Abstract
To improve knowledge on salt leaching suitability on different soils, in Arenosols and Cambisols croplands in the coastal area of Ravenna (Italy), soil samples were collected in the non-irrigation winter period and irrigation summer period. Concurrently, waters of the canal network were also investigated. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, carbonate, total organic carbon (TOC), particle size distribution, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density (BD) and water content at field capacity (FC). Water samples were investigated for pH, EC, biological and chemical oxygen demand, sodium adsorption ratio, phosphorus, nitrogen, sulfates and chlorides. All soils had low TOC concentrations and Arenosols showed the lowest clay content, BD and FC. Soils had similar EC values in winter, but in summer the lowest ones were observed in Arenosols, suggesting that irrigation mitigated salinization in Arenosols, while the high clay content, BD and FC prevented or limited the salt leaching in Cambisols. In summer, the increase of total nitrogen and biological oxygen demand, especially in drainage channels, might suggest the leaching of soluble nutrients and organic matter from soils due to the high irrigation water volumes. Finally, our findings stress the need to consider soil type and properties to contrast soil salinization without negative effects on soil C leaching caused by salt leaching practice.
Highlights
Soil salinization is a major threat for land degradation, having an impact on a number of soil functions, in particular, a direct negative effect on soil biology and organic matter dynamics, and an indirect effect leading to loss of soil stability through changes in soil structure [1]
Statistical differences in physicochemical data were found among soil types (Table S1 in Supplementary Materials) but not between superficial and deep layers
total organic carbon (TOC) content, bulk density (BD) and ECe values allowed us to highlight the vulnerability of the soils studied, which appear well-related to soil types
Summary
Soil salinization is a major threat for land degradation, having an impact on a number of soil functions, in particular, a direct negative effect on soil biology and organic matter dynamics, and an indirect effect leading to loss of soil stability through changes in soil structure [1]. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 950 Mha of the world’s land is affected by soil salinization [2]. The rise of sea level causes salt intrusion and the increase of soil salinization risk. This risk can be further stressed by the human activities. Sodic and saline soils can be due to mismanagement of irrigation that, at present, affects 34 Mha, namely more than 10% of the irrigated lands [1]. Groundwater overexploitation is another important issue causing the acceleration of seawater intrusion and, the enhancement of soil salinization [4,5]
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