The accumulation of salt in the soil leaves a telltale white crust as the soil dries.
Soil toxicity is a growing problem in agriculture, especially in arid or dry regions. These soils tend to form a white crust during dry weather. Excessive amounts of salt inhibit seed germination and root development and, consequently, nutrient intake for new plants, resulting in poor growth similar to symptoms of drought. High levels of saline also raise pH levels, which inhibit nutrient intake. Treating salt toxicity is a long-term, but necessary, endeavor to assure the quality of arable land.
Instructions
1. Amend the soil with limestone (calcium carbonate) or gypsum (calcium sulfate). According to Colorado State University, 1.7 tons of calcium per 100 grams of soil is the necessary ratio to improve salt toxicity in the soil. If undissolved calcium is already present in the soil, adding sulfur or sulfuric acid to the soil will reduce the pH and release the calcium. Mix the amendments into the first 12 inches of soil to improve the overall health of the soil. Salt is a natural part of healthy soil, but over the years, levels can become toxic. Salt builds up in the soil due to over-fertilizing, and natural weathering of minerals and rock (either found in the soil or picked up by rivers and streams as they travel across the land).
2. Dig shallow trenches with a shovel to direct surface water away from your garden, reducing buildup of further salt in the soil. Add perforated pipes under the surface of the soil to further reduce the buildup of salt in the soil by carrying salt away. Poor drainage and improper irrigation are other causes of salt toxicity. Improving drainage allows the salt to wash away
3. Install a magnetized water system to reduce the amount of salts in irrigation water. This water then washes salt from the soil, reducing salt toxicity. This system is ideal for larger plots of land and industrial uses.
4. Plant salt-tolerant varieties of plants. Vegetable crops such as asparagus, beet and zucchini tolerate high levels of salt in the soil. Flowers such as Carnation and Chrysanthemum are also salt-tolerant options. Planting crops and species of plant that tolerate higher levels of salt in the soil assures your land remains productive while you reduce the amount of salt in the soil.
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