Managing Soil Salinity Levels

Higher soil salinity levels in your turf?

1. Higher salt levels are caused by an increase in salt ions: Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, K+, Cl−, SO4-2, HCO3−, NO3−, CO3-2 (at pH >9.0).
2. Salt ions come from dissolution of minerals, irrigation water, fertilizers, soil amendments, high water table, saltwater spray, insufficient leaching.
3. High soil salt levels cause the following problems: water deficit, ion toxicity, ion (nutrient) imbalances, and poor soil permeability. Salt-affected soils are classed as: saline (high salts), sodic (high sodium) or saline-sodic (high salt and sodium).

Approach

1. Assess the site to evaluate potential risk.
2. Restrict salt addition through choice of fertilizer type. Use salt-tolerant grass cultivars.
3. Leach salt out of the rootzone.
4. Check (and amend if possible) water quality. Ensure nutrients are in balance.
5. Encourage good rooting.
6. Monitor situation and adapt as required (season specific).