Question

Which element is responsible for causing soil salinity? At what concentration does the soil become saline?

Answer 1

Soil salinity

The salt content in the soil is called soil salinity. Soils that contain excess salt are called saline soils.

Causes of soil salinity

The cause of the presence of excess salt in the soil is as follows:-

● Excessive irrigation and improper drainage of soil

● Excessive use of synthetic fertilisers

Elements causing soil salinity

$N{a}^{+},C{a}^{2+},M{g}^{2+}$ and $C{l}^{-}$ are responsible for soil salinity.

Measurement of soil salinity

Soil salinity is measured in terms of gram per litre of soil solution or electrical conductivity ($EC$) expressed in deciSiemens per metre ($dS/m$).

$EC$ value	Soil salinity
$1-4$	Less saline
$4-8$	Moderately saline
$8-16$	High saline