engleski

Vertical distribution of soil salinity in Neretva river estuary

The goal of this research was to establish vertical distribution of soluble salts in ameliorated soils of Neretva River estuary located in the Adriatic Sea coast of Croatia. In the study area covering 670 ha in central part of estuary 77 soil pits were excavated. Each soil profile was segmented in 4 depth zone (0-30, 30-60, 60-90 and 90-130 cm) from which soil samples for laboratory analysis were collected. In a total of 308 soil samples basic soil chemical properties (pH, humus, CaCO3, P2O5 and K2O), soil texture and electrical conductivity (EC), Cl- , SO4 2- , Na+ , Ca2+ and Mg2+ in 1:1 soil:water extract were determined. Investigated ameliorated hydromorphic soils developed on delta sediments (quartenary marine mineral and organic deposits and alluvial deposits) had very wide ranges of analyzed chemical properties and texture. Soil conductivity (EC1:1) varied in wide range from 0.42 - 8.00 dS/m (non-saline to strongly saline soil). Average soil EC1:1 in surface and sub-surface horizons (depth zone 0-30 and 30-60 cm) were 2.06 and 2.38 dS/m respectively what makes them slightly saline. Deeper depth zones 60-90 cm and 90-130 cm were moderately saline with average values of soil EC 3.05 and 3.34 dS/m. Investigation of vertical distribution of soil salinity showed that soils of this intensively agro-exploited areas (citruses, other fruits and vegetables) are exposed to degradation: primary salinization caused by the capillary rising of groundwater and secondary salinization by using of brackish water for crop irrigation.

soil; salinity; agriculture; amelioration

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