Use of Volcanic Mulch to Rehabilitate Saline‐Sodic Soils

• DOI: 10.2136/sssaj2003.1856
• Publication Date: 2010-07-27T21:51:54Z
• Authors: M. Tejedor; C. C. Jiménez; F. Díaz
• Keywords: Soil horizon; Efflorescence

Natural soil salinization and sodication processes that restrict or prevent crop growth are commonplace in arid regions. In saline‐sodic soils of parts the Canarian archipelago, where annual rainfall is <150 mm, a traditional agriculture system has been developed using basaltic tephra mulch. This enabled dry farming to take place even under most adverse natural conditions. The present work compares salinity‐sodicity cultivated layer were covered with 10 15 cm mulch as recently 20 yr ago adjacent unmulched soils. These have never irrigated. Results show significant differences electrical conductivity (EC) exchangeable Na percentage (ESP). natural, extremely (EC se 43 dSm −1 , ESP 44), whereas mulched neither saline nor sodic 1.5 9). reduction salinity sodicity was related change moisture regime caused by covering, which increases infiltration reduces evaporation upward movement + other salts. Probably, additional water from dew could also contribute. greater dilution solution through increased content, leaching dissolution calcium salts may account for desalinization desodication. results confirmed monitoring moment it originally tephra. They revealed salt process short‐term. Tephra mulching can, therefore, be highly efficient technique recovery