Salinization

Salinization

1. Water-soluble salts accumulates in the soil

   • Causes
     • The presence of soluble salts, such as sulfates of sodium, calcium, and magnesium in the soil
     • A high water table
       • Waterlogging of surface due to heavy rainfall and high irrigation
     • High rate of evaporation
     • Low annual rainfall

2. Effects

   • Droughtiness: less water available for plants
   • Restriction of options of croppings
   • degrades the quality of shallow ground water and surface water resources, such as ponds, sloughs, and dugouts.

3. How can the problem be managed?

   • Increase water retention
     • Add crops and manure
   • Irrigate to maintain salts at a level below the root zone in the soil.
   • Decrease excess water from infiltrating into the soil in recharge areas of seeps by diverting surface water to downslope ponds.
   • Maintain the water table at a low, safe level. Do not over irrigate.
   • Plant crops that use the available soil moisture. Shallow- rooted crops may not extract excess subsoil moisture that can lead to salinity.