.3.
How do you stop salinity?
Treatment
- avoiding over-irrigation by monitoring soil moisture to work out water requirements.
- good crop selection such as using deep-rooted plants to maximise water extraction.
- minimising fallow periods using crop rotations and break crops.
- avoiding deep ripping and overtillage to minimise infiltration of water.
How do you treat soil salinity?
Soil salinity can be reversed, but it takes time and is expensive. Solutions include improving the efficiency of irrigation channels, capturing and treating salty drainage water, setting up desalting plants, and increasing the amount of water that gets into aquifers. Mulches to save water can also be applied to crops.
What are some examples of salinity?
Salts generally found in saline soils include NaCl (table salt), CaCl2, gypsum (CaSO4), magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride and sodium sulfate. The calcium and magnesium salts are at a high enough concentration to offset the negative soil effects of the sodium salts.
How do you control salinity?
Managing salinity involves striking a balance between the volume of water entering (recharge) and leaving (discharge) the groundwater system. The water table can be lowered by: planting, regenerating and maintaining native vegetation and good ground cover in recharge, transmission and discharge zones, where possible.
Which fertilizer cures the salinity of soil?
The generally accepted fertilizer is farmyard manure (FYM) for agriculture in most saline areas. The joint application of FYM and chemical fertilizer is recommended when the cost/benefit is considered. The timing of topdressing fertilizer is important to reduce the effect of salt stress on crop growth.
