Sodic soil
problems can occur in fields with low water tables.
In the past, cities salted the earth to prevent invaders from being able to use the land for sustenance. Sodic soils spoil the land just as much, as they contain water-soluble salts with high amounts of sodium. The combination results in soil with poor irrigation properties and dangerously alkaline soil pH levels between 8.5 and 12, according to the Texas A&M University AgriLIFE Extension. Consequently, many crops fail to grow in sodic soils. All is not lost, however, if your soil shows the telltale black crusting of sodic soil.
Instructions
1. Perform a soil test to determine the extent of the problem. Contact the local university cooperative extension and follow procedures for their soil testing service. Mail soil samples to the extension's laboratory and wait for the results.
2. Add an amendment to begin adding calcium to the sodic soil. If the soil test shows contains high levels of free lime, use an appropriate amount of sulfur amendment to dissolve the lime and convert it to calcium in the ground, reports the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. Otherwise, add a calcium amendment such as gypsum or calcium chloride. Till the amendment into the soil to a depth of 6 to 12 inches.
3. Irrigate the soil with 10 to 12 inches of clean, salt-free water to leach the sodium from the upper levels of soil. Water slowly and pause the application if water pools on the surface of the soil. Repeat the process several times.
4. Plant crops that can tolerate the high sodium levels. As the plants die, they add organic matter to the ground that will aid the sodic soil's texture and permeability.
5. Plow or till the soil deeply when the field is not being used for crops. Turn the soil to a depth of 12 inches to improve air flow and soil permeability.
6. Perform another soil test after treatment to determine the effectiveness of your actions. Continue managing the sodic soil until it reaches more balanced chemical levels.
Related posts
Sodic soil (soil with a high content of sodium or salt) presents a challenge to gardeners living is coastal or marshy areas. Brackish ground water often is evidenced by a white crusty layer on the...
Gypsum, or landplaster, is a calcium sulfate substance. It is used in farming when the soil requires additional calcium. According to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, gyp...
Most plants grow best in soil that is loose with low levels of sodium.Sodic soils are those that contain high amounts of sodium and few total salts in general, resulting in conditions that are det...
Soil that is high in both salt and sodium is considered to be saline-sodic soil. This type of soil might occur naturally or unnaturally though the impact of human gardening and farming practices....
Acid sulphate in soil is rare but might be found in coastal regions.The chemical composition of soil changes over time and depends on a range of factors, including climate and the geology of local...
