Abstract
The properties of halomorphic soils are controlled by the presence of either soluble salts, exchangeable sodium or both, and it is important to know and understand these properties in order to reforest and/or recover the soils. The objective of this study was to characterize and classify halomorphic soils from the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Four profiles of halomorphic soils were studied, which were described morphologically and the samples were collected from all soil horizons. Physical and chemical analyzes of the soils were carried out for classification purposes, as well as geochemical speciation of the soluble salts. According to the results, P1 and P3 were classified as Fluvisols, and P2 and P4 as Cambisols. It was observed that the studied soil profiles have the predominance of fine particles, which prevents the leaching and subsequent removal of salts from the soil profile. Soils presented high levels of exchangeable sodium, characterizing them as sodium solids throughout the profile. Ionic speciation analysis indicated the predominance of free forms of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+, HCO3-, Cl- and SO42- and combinations of calcium, magnesium and sodium chloride and sulfate salts. Thus, it was possible to conclude that the studied halomorphic soils presented high levels of degradation by salts and sodium and that these types of soils are strongly related to the Fluvisols and Cambisols.
Highlights
The properties of halomorphic soils are controlled by the presence of either soluble salts, exchangeable sodium or both
It is important to identify the soil degradation level caused by salinity/sodicity in order to establish effective plans for the recovery and management of these soils. This would be of great importance for reforestation efforts in these areas. In this context, based on the hypothesis that salts vary in level and type according to each soil type’s susceptibility to halomorphism and with the goal of contributing to the understanding of the dynamics of salts in these soils, the purpose of this study is the characterization and classification of Halomorphic soils found in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil
The soils studied have profiles with characteristic features of orders of Fluvisols and Cambisols, which may indicate a strong connection between these soil orders and salinity/sodicity problems in the semiarid region of Pernambuco
Summary
The properties of halomorphic soils are controlled by the presence of either soluble salts, exchangeable sodium or both. Approximately 20% of irrigated land, responsible for one-third of the world’s food production, is affected by salts and sodium (Machado & Serralheiro, 2017). Salts can be transported to the soil surface by capillary action from brackish water tables where it accumulates due to evaporation. Salts can accumulate as a result of anthropogenic activities such as fertilization or irrigation especially with saline water. The process of soil salinization can be accelerated by climate change, excessive use of groundwater and massive introduction of irrigation associated with intensive farming and poor drainage (Machado & Serralheiro, 2017)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
