Organic Framing

Saline and Alkali Soils

When the Chloride (Cl-), Sulphate (SO4=), Carbonate (CO3=) and Bicarbonate (HCO3=) salts of Sodium (Na+), Calcium (Ca2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+) are increased in soil, the soil becomes saline and alkali. On the basis of amount of salts, average quantity of exchangeable sodium and pH, such soils are classified as saline, alkali and saline-alkali soils.