Soil is important for plants because their roots absorb from soil the water and nutrients necessary for proper plant growth and flower and fruit development. The necessary nutrients vary by plant, but highly saline soil can pull water from plant roots, making it difficult for plants to have the moisture and nutrients they need. High salinity in soil is caused by several factors, including weathering and location. Once you know the cause, you can take measures to correct the soil's saline, or salt, level for optimum plant growth.
Reasons
Soil with a high saline level often is found near seashores and in arid regions. Saline soil can result from the overuse of fertilizers and fresh manure, irrigation with water that has a high salt content and poor drainage. High salinity also can result from weatherization. When rocks and other deposits in soil dissolve over time and are carried away by rainwater, the action causes salt to accumulate in underground water and on the soil surface. The salty runoff makes oceans and some lakes salty.
Effects on Vegetation
Saline soil contains a large amount of soluble salts. Those salts should not be confused with ordinary table salt, which is sodium chloride; saline soil contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, nitrates, sulfates, potassium, chlorides, carbonates and bicarbonates. Because plants growing in high-salinity soil cannot absorb necessary moisture, they die no matter how much water they receive. Symptoms of damage from saline soil include yellow or scorched leaves and brown, withered leaf margins. Saline also inhibits seed germination.
Soil Test
A soil test can be used to determine whether or not soil is high in saline. Before planting a flower or vegetable garden, have a soil sample analyzed. The testing can determine the soil's saline level, pH level and whether or not certain key nutrients are missing. Using the test results, you can amend the soil with organic matter, lime or sulfur to balance its pH and/or fertilizers to correct nutrient imbalances.
Correction Options
One way to correct high-salinity soil is to add organic matter or till the soil deeply to improve soil drainage. Leaching the soil with low-salt or salt-free water washes away salt buildup below plants' root zones. Applying a layer of mulch to the soil can help reduce evaporation. Chemical treatments also are used, especially before leaching. Adding soluble calcium in the form of gypsum helps to reduces exchangeable content of sodium in soil.
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