The soils under consideration in this handbook owe
their distinctive character to the fact that they contain
excessive concentrations of either soluble salts or exchangeable sodium, or both. For agricultural purposes, such soils are regarded as a class of problem
soils that requires special remedial...
The soils under consideration in this handbook owe
their distinctive character to the fact that they contain
excessive concentrations of either soluble salts or exchangeable sodium, or both. For agricultural purposes, such soils are regarded as a class of problem
soils that requires special remedial measures and management practices. Soluble salts produce harmful
effects to plants by increasing the salt content of the soil
solution and by increasing the degree of saturation of
the exchange materials in the soil with exchangeable
sodium. The latter effect occurs when the soluble constituents consist largely of sodium salts and is of a more
permanent nature than the salt content of the soil solution, since exchangeable sodium usually persists after
the soluble salts are removed.
In discussing these problem soils it is convenient to
use terms that refer specifically to the two principal
causes of the problem. “Saline soil,” as used in this
handbook, refers to a soil that contains sufficient soluble
salts to impair its productivity. Similarly, alkali soils
can be defined in terms of productivity as influenced by
exchangeable sodium. In accordance with this usage,
alkali soils may or may not contain excess soluble salts.
Probably the most common problem involves soils that
contain an excess of both soluble salts and exchangeable sodium, and, in agreement with the terminology of
De Sigmond (1938) ,’ these soils will be referred to as
saline-alkali soils.Saline soils occur for the most part in regions of arid
or semiarid climate. Under humid conditions the soluble salts originally present in soil materials and those
formed by the weathering of minerals generally are carried downward into the ,ground water and are’ transported ultimately by streams to the oceans. Saline soils
are, therefore, practically nonexistent in humid regions,
except when the soil has been subjected to sea water in
river deltas and other low-lying lands near the sea. In
arid regions leaching and transportation of soluble salts
to the ocean is not so complete as in humid regions.
Leaching is usually local in nature, and soluble salts
may not be transported far. This occurs not only because there is less rainfall available to leach and transport the salts but also because of the high evaporation
rates characteristic of arid climates, which tend further
to concentrate the salts in soils and in surface waters.
Restricted drainage is a factor that usually contributes to the salinization of soils and may involve the presence of a high ground-water table or low permeability
of the soil. The high ground-water table is often related to topography. Owing to the low rainfall in
arid regions, surface drainageways may be poorly developed. As a consequence, there are drainage basins
that havefaces. Cation adsorption occurs as a consequence of
the electrical charges at the surface of the soil particles.
While adsorbed cations are combined chemically with
the soil particles, they may be replaced b
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Saline alkali soils and non saline alkali soils Presented by Group 6
Introduction Soils affected by soluble salts , principally sodium, magnesium, sulfate , chloride, calcium, potassium, nitrate, carbonate, bicarbonate, and boron are referred to as saline soil . Saline soils are mostly made up of soluble salts
Alkali soils have a lot of sodium accumulated on them However , because of prior leaching it may not necessarily contain an overabundance of soluble salts Therefore, they are classified to saline alkali and non saline alkali soils based on salt concentration .
Saline alkali soils
Saline alkali soil defined as a soil having a conductivity of the saturation extract greater than 4dsm^-1 and an exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) greater than 15 . It also referred to as Usara soil . These soils are formed in canal irrigated region and location with a higher subsoil surface water .
Characteristics These soils have both soluble salts and exchangeable sodium As long as excess salt are present, the soil is flocculated pH is less than 8.5 The EC of saturated extract is more than 4 ds/m
The soil are in a transitional stage , that is they may be converted into saline by removal of their sodium and alkali if sodium content is further increased and physical condition is determined Exchangeable sodium percentage is more than 15 (SAR>13 ) The pH is variable depending on the relative amount of exchangeable sodium and soluble salts
Reclamation Mechanical shattering of clay pans . This helps in downward movement of water Application of gypsum in the soil . green manuring with Dhaincha ( sesbenia aculeata) growing of salt tolerant plants (paddy, oat ,barley etc )
Amendment It refers to techniques or materials used to improve the quality of soil Adding cow manure compost, Wood vinegar, biochar and gypsum to improve soil structure and microbial activity . It helps to reduce salinity and neutralize pH levels.
It is affected by high levels of salts and alkalis This could involve adding organic matter, gypsum, sulfur, or other amendments to reduce the levels of salts and alkalis . It also enhances Water infiltration
It improve soil structure Make it more suitable for plant growth . These amendments help to leach out excess salts, improve drainage, and create a more hospitable environment for plants .
Non-saline alkali soils
Non saline alkali soils is defined as soils having exchangeable sodium percentage greater than 15 and the conductivity of saturation extract is less than 4 mmhos /cm at 25 ° c. Except, when the gypsum is present in the soil or the irrigation water,the drainage and leaching of saline alkali soil leads to the formation of non saline alkali soil.
Characteristics Exchangeable sodium percentage is greater than 15 % pH ranges from 8.5 to 10 . Electrical conductivity (EC) is usually less than 4 mmhos /cm . Infiltration and aeration is slow.
The presence of free sodium carbonate has a toxic effect on plant roots, also the high pH and poor physical condition of soil adversely affect plant growth sodium carbonate absorb organic matter ,so there is great depletion of organic matter There for, these soils are almost barren ( usar )
Reclamation Soil Testing : Conduct soil tests to determine the extent of alkalinity and nutrient deficiencies . Amendment Addition : Incorporate organic materials such as compost, manure, or peat moss to improve soil structure and increase microbial activity . Acidification : Apply acidifying agents like sulfur or sulfuric acid to lower soil pH and neutralize alkalinity .
Leaching : Implement a leaching program to flush excess salts and alkali from the soil profile. This may involve applying large amounts of water to the soil and allowing it to drain Gypsum Application : Gypsum can be added to the soil to displace sodium ions and improve soil structure . Crop Rotation : Planting salt-tolerant crops or crops that have deep root systems can help break up compacted soil and improve drainage.
Regular Monitoring : Continuously monitor soil pH, salinity, and nutrient levels to ensure the effectiveness of the reclamation efforts and make adjustments as needed . Soil Cover : Use mulches or cover crops to protect the soil surface from erosion and reduce evaporation, which can help maintain soil moisture levels
Amendment Non-saline alkali soils, characterized by high pH levels and low fertility, pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability . However, through strategic soil amendment techniques, it is possible to improve soil quality, enhance crop yields, and promote long-term soil health.
For non saline alkali soil there are various amendment methods, their mechanisms, and their impacts on soil fertility and productivity Non saline alkali soil amendement technique add organic matter such as compost and manures This helps to improve soil structure , increase nutrient availability and enhance microbial activity , leading to better plant growth..
Additionally using acidified agents like elemental sulfur or ammonium based fertilizers can help lower pH levels in alkaline soils . It is important to monitor soil pH and nutrient levels to ensure proper adjustment without causing imbalance.