Land is considered an important natural resource. For agricultural activities to be successful, it is important to study the structure of the soil in detail. In this case, its properties, composition and presence of salts are important. Currently, the problem of soil salinity is becoming more and more urgent. This term refers to a certain process that is accompanied by the accumulation of large amounts of carbonates, sulfates and chlorides in the soil structure.
What it is?
Soil salinization is understood as an increased accumulation of electrolyte salts in the root layer of the soil.They suppress the development of agricultural plants, reduce the quantity and quality of the harvest.
According to statistics, saline soils are quite common. They account for 25% of the total land surface. Today, large quantities of such soils are found in the arid regions of South America and Australia. They are also found in North Africa, the western United States, southern Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
The main causes of salinity
To cope with the problem, it is important to establish the reasons for its occurrence. There are several provoking factors. They are divided into 2 categories - natural and anthropogenic.
Natural
In this case, soil salinization is mainly caused by various natural processes. This is typical for all types of soil. During primary salinization, which can grow over centuries, a natural process of salts rising from groundwater to the soil surface is observed. In such a situation, the depth coefficient is influenced by the location of the groundwater and the number of plants growing nearby.
Anthropogenic activities
Human activity is considered the main cause of soil salinization. During agricultural work, the soil is exposed to different types of impacts.Signs of salinity are especially evident in places with the most developed agricultural activities.
In the process of growing plants, people use irrigation systems that help increase yields. As a result, soil waterlogging is observed. A large volume of moisture provokes a rapid rise in groundwater levels. As a result, the salt that is present in them rises to the top. As a result, salt accumulation occurs.
Salinization of the earth's surface is associated with the ingress of water from the irrigation system, and damage to the lower layers is due to an increase in the groundwater level.
Possible consequences
Today, the problem of salinity has become widespread. It is present in every country, especially in regions with developed agriculture.
At the same time, an excess amount of salts in the soil structure leads to various negative consequences:
- The high salt content makes subsequent use of the soil impossible. Salty soil becomes unsuitable for growing plants. Even unpretentious crops cannot survive in soil with a lot of salts.
- Salt is dangerous for any plants. Even those crops that grow near saline areas often die. At the same time, grass, bushes and even trees dry out.
- Beneficial insects and worms cannot live in salty soil. In normal soil, these living creatures help improve its structure.
Thus, the salt that accumulates in the soil negatively affects all representatives of flora and fauna. Problematic soil types are not suitable for agricultural work. Over time, the amount of salt often increases. As a result, the soil turns into a so-called salt lake.
Combating soil salinity
Long-term research by scientists has helped to establish the main provoking factors of soil salinization. As a result, they were able to develop effective methods of prevention. These measures help stop or at least slow down the abnormal process.
Carrying out a large number of laboratory tests helped to establish that it is impossible to completely neutralize salt deposits in the soil structure. Therefore, all efforts today are aimed at preventing this process.
Spilling
Accumulations of salts can be washed out with an aqueous solution. To restore soil per 1 square meter, you need to pour out a lot of water - 100-150 liters. Experts were able to experimentally establish that excess moisture clears the soil of excess salt.
This method can only be used for large empty areas - for example, for fields where planting work is not planned. The fact is that not a single plant can survive after a large volume of moisture gets on its roots.
Replacing the top layer
This method is considered the most difficult and expensive. To remove the top layer of soil, which contains a lot of salts, and replace it with clean soil, special equipment is required. Of course, not everyone can afford this method. However, this option is highly effective. New fertile soil will be able to repair the damage within a few years and bring a good harvest.
Enrichment
No matter how fertile the soil is, it needs to be enriched and saturated with nutrients. Saline soil needs supplements even more. The recovery process can last 3-4 years.
During this period, special substances are gradually added to the soil.They restore the structure of the soil, saturate it with useful substances and enrich the soil. Each subsequent step reduces the content of salt deposits.
The following are used as reducing components:
- Gypsum - helps bind, neutralize and displace salt that has accumulated in the structure of the earth. It is recommended to use 5-10 kilograms of gypsum per 1 square meter. The exact amount depends on the condition of the soil. Plastering should be performed exclusively in the autumn.
- Organic matter - humus, which includes a lot of peat, is suitable for this purpose. It is characterized by high acidity parameters and an almost complete absence of salt.
- Green manure - in a saline area it is worth planting mustard, sorghum or alfalfa. These plants help restore the structure of the earth, help saturate it with oxygen and enrich the soil with useful elements - potassium, sulfur and phosphorus.
Soil salinity is considered a common problem that degrades soil quality. It is associated with the influence of natural factors or human activity. As a result, problems arise with the use of land for agricultural purposes. That is why it is so important to carry out measures aimed at preventing and reducing the amount of salts in the soil structure.
