SOME MOISTURE RELATIONS IN A SOLONETZIC SOIL COMPLEX

Abstract

Field study of some of the moisture conditions in a Duagh-Malmo Solonetzic soil complex revealed that the depth of soil drying was closely related to the degree of solodization. Data pertaining to the wilting point and field capacity of the soil did not reveal any reason for the differences in the field productivity and water distribution for these soils. Barley seedlings grown on surface samples of the Solonetz member exhibited a nutritional disorder. The addition of sodium sulphate, the predominant readily soluble salt in the lime-salt horizon of this soil, overcame the nutritional disorder, reduced water uptake, and increased productivity. The addition of up to 20 milliequivalents of sodium per 100 grams of soil did not create a wilting condition, even when the moisture level was allowed to fall to the measured wilting point. It is suggested that a nutritional problem may have a significant bearing on water utilization by plants grown on these soils.