Sodic Saline Soils. What Are They and How Do They Affect Your Crops?

What are Sodic Saline Soils?

Sodic saline soils are a type of soil that has high levels of soluble salts, particularly sodium salts (Na+), which can have a negative impact on agriculture. These soils are characterized by having a high concentration of sodium ions in relation to other cations such as calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). The sodium/calcium (Na/Ca) ratio and the sodium/magnesium (Na/Mg) ratio are important parameters for determining the quality of a sodic saline soil.

Agricultural landscape affected by sodic saline soils, with lands showing a white layer of salt and sparse, stressed crops under a clear sky, highlighting the challenges of agriculture in saline conditions.
The image vividly illustrates an agricultural landscape impacted by sodic saline soils. In the foreground, extensions of land with an accumulated white layer of salt are seen, characteristic of these soil conditions. The emerging plants are scarce and show signs of stress, reflecting the difficulties of cultivation in such conditions. The background reveals a wide horizon, emphasizing the vast extension of agricultural lands affected by salinity. The clear sky above the landscape underscores the need for innovative and sustainable solutions for agriculture in sodic saline soils.

Adverse Effects of Sodium in Agriculture

The excessive presence of sodium in these soils can have several adverse effects on agriculture:

  1. Soil Structure Problems: Sodium can disperse soil particles, leading to the formation of unstable soil aggregates. This results in poor soil structure that hinders water infiltration and air flow, which in turn affects plant growth.
  2. Salt Accumulation: The high concentration of soluble salts in these soils can be toxic to plants, as they can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, such as potassium (K+), and cause osmotic stress in the roots.
  3. Drainage Difficulties: The poor soil structure and high salinity can lead to drainage problems, which can increase the risk of waterlogging and salinization.
Agricultural field showing the destructive effect of sodium, with dry and withering plants in cracked soil, highlighting the challenges of cultivating in sodic saline soils under a wide sky.
Severe impact of sodium in agriculture, presenting a field where plants are drying and withering due to high levels of sodium in the soil. Brown and curled leaves are seen, and the soil is cracked and dry, underscoring the harsh conditions caused by sodium. In the distance, a few healthy plants are contrasted, further highlighting the damage in the affected areas. This visual representation emphasizes the challenges faced by farmers in sodic saline soils and the importance of finding effective solutions to this problem.

To improve the quality of sodic saline soils, it is necessary to carry out appropriate management practices, such as the application of amendments to replace sodium with calcium and magnesium, soil flushing with quality water, and the implementation of effective drainage systems. Proper management of these soils is essential to optimize agricultural production in areas affected by soil salinity and sodicity.

Plant Tolerance to Sodic Saline Soils

The tolerance of crops to sodic saline soils varies depending on the plant species and its ability to adapt to adverse conditions. Sodic saline soils can be a challenge for agriculture, as the presence of high concentrations of sodium and salinity can negatively affect the growth and development of many plants. However, some crop species are more tolerant than others to these conditions. Here are some considerations on crop tolerance to sodic saline soils:

A robust and healthy plant with green leaves, emerging from sodic saline soil with layers of white salt, symbolizing the adaptation and resilience of some plant species in challenging agricultural environments.
Emerging vigorously from the ground, this plant features strong roots and vibrant green leaves, a testament to its adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. The surrounding soil, marked by layers of white salt, contrasts with the health and vitality of the plant. This scene illustrates not only the ability of certain species to thrive in sodic saline soils but also the hope for sustainable agricultural practices in such environments. It represents a promising future for agriculture in challenging soils, highlighting the importance of research and development of salt-tolerant crops.
  1. Tolerant: Some crops are naturally more tolerant to sodic saline soils than others. For example, certain grasses and forages, like alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense), and saltbush (Atriplex spp.), have a higher tolerance to salinity and sodium compared to broadleaf crops like corn or wheat.
  2. Resistant Varieties: Within a crop species, there may be varieties that are more resistant to salinity and sodium than others. Selecting appropriate varieties can be key to success in sodic saline soils.
  3. Management Practices: Proper management of sodic saline soils can improve crop tolerance. This includes improving soil structure, correcting the sodium/calcium and sodium/magnesium ratio through the application of amendments, and managing irrigation to reduce the accumulation of salts in the root zone.
  4. Crop Rotation: Rotating crops with plants more resistant to salinity can help reduce stress on the soil and improve soil quality over time.
  5. Proper Irrigation: Irrigation management is crucial in sodic saline soils. Irrigating with quality water and irrigation techniques that minimize the accumulation of salts in the root zone, such as drip irrigation, can be beneficial.
  6. Use of Phytostabilization: In some areas, halophytic plants (plants that tolerate high concentrations of salinity) can be used to improve soil quality over time through phytostabilization.

