Evaluation of Soil Salinity Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICBMS)--Case Study of Al Qassim Region, Kingdom Saudi

Abstract

Al Qassim region situated in the middle of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has a population of roughly 370,727 people and a 58,046-km² area. It is referred to as the "trophic basket" of the nation due to its agricultural resources. It is one of Saudi Arabia's most significant agricultural districts. Soil salinization is present as a global problem. Analyzing the impact of trace elements on soil salinization done. The concentrations of trace elements in three samples (Chlorine (Cl), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Boron (B),), were taken from the western and eastern sides and 50cm depth, were testing using a COUPLED PLASMA-MASS SPECTROMETER (ICBMS), and they were found to be (152 μg/g, 5066 μg/g, 16022 μg/g, 4.2 μg/g, respectively) for the first sample. (185 μg/g, 4873 μg/g, 14876 μg/g, 2.6 μg/g, and respectively) for the second sample. (144μg/g, 5298 μg/g, 15080 μg/g, 3.8 μg/g, respectively) for the third sample. A pH meter used to determine the pH. The pH ranged from 5.98 on the east to 6.08 and 6.02 for 50cm depth, indicating somewhat acidic conditions. In addition, the concentrations of SO₄ and HCO₃, salty water-containing anions, which are common components, were tested. One of the main barriers to plant growth and development in acidic soils is aluminum (Al) toxicity. Magnesium and potassium values are higher than usual. At the plant root, a high potassium concentration prevents magnesium from being absorbed; a high magnesium content in the soil solution has no effect on potassium absorption.