How does soil salinization occur?

What will be an ideal response?


Soil salinization occurs primarily in arid areas that are being irrigated.  Either the irrigation water already contains high concentrations of salts or the irrigation water dissolves them from highly mineralized soils.  Both situations are possible.  Salinization is the result of wasteful irrigation techniques that put more water in the field than the crops can absorb.  The excess water is left to evaporate.  As the water evaporates, the dissolved mineral load is precipitated in the soil.  This leaves behind a solid crust of salt that inhibits plant growth.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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