Feature image for Soil Salinity

Soil Salinity

Understanding soil salinity, testing methods, irrigation practices, and salt-tolerant plants can protect irrigated landscapes from damage.

6 min read

Photo Credit: Donald Suarez, USDA Salinity Laboratory

Soil salinity refers to the concentration of total dissolved salts in the soil. The dissolved salts release cations (positive charge) and anions (negative charge) to water.

The major cations contributing to soil salinity include:

1. Calcium

2. Magnesium

3. Sodium

4. Potassium.