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Tuesday 19 July 2016
What Is the Difference Between Saline & Sodic Soils?
Saline, alkaline soils continue to pose problems for farmers
What Is the Difference Between Saline & Sodic Soils?
by Renee Miller, Demand Media
Saline
and sodic soils limit the ability of a plant’s roots to absorb water,
and they also destroy the soil structure by breaking down and dispersing
soil particles. This can negatively affect seed germination and root
growth. These conditions are different soil problems that cause
different symptoms and issues. However, management of saline and sodic
soils requires only slightly different methods.
Definition
Saline
and sodic soils both have high pH levels, with problems typically
occurring at a pH of 7.8, or extremely alkaline conditions. The primary
difference is that saline soils also have a high salt content, while
sodic soils have high sodium content. Soils may also have both high salt
and sodium contents at the same time. When referring to saline soils,
salt content describes soluble salts in the soil, which include the
chlorides of sodium, calcium and magnesium, as well as carbonate salts.
These are high enough to affect plant growth and cause plant death. When
referring to sodic soils, the level of sodium in the soil dominates the
other soluble salts.
Saline Soil Symptoms
Because
alkaline conditions limit the availability of nutrients such as iron,
phosphorous and zinc, you’ll see symptoms of saline soil in plant
leaves, including yellow stripes on the upper leaves caused by zinc and
iron deficiency, or dark green or purple coloration of stems and lower
leaves caused by phosphorus deficiency. Drought symptoms such as wilting
or yellowing of foliage are also common in saline soils. You may also
notice a powdery substance on the soil, as the salts are dispersed to
the soil surface.
Sodic Soil Symptoms
Plants
growing in sodic soils may show drought symptoms like those growing in
saline soils, but sodic conditions also reduce the viability of
seedlings and can negatively affect germination. Sodic soils may also
develop a brownish-black crust that is caused by the dispersion of
organic matter. Once this crust is visible, the problem is usually
severe and plants will already show signs of stress.
Diagnosis
While
visual symptoms are helpful in diagnosing saline or sodic soils, a soil
test is needed to accurately diagnose and treat the problem. Collect a
sample from the top 6 to 12 inches of soil and take it to your local
agricultural extension office, where professionals can test the soil and
then recommend solutions.
Management
Periodically
increasing the water you give your plants may leach the salts from the
soil, provided your soil has good drainage. Another option for saline
soil management is to plant salt-tolerant plants that have deep roots to
help draw the salts from the soil. For example, magnolia (Magnolia
grandiflora), which is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant
hardiness zones 7 through 9, and periwinkle (Vinca major, Vinca minor),
which vary in hardiness typically ranging between zones 4 and 11 are
both highly tolerant of saline conditions. To manage sodic soils you
must replace the sodium with calcium before leaching the sodium from the
soil. This can be accomplished by dissolving the calcium carbonate
(limestone) or calcium sulfate (gypsum) in the soil with the application
of sulfur or sulfuric acid. If your soil test indicates that calcium
carbonate or calcium sulfate is not present, adding calcium in the form
of calcium chloride or gypsum may reduce sodicity. These are typically
broadcast over the soil and watered in, but according to the University
of North Dakota, the exact amount of amendments like sulfur, gypsum or
calcium chloride you should add depends on the level of sodicity
indicated by your soil test.
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