Page 141 - E-BOOK English
P. 141
Profile features
The profiles of Solonchaks have gleyic properties at some depth. In low-lying areas with
a shallow water table, salt accumulation is the strongest at the surface soil. Solonchaks, where
ascending groundwater does not reach the surface soil, have the greatest accumulation of salts
at some depth below the surface soil.
Environment and landforms
Solonchaks frequently occur in arid and semi-arid regions, especially in areas where
the ascending water table reaches the surface soil, or in areas with vegetation of grasses and/
or halophytic herbs. Solonchaks in coastal areas occur in all climates.
Use and management
Land use in areas where high salt accumulation is at the surface soil must have a
suitable cultural practice before the cultivation of main crops to slow down the salt transport,
which enhances crop growth. A drainage system may apply to flush saltwater from the area by
irrigation. Halophytes and salt-tolerant trees are suited for Solonchaks to cover the surface soil
and directly suppress the level of the water table. Also, other salt-tolerant crops may be grown
for household and community benefits.
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