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

Answer

Minerals are responsible for causing soil salinity. Following are some of the cause for increase in soil salinity:
  • High level of salt in soil.
  • Water table movement because of landscape features.
  • Human activities; like clearing of land and excess use of synthetic fertilizers.
  • Salt runoff from streets can happen in cold climates because salt is applied on road to prevent snow accumulation.
Measurement of soil salinity: Soil salinity is measured in terms of gram per litre of soil solution or electrical conductivity in dS/ m. Soil salinity is usually determined from an extract of saturated paste of soil and then EC is termed as ECe. When 4 < ECe < 8, soil is termed as slightly saline. When 8 < ECe < 16, soil is termed as moderately saline. When ECe > 16, soil is termed as highly saline.

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