Changes in soils irrigated with saline groundwater containing excess bicarbonate
W. K. GardnerRMB 7399, Horsham, Vic. 3401, Australia.
Australian Journal of Soil Research 42(7) 825-831 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR03099
Submitted: 4 June 2003 Accepted: 6 July 2004 Published: 12 November 2004
Abstract
Changes in soil properties caused by irrigation with saline groundwater (approx. 2 dS/m) containing excess bicarbonate were measured on Vertosols and Sodosols in the West Wimmera, Victoria, Australia. Irrigation caused soil pH to increase, and where this had risen sufficiently (approx. 8.0), the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) of 1 : 5 soil extracts also increased, presumably due to precipitation of calcium and magnesium carbonates. Salt only accumulated when the SAR of 1 : 5 soil extracts was high. In contrast to previous studies, SAR of the soil extracts was not correlated with exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of the exchange complex, nor with soil pH. SAR values rose with irrigation once pH exceeded 8, suggesting that carbonate formation was incomplete due to insufficient bicarbonate. The results imply that gypsum application may ameliorate soil properties even if amounts applied are not sufficient to alter ESP.
Acknowledgements
The West Wimmera Shire gave permission for the results of its study into sustainable irrigation practices to be used in preparing this paper.
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