Salinity in soils affects the productivity and health of crops, making it a challenge for modern agriculture.
Today we will explain what soil salinity is, detail the causes of salinized soil, and give you the steps to measure salinity effectively.
In addition, we will introduce you to our salinity corrector, Fertiorgan Calcium. Let’s discover together more about crops. Go for it!
What is soil salinity
First of all, let’s answer this question.
Soil salinity is the concentration of soluble salts in the root zone, which can negatively affect the uptake of water and nutrients by plants.
It occurs when salts accumulate in the soil to levels that are harmful to crops. In the next section, we will share the causes of salinized soil.
Salinity can cause osmotic and toxic stress in plants, reducing their growth and productivity, and in more severe cases, it can lead to plant death.
Controlling and managing soil salinity is crucial to maintaining the health and productivity of agricultural crops.
Causes of saline soil
As indicated, we will now discuss the causes of salinized soil. These are diverse and can be both natural and the result of human activities:
- Irrigation with saline water. The salinization of irrigation water directly contributes to the accumulation of salts in the soil.
- Evaporation in arid climates. In regions with high evaporation rates and low precipitation, soil water evaporates, leaving dissolved salts, which accumulate on the soil surface.
- Incorrect irrigation management. Overwatering without proper drainage can cause salts to dissolve and clump.
- Excessive fertilization. Another cause of soil salinization is the excessive application of chemical fertilizers, since many fertilizers contain salts that dissolve in soil water.
- Elevation of the water table. Rising groundwater can bring salts to the soil surface, especially in areas with poor drainage.
- Decomposition of soil minerals. It can release soluble salts that accumulate over time, especially in soils rich in saline materials.
- Floods and tides. In coastal areas, salty sea water during floods or high tides can increase soil salinity.
- Residual salinity from previous activities (such as intensive agriculture or industry). They may have accumulated saline residues.
How to know the salinity of soils
In this section, we indicate the 6 key steps to determine salinity in soils:
- Collection of soil samples. First, representative areas of the field are selected. The samples must be of different depths and must be a representative number.
- Sample preparation. First, the samples collected from each area are mixed well. The sample is then dried and sieved to remove large particles.
- Analysis of electrical conductivity (EC). The soil solution is prepared by mixing the soil sample with distilled water. And an electrical conductivity meter is used to measure the EC of the solution.
- Results evaluation according to salinity categories (EC Values):
- Low salinity: EC < 2 dS/m.
- Moderate salinity: EC between 2-4 dS/m.
- High salinity: EC between 4-8 dS/m.
- Very high salinity (excess salts): EC > 8 dS/m.
- Complementary tests, such as analysis of specific ions (sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium) and evaluation of soil pH.
- Continuous monitoring. Carry out periodic measurements to monitor changes and evaluate practices.
Get to know Fertiorgan Calcium
At Artal we have this saline corrector for agriculture, FERTIORGAN Calcio. It is a product composed of calcium complexed with lignosulfonates and high-quality organic matter from conifers in Northern Europe.
This saline corrector improves soil microbial activity, its physicochemical properties and cation exchange capacity (CEC), displacing sodium ions and facilitating the assimilation of other essential nutrients for plants.
The organic matter in this saline soil corrector reinforces the soil structure, increases its sponginess and water retention capacity, and promotes the aerobic decomposition of organic matter.
Recommended for crops with salinity problems and those susceptible to calcium deficiency, such as berries, vegetables, fruits and legumes, this product optimizes soil conditions for healthy and productive growth.
On our website you can find other soil improvers that adapt to the needs of your crops. We are also your supplier of fertilizers and many more products to take care of your soils.
If you have any questions, contact us and we will answer all your questions