What is meant by salinization, and what are its consequences? How does irrigation cause salinization?
What will be an ideal response?
"Salinization is the accumulation of salts in and on the soil to the point where plant growth is suppressed. Salinization occurs because even the freshest irrigation water contains at least 200 to 500 ppm (0.02 to 0.05%) of dissolved salts. Adding water to dryland soils also dissolves the high concentrations of soluble minerals that are often present in those soils. As the applied water leaves by evaporation or transpiration, the salts remain behind and gradually accumulate as a precipitate. Because it happens in drylands, salinization is considered a form of desertification, since it renders the land less productive or even useless." Salt is a limiting factor for plants: when salt levels are too high the plants die, leaving the land bare and vulnerable to erosion.
You might also like to view...
In the United States, what are the primary uses of petroleum?
A) chemical fabrication and construction equipment B) fertilizer manufacturing and agricultural purposes C) power generation (electricity) and construction equipment D) transportation and industrial purposes E) running mining equipment and heating buildings
What kind of strained earth materials undergo permanent deformation by flowing plastically?
A. Ductile B. Laminated C. Water-saturated D. Brittle
Predict which of the small Eastern Mediterranean countries will have the most economic growth in the future
What will be an ideal response?
Biochemical and organic rocks form from materials produced by living organisms.
a. true b. false