Sodicity and soil structure

Abstract

Sodic soils are widespread in Australia reflecting the predominance of sodium chloride in groundwaters and soil solutions. Sodic soils are subject to severe structural degradation and restrict plant performance through poor soil-water and soil-air relations. Sodicity is shown to be a latent problem in saline-sodic soils where deleterious effects are evident only after leaching profiles free of salts.A classification of sodic soils based on sodium adsorption ratio, pH and electrolyte conductivity is outlined. Current understanding of the processes and the component mechanisms of sodic soil behaviour are integrated to form the necessary bases for practical solutions in the long term and to define areas for research. The principles of organic and biological amelioration of sodicity, as alternatives to costly inorganic amendments, are discussed.

Importance of soil physical characteristics for petroleum hydrocarbons phytoremediation: A review

“…salinity) should be considered. Roots while growing, release organic material into soil, stabilizing aggregates (Gurska et al, 2009 andTejeda et al, 2013) but salinity by dispersing the aggregates that cause soil structural deterioration (Rengasamy and Olsson, 1991). Soil heterogeneity as an index of texture and structural status that alter mycorrhizal colonization and pollutant distribution in soil so, these can substantially change the plant response and functionality for phytoremediation (Langer et al, 2010;Liu et al 2016).…”

Soil Quality and Productivity Improvement Under Rainfed Conditions – Indian Perspectives

“…It can provide trends in change in soil health in terms of soil acidification (surface and sub surface) (Moody and Aitken, 1997), soil salinization, electrical conductivity, exchangeable sodium (soil structural stability) (Rengasamy and Olsson, 1991), limitations to root growth, increased incidence of root disease, biological activity, and nutrient availability (e.g. P availability at either high pH > 8.5 or low pH < 5; Zn availability at high pH > 8.5) (Doran and Parkin, 1996).…”

“…Electrical conductivity is a measure of salt concentration and therefore, its measure can provide trends in salinity for both soil and water, limitations to crop growth and water infiltration, and along with pH (indicating soil sodicity), it can be a surrogate measure of soil structural decline (eg. high pH > 8.5 and low electrical conductivity, < 0.1 dSm -1 ) (Rengasamy and Olsson, 1991).…”

“…Soil water infiltration measures the rate at which water enters soil surface, and transmitted through the immediate soil depth (Arshad et al 1996). Rainfall is rapidly absorbed by soil with high infiltration rate, but as the soil structure deteriorates, usually with the loss of organic matter, increase in exchangeable sodium and low electrolyte concentration, infiltration rate of a soil becomes low (Rengasamy and Olsson, 1991). This increases the tendency for soil erosion and runoff in sloping soils and water logging in flat soils.…”

Determination of Maximum Herbaceous Production in Anyigba, a Derived Savanna

“…Burning of vegetation increases nutrients level which increases herbaceous plant production (Carney et al, 2004;Kaye and Hart, 1998). High levels of sodium and high pH are not favourable for the accumulation and mineralization of organic matter (Rengasamy and Olsson, 1991; Naidu and Rangasamy, 1993).…”