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DEGRADATION AND CONTROL PROCESSES

Degradation process:

Due to sodification.

This process is very infrequent in Spain. It consists of an increase in the percentage of sodium exchanged (ESP >15%), which induces the dispersion of clay and organic matter. Physical properties are very unfavourable in these soils. The capillary rise of highly alkaline water (pH 10-12) dissolves organic matter which is translocated and deposited on the soil surface in the form of a black efflorescence.

Importance: occasional in Spain.

   Click on the image
When phenophtaleine turns
pink, this indicates that the
pH of the water in contact with
the soil is above 9:Process
of sodification (J. Porta)

   Click on the image Degradation processes by sodification: dispersed sodic clay.
(J. Porta)

    Click on the image
The highly alkaline water
dissolves the organic matter
and on evaporation deposits
a black crust on the soil
surface. Indus-Ganges
nplains (India)
(J. Porta)

Functions of the affected soils:

Production of biomass, hydrological function, environmental transformation functions.

Diagnostic criteria:

Appearance of the vegetation. Plant communities present. Study of the soil profile. Soil reaction. Degradation of the structure, tunnel erosion.

Prevention and control:

Field sampling and chemical analyses in the laboratory. Quality control applied to irrigation water. Once a soil has been degraded by sodification it is very difficult to recover.

                                             Click on the image

Degradació de sòls per sodificació en regadius.
Soil degradation by sodification in irrigated areas.
Structural degradation can be observed on the surface,
which reduces infiltration. There will also be
problems of sodium toxicity. Urgell (J. M. Villar)

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