Dissolved salts in the water supply can cause the increase in salt concentration in the soil. This supply of water can be caused by flooding of the land, seepage of water through the soil, or the evaporation of water. (SO2) is a gas that is produced by the burning of fossil fuels.
States, sulfur dioxide is emitted from coal-fired power plants and from industrial sources such as sulfuric acid and sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ). Europe, the emissions are mainly due to the use of sulfur-containing fertilizers and the production of sulphur-based paints and varnishes.
Table of Contents
What is salinisation and how is it caused?
Excess can cause the destruction of soil structure. Human interventions such as inappropriate irrigation practices can lead to secondary salinisation. (SO 2 ) is a gas that is produced by the burning of fossil fuels. SO 2 is the main component of smog. It is also a pollutant that can be harmful to human health and the environment. The main sources of sulfur dioxide are coal-fired power plants, industrial processes, and agricultural activities.
States, the largest sources are the combustion of coal for electricity generation, as well as the use of natural gas for heating and cooking. :
- Other sources include the manufacture of steel
- Cement
- Aluminum
- Glass
- Paper
- Plastics
- Paints
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Fungicides
- Insecticides
These gases include nitrogen oxides (NO x ), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH 4 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and ozone (O 3 ).
How do humans cause soil salinization?
Human activities can cause salinization through the use of salt-rich irrigation water, which can be worsened by overexploitation of coastal groundwater, or by other inappropriate irrigation practices. Salinity can also be caused by overuse of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other agricultural chemicals, as well as by land-use changes that alter the salinity of the soil and water.
Salinity is also a result of human activities that affect water quality. For example, overfishing and pollution of rivers and streams can lead to a decline in the quality and quantity of water that is available for human use.
Where is soil salinization most common?
America are at risk of increasing salinization. States, salinity has been increasing in the Gulf of Mexico since the 1970s. Gulf is the world’s largest freshwater reservoir, holding more than half of the nation’s fresh water. It is also a major source of drinking water for millions of Americans.
Salinity is increasing because of a combination of factors, including increased evaporation from the land, increased pumping of freshwater from underground aquifers to the surface, an increase in groundwater pumping and a decrease in surface water withdrawals from rivers and lakes.
Where is salinization most common?
The process in which soils accumulate excess salts is referred to as soil salinization. In arid and semi-arid climates, soil salinization occurs because water from the soil causes the water table to rise. As a result, more water is available for plant roots to absorb. Soils that are too salty for plants to grow in are referred to as saline soils.
Saline soils are characterized by high levels of dissolved salts, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate. These salts are found naturally in soils, but they can also be added to soils to increase the amount of salts available to plants. In addition, some salts can be used as fertilizers, which is why they are sometimes called “salt-fixing” or “soil-fertilizing” materials.
How do farmers cause salinity?
The major causes of irrigation salinity are: excess use of irrigation water; inefficient water use; poor drainage; irrigation of inappropriate soils; and, seepage from irrigation channels, drains and water storages. The level of the water table may rise as a result of any of these. Irrigation is the process by which water is used to irrigate crops.
Irrigated crops include crops such as corn, wheat, rice, sorghum, canola, alfalfa, soybeans, cotton, sugar beets, and other crops that require water to grow. For example, if a farmer is irrigating a field of corn and wants to increase the yield of his crop, he may use more water than he would if he were to use less water.
In addition, irrigation can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the soil type and the climate in which the crops are grown. Some crops require less irrigation than others, which is why it is important to understand the factors that affect irrigation use and irrigation efficiency.
How can we prevent soil salinization?
Improving the efficiency of irrigation channels, capturing and treating salty drainage water, setting up desalting plants, and increasing the amount of water that gets into aquifers are some of the solutions.
What are the signs of soil salinization?
Plants may appear to be water stressed. A white crust can be seen on the soil surface. Salt-affected soils can cause irregular emergence of crop seedlings in sensitive crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton, and canola. Saline soils are also susceptible to salinity-induced root rot. Root rot occurs when the roots of plants are exposed to high levels of dissolved salts in the soil.
Saline soil can also be a source of nitrates and nitrites, both of which can be toxic to plants and animals. Nitrates are a major component of the nitrate-nitrite cycle, which is responsible for the production of ammonia, nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ).
Nitrite is an important nutrient for plant growth and development, but it is also a toxic chemical that can damage the nervous system of humans and other animals, especially when consumed in large amounts. Because of its toxicity, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of sodium nitrite as a food additive in most processed foods.
What 2 things must happen for soil salinization to occur?
When dissolved salts in water tables rise to the soil surface, they accumulate. The rise in a water table is usually caused by the replacement of deep-rooted vegetation, such as trees and shrubs. Salinity is a measure of the amount of salt dissolved in the water. Salinity can be measured in parts per million (ppm) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
The salt content of water is determined by the ratio of sodium (Na) to chloride (Cl) and the concentration of these two elements in seawater. States, water with a salinization level of less than 0.5 ppm is considered safe to drink, while levels of more than 1 ppm are considered unsafe.
Do fertilizers cause soil salinization?
However, excessive application of fertilizers via fertirrigation may increase the risk of soil salinization [1]. The use of irrigation systems that are not properly maintained is one of the reasons for the increase in soil salinity. Fertilizers can be applied in a variety of ways. The most common method is to apply the fertilizer directly onto the soil surface.
However, this method may not be suitable for all types of soils. For example, some soils may be too acidic or too alkaline for the application method to be effective. In addition, the amount of fertilizer applied may vary depending on the type of crop being grown.
