Soil and water indicators for optimal practices when reclaiming acid sulphate soils in the Plain of Reeds, Viet Nam

Abstract

In the Plain of Reeds (Mekong delta, Viet Nam), water and soil characteristics show a high temporal variability which can be explained by changes in relative soil/water levels. Acid, aluminium and iron concentrations in canal water increase (pH drops from 6 to less than 3.5) when the annual river flood water recedes and the drainage/flushing of the acid sulphate soils begins. The high intra-annual variability of soil chemical characteristics is explained by sensitivity to changes in redox potential. Due to the high concentrations of toxic ions, cropping conditions are favourable for an extremely short period (2–3 months), which starts at the end of the annual flood. Optimal time window for cultivation, and optimal cropping techniques are related to the microelevation of the fields and to their permeability, which is very high in the first years following reclamation. In newly reclaimed paddy fields, water control is very limited and, even with frequent irrigation, maintaining favourable conditions is not possible before a less permeable plough-pan has been created by cultivation. To reclaim these soils, the only solution is then to start cultivation as early as possible. Farmers in the Plain of Reeds developed a technique consisting of sowing pregerminated rice seeds in deep water (20–40 cm) when flood water recedes. Determination of the sowing date is a key issue. Flood characteristics, in particular the speed of recession and water turbidity, the elevation and the age of the field as they determine permeability and water control should be taken into account.