1. Some Basic Soil info

2. Soil Deposit

3. Soil Horizons O = Organic A = Topsoil B = Subsoil C = Parent Material
R = Bedrock

4. More on Soil Horizons

5. Soils Triangle
Image from

7. Soil Erosion

8. What is Salinization?
Salinization is the process by which water-soluble salts accumulate in the soil.
Salinization is a resource concern because excess salts hinder the growth of crops by limiting their ability to take up water.
Salinization may occur naturally or because of conditions resulting from management practices

9. Processes affecting Salinization
hydrology
climate
irrigation
drainage
plant cover and rooting characteristics
farming practices

10. Causes of Salinization?
Salinization on the soil surface occurs where the following conditions occur together:
the presence of soluble salts, such as sulfates of sodium, calcium, and magnesium in the soil
a high water table
a high rate of evaporation
low annual rainfall

11. Effects of Salinization
Salts in the soil increase the efforts by plant roots to take in water.
High levels of salt in the soil have a similar effect as droughtiness by making water less available for uptake by plant roots.
Often restricts options for cropping in a given land area.
Degrades the quality of shallow ground water and surface water resources, such as ponds, sloughs, and dugouts.

12. HOW DOES CALICHE AFFECT A PLANT?
Reduces water penetration, causing inadequate root aeration and salt accumulation in the soil surface. Reduces plant vigor.
Reduces root penetration, restricting normal root development. This restricts the plant's ability to use soil nutrients and water.
The high pH restricts the plant's ability to use many micro-nutrients. Iron deficiency is the most common problem associated with this condition.

14. References
Lithgow-Bertelloni, C. (1999) Soils: formation and characteristics.
Hancock,G (2001) Soil profiles and horizons.
USDA