Soil salinization: the main causes and for which zones it is typical, methods of control

Land is considered an important natural resource. For agricultural activity to be successful, it is important to study the soil structure in detail. At the same time, its properties, composition and presence of s alts matter. Currently, the problem of soil salinization is becoming more and more urgent. This term is understood as a certain process, which is accompanied by the accumulation of a large amount of carbonates, sulfates and chlorides in the soil structure.

What is this?

Soil salinization is understood as an increased accumulation of electrolyte s alts in the root layer of the soil. They inhibit the development of agricultural plants, reduce the quantity and quality of the crop.

According to statistics, saline soils are quite common. They account for 25% of the entire land surface. Today, a large number of such soils are observed in the arid regions of South America and Australia. They are also found in North Africa, the western United States, South Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Such a violation is typical for a natural zone, which is characterized by an arid climate. Therefore, it is often observed in deserts and semi-deserts. Also, the process is typical for zones of low relief.

Main causes of salinization

To cope with the problem, it is important to establish the causes of its occurrence. However, there are several contributing factors. They are divided into 2 categories - natural and man-made.

Natural

In this case, soil salinization is mainly caused by various natural processes.This is true for all types of soil. During the primary salinization, which can increase over centuries, there is a natural process of raising s alts from groundwater to the soil surface. In such a situation, the depth factor is affected by the location of the groundwater and the number of plants growing nearby.

Also salinization occurs as a result of precipitation. What are the climatic factors associated with this violation? Rain, hail and snow are essentially water containing s alt. For many years, nature itself forms the conditions that provoke soil salinization. This makes it unsuitable for subsequent use.

Anthropogenic activities

The main cause of soil salinization is considered to be human activity. In the process of agricultural work, the soil is exposed to different types of impact. Signs of salinity are especially pronounced 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, waterlogging of the soil is observed. A large amount of moisture provokes a rapid rise in groundwater levels. As a result, the s alt that is present in them also rises. As a result, there is an accumulation of s alt.

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 level of groundwater.

Possible consequences

Today, the problem of salinization has become widespread. It is present in every country, especially in regions with developed agriculture.

At the same time, an excess amount of s alts in the soil structure leads to various negative consequences:

1. High s alt content makes subsequent use of the soil impossible. S alt land becomes unsuitable for growing plants. Even unpretentious crops do not survive in soil with a lot of s alt.
2. S alt is dangerous for any plants. Often even those crops that grow near saline areas die. At the same time, grass, shrubs and even trees dry up.
3. Beneficial insects and worms cannot live in s alty soil. In normal soil, these living beings contribute to the improvement of its structure.

Thus, the s alt that accumulates in the soil has a negative impact on all representatives of the flora and fauna. Problematic soil types are not suitable for agricultural work. Over time, the amount of s alt often increases. As a result, the soil turns into a so-called s alt lake.

Fight against soil salinization

Long-term studies of scientists have helped to establish the main provoking factors of soil salinization. As a result, they managed to develop effective methods of prevention. These measures help stop or at least slow down the anomalous process.

Conducting a large number of laboratory tests helped to establish that it is impossible to completely neutralize the deposition of s alts in the soil structure. Therefore, all efforts today are aimed at preventing this process.

Spilling

S alt accumulations can be washed out with an aqueous solution. To restore the soil per 1 square meter, you need to pour a lot of water - 100-150 liters. Experts were able to empirically establish that excess moisture cleans the soil from excess s alt.

This method can only be used for large free areas - for example, for fields where planting is not planned. The fact is that no plant will be able to survive after getting a large amount of moisture on its roots.

Replacing the top layer

This method is considered the most difficult and costly. A special technique is required to remove the top layer of soil, which contains a lot of s alts, and replace it with clean soil. Of course, not everyone can afford this method. However, this option is highly efficient. The new fertile soil will be able to repair the damage and bring a good harvest within a few years.

Enrichment

No matter how fertile the soil is, it needs to be enriched and saturated with nutrients. S alt soil is even more in need of supplements. The recovery process can take 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 earth. Each successive step reduces the amount of s alt deposits.

The following are used as restoring components:

1. Gypsum - promotes binding, neutralization and displacement of s alt that has accumulated in the structure of the earth. For 1 square meter, it is recommended to use 5-10 kilograms of gypsum. The exact amount depends on the condition of the soil. Plastering should be done exclusively in autumn.
2. Organic matter - humus is suitable for this purpose, which includes a lot of peat. It is characterized by high acidity parameters and an almost complete absence of s alt.
3. Green manure - in a saline area it is worth planting mustard, sorghum or alfalfa. These plants contribute to the restoration of the structure of the earth, help to saturate it with oxygen and enrich the soil with useful elements - potassium, sulfur and phosphorus.

Soil salinization is considered a common problem that degrades soil quality. It is associated with the influence of natural factors or human activity. As a result, there are problems with the use of land for agricultural purposes. That is why it is so important to carry out activities aimed at preventing and reducing the amount of s alts in the soil structure.

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