Horticultural Crops

CropEC Limit (a) (dS/m)Type of Tolerance
Onion1.2Sensitive
Spring Onion1.2Sensitive
Pea1.5Sensitive
Bean1Sensitive
Carrot1Sensitive
Alfalfa2Moderately Sensitive
Celery1.8Moderately Sensitive
Oats1.7Moderately Sensitive
Eggplant1.1Moderately Sensitive
Broccoli2.8Moderately Sensitive
Squash1.2Moderately Sensitive
Cauliflower1.8Moderately Sensitive
Spinach2Moderately Sensitive
Sunflower1.7Moderately Sensitive
Green Bean1.6Moderately Sensitive
Lettuce1.25Moderately Sensitive
Flax1.7Moderately Sensitive
Sweet Corn1.7Moderately Sensitive
Corn1.7Moderately Sensitive
Watermelon0.9Moderately Sensitive
Tomato2Moderately Sensitive
Artichoke6.1Moderately Sensitive
Sorghum6.8Moderately Sensitive
Wheat6Moderately Sensitive
Cotton7.7Tolerant
Barley8Tolerant

Woody Crops:

CropEC Limit (a) (dS/m)Type of Tolerance
Onion1.2Sensitive
Spring Onion1.2Sensitive
Pea1.5Sensitive
Bean1Sensitive
Carrot1Sensitive
Alfalfa2Moderately Sensitive
Celery1.8Moderately Sensitive
Oat1.7Moderately Sensitive
Eggplant1.1Moderately Sensitive
Broccoli2.8Moderately Sensitive
Pumpkin1.2Moderately Sensitive
Cauliflower1.8Moderately Sensitive
Spinach2Moderately Sensitive
Sunflower1.7Moderately Sensitive
Green Bean1.6Moderately Sensitive
Lettuce1.25Moderately Sensitive
Flax1.7Moderately Sensitive
Sweet Corn1.7Moderately Sensitive
Corn Grain1.7Moderately Sensitive
Melon1.7Moderately Sensitive
Potato1.7Moderately Sensitive
Cucumber2Moderately Sensitive
Bell Pepper1.5Moderately Sensitive
Radish1.2Moderately Sensitive
Watermelon0.9Moderately Sensitive
Tomato2Moderately Sensitive
Artichoke6.1Moderately Sensitive
Sorghum Grain6.8Moderately Sensitive
Wheat6Moderately Sensitive
Cotton7.7Tolerant
Barley8Tolerant

Woody Crops:

CropEC Limit (a) (dS/m)Type of Tolerance
Avocado1.60Sensitive
Apricot1.60Sensitive
Almond1.50Sensitive
Cherry1.50Sensitive
Plum1.50Sensitive
Persimmon1.70Sensitive
Mandarin1.70Sensitive
Apple1.50Sensitive
Bitter Orange x Lemon1.50Sensitive
Lemon x Citrus Macrophylla1.21Sensitive
Peach1.70Sensitive
Orange1.70Sensitive
Loquat1.60Sensitive
Pear1.50Sensitive
Grapefruit1.70Sensitive
Lemon x Mandar. Cleopatra1.92Moderately Sensitive
Lemon1.50Moderately Sensitive
Vine1.50Moderately Sensitive
Pomegranate5.00Moderately Sensitive
Fig4.20Moderately Sensitive
Olive5.00Moderately Sensitive
Palm4.00Tolerant

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