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. 2017 Nov 1;12(11):e0187536.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187536. eCollection 2017.

Dynamic changes in water and salinity in saline-alkali soils after simulated irrigation and leaching

Shutao Wang  1   2   3 , Qian Feng  1 , Yapeng Zhou  1 , Xiaoxi Mao  4 , Yaheng Chen  1 , Hao Xu  1
Affiliations

Dynamic changes in water and salinity in saline-alkali soils after simulated irrigation and leaching

Shutao Wang et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Soil salinization is a global problem that limits agricultural development and impacts human life. This study aimed to understand the dynamic changes in water and salinity in saline-alkali soil based on an indoor soil column simulation. We studied the changes in the water and salt contents of soils with different degrees of salinization under various irrigation conditions. The results showed that after seven irrigations, the pH, conductivity and total soluble salt content of the percolation samples after irrigation generally increased initially then decreased with repeated irrigation. The soil moisture did not change significantly after irrigation. The pH, conductivity, and total soluble salt content of each layer of the soil profile exhibited general declining trends. In the soil profile from Changguo Township (CG), the pH decreased from 8.21-8.35 to 7.71-7.88, the conductivity decreased from 0.95-1.14 ms/cm to 0.45-0.68 ms/cm, and the total soluble salt content decreased from 2.63-2.81 g/kg to 2.28-2.51 g/kg. In the soil profile from Zhongjie Industrial Park (ZJ), the pH decreased from 8.36-8.54 to 7.73-7.96, the conductivity decreased from 1.58-1.68 ms/cm to 1.45-1.54 ms/cm, and the total soluble salt decreased from 2.81-4.03 g/kg to 2.56-3.28 g/kg. The transported salt ions were primarily K+, Na+ and Cl-. After several irrigations, a representative desalination effect was achieved. The results of this study can provide technical guidance for the comprehensive management of saline-alkali soils.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Diagram of the indoor soil column setup.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Changes in the pH, conductivity and total soluble salt in the percolation water samples from CG and ZJ.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Changes in the soil water content in the CG and ZJ profiles.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Changes in the pH, conductivity and total soluble salt content of the CG profile.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Changes in the pH, conductivity and total soluble salt of the ZJ profile.
Fig 6
Fig 6. Changes in the salt ion contents of the CG profile.
Fig 7
Fig 7. Changes in the salt ion contents of the ZJ profile.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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