Abstract
SummaryMechanisms of formation and accumulation of Na2CO3 have been studied in a graded sequence of salt‐affected soils of the Sacramento Valley, California. The soils are confined within a drainageway which is inundated during winter with flood waters containing relatively low concentrations of neutral sodium, calcium, and magnesium salts. Heavy inundations and high water tables within the basin lead to microbiological reduction of sulfate and ferric iron. The resulting sulfide is held within the soil as FeS whereas the CO2 released by biological oxidation of abundant organic matter forms bicarbonate. Lateral and upward migration of bicarbonate‐charged water from the drainageway basin to soils nearer the basin rim results in yearly increases in concentration of soluble salts within these soils. Ca(HCO3)2 and Mg(HCO3)2 migrate from the zones of maximum CO2 production and precipitate as carbonates. NaHCO3 continues to move, along with the capillary water, and accumulates in the rim soils. As water evaporates or is used by growing plants, loss of CO2 from the NaHCO3 occurs, resulting in the formation of Na2CO3. The high Na2CO3 concentration at these rim positions has resulted in removal of divalent bases from the exchange complex, an equivalent increase in exchangeable sodium, and high pH.
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