Chemical and hydrological controls on salt accumulation in irrigated soils of southwestern U.S

Abstract

Soil salinization is a global problem affecting approximately 10% of agricultural soils, particularly in irrigated aridlands. This study quantified salt-loading by flood irrigation and soil fertilizers/amendments versus atmospheric deposition, studied controls of solute transport and salt buildup, and evaluated the effectiveness of gypsum application in improving soil sodicity in the arid southwestern United States. Study sites include one natural site and two agricultural sites in fields of dominant crops of the region, a pecan orchard and an alfalfa field near El Paso, Texas. The salt-loading rate in agricultural soils was dominated by the quantity and quality of irrigation waters rather than by dust. Salt loadings by irrigation waters were estimated ~ 306 g Na+ m−2 yr−1, 129 g Ca2+ m−2 yr−1, 361 g Cl− m−2 yr−1, 419 g SO42− m−2 yr−1, and 284 g HCO3− m−2 yr−1, followed by soil amendments. Whereas dust and fertilizer loadings were negligible in agricultural soils. Soil texture variability physically governs water movement and solute transport; coarser soils retained significantly less water than finer soils upon irrigation (p < 0.005) facilitating salt leaching. More salts accumulated around low-permeability layers. Some soils have approached salinity thresholds after only 90 years of cultivation. The Rio Grande river flow is projected to decrease due to reduced snowfall in Colorado, leading to more groundwater of higher salinity, to be used. If ground water were to be the sole water source, the salt loading rate would almost double. Soil amendments temporarily reduce soil sodicity induced by high Na+ concentrations in irrigation water. Their application is needed annually to prevent soil dispersion, to improve infiltration, and to stop even faster salt accumulation. This study highlighted the challenges that the Rio Grande valley in southwestern United States and other irrigated drylands are facing.