Changes in selected soil physical properties caused by sodicity of soil and irrigation water

Abstract

Sodic water and spring water percolated through clay, clay loam, and sandy loam (SL) soils with exchangeable sodium percentages (ESPs) of 0, 10, 30, and 50. Reduction in saturated hydraulic conductivity and water stable aggregates recorded at higher ESPs. At ESP «30, application of sodic and spring water to clay soil (C) reduced saturated hydraulic conductivity from 1.2 to 3 mm hr~1, whereas in SL soil, the values were 2.8 and 6.2 mm hr~1, respectively. Results indicated that at any ESP and water source, the highest free swelling obtained was in the C soil. This study has practical importance to the management of irrigation water quality with respect to soil deterioration. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.