ALKALI SOILS & THEIR MANAGEMENT

Alkali soil?

    Alkali soils are those that contain measurable amounts of soluble salts mostly as carbonates and bicarbonates of sodium.

      Characteristics of Alkali soils
    • These soils have pHs > 8.2 and ESP > 15. The ECe of alkali soils is variable but normally <4 dSm-1. Neutral salts like NaCl and Na2SO4 are present in very small quantities. The alkali soils are also known as sodic or solonetz. They are also called as Black alkali soils. It is mainly because of high pH and Na2CO3 the finely decomposed organic matter is dissolved along with the water that imparts a dark black or brown colour to the soil.
    Last modified: Saturday, 3 December 2011, 6:56 AM