Paper Title
Changes in the Chemical Properties of Soil Affected by Seawater Intrusion
Abstract
An incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of salinity on changes in the chemical properties of the study soil. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomised design (CRD) with six replications. The Chachoengsao soil series were submerged and incubated with six levels of artificial seawater solutions of0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% v/v for two weeks at room temperature. According to the results, the soil samples in all seawater treatments were acidic (pH<7). The ECe (4.07 mS cm-1) was the highest in the 10 % seawater treatment compared to other treatments. Moreover, the concentrations of exchangeable K and Ca were increased after seawater applications compared to initial values of experimental soil. However, Mg value was decreased in 6%, 8% and 10% seawater treatments. It was observed that the exchangeable Na (800 mg kg-1) and Cl (1,127 mg L-1) contents were the highest in 10 % treatment among seawater levels. The largest values of SAR (8.95) and ESP (10.41%) were observed in 10 % treatment among different seawater levels, and all values were increased compared to initial values after seawater treatment. Besides, the highest value of available Cu resulted in 10% seawater treatment. However, the value of available Fe was the lowest in this treatment.Based on the findings, it was observed that the values of most of the soil properties were increased compared with initial values after the application of different levels of seawater. In addition, it was concluded that the seawater treatments of 4%, 6% and 8% caused moderate saline, while 10% treatment indicated strong saline soil containing chloride content with high toxicity for plant growth.
Keