Estimating Salinity of Soils from Northwest of Egypt using Different Soil-to- Water Ratio Extracts

Document Type : Original Article

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Soil and Water Sciences Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt.

Abstract

Saturated soil paste extracts and different soil to water ratios are commonly used in soil salinity studies and field remediation of salt-affected soils. This experimental study was carried out to assess the possibility of estimating electrical conductivity and soluble ions concentrations of saturated soil paste extracts from 1:1, 1:2.5 and 1:5 soil to water ratios. Twenty-five undisturbed surface soil samples were collected to represent sandy, calcareous and clay soils commonly occur in the Northwest of Egypt. Electrical conductivity (EC) and major soluble ions concentrations were measured. Soil specific and combined regression equations and coefficients of determination of saturated soil paste EC and analytes versus 1:1, 1:2.5 and 1:5 soil to water ratios were evaluated. Estimation of saturated soil paste EC and other analytes from these soil to water ratios was successful with high correlation except for K and Ca ions in sandy and calcareous soil, respectively. Slopes of regression lines in proximity of 2, 4 and 7.5 for the 1:1, 1:2.5 and 1:5 soil to water ratios, respectively reflect the dilution effect of readily soluble salts. The use of these regression equations to estimate the saturated soil paste EC and other analytes has potential benefits of minimizing labor, time and costs required for saturated soil paste extract preparation. Soil specific regression equations are recommended for more precise estimation of saturated soil paste attributes.

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