soil salinity

pedology

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July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

Pedology is the scientific study of soils, encompassing their physical and chemical properties, the role of organisms, and their formation and mapping. Salinity refers to the amount of dissolved salts in water, most commonly sodium chloride, though other ions also contribute.12

Saline soils contain enough soluble salts to hinder plant growth. These salts can accumulate in soil through irrigation or floodwaters, especially in arid regions with poor drainage or insufficient rainfall to flush them out. Excess salinity damages plants by causing dehydration and inhibiting nutrient uptake. It can also negatively impact soil structure, making it sticky when wet and hard when dry.34

Saltwater intrusion is the infiltration of saltwater into freshwater supplies, often caused by rising sea levels or excessive groundwater withdrawal. This contamination affects drinking water and agricultural land, requiring costly mitigation efforts like desalination.5

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Australia
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
The threat of soil salinization was reported later, especially in the irrigation districts where it was associated with overwatering and poor drainage.
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The threat of soil salinization was reported later, especially in the irrigation districts where it was associated with overwatering and poor drainage.
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land reclamation
Reclamation of salt-affected soils
The salts found in soils are generally the chlorides, carbonates, bicarbonates, and sulfates of sodium, with lesser amounts of potassium, magnesium, and calcium salts.
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The salts found in soils are generally the chlorides, carbonates, bicarbonates, and sulfates of sodium, with lesser amounts of potassium, magnesium, and calcium salts.
Read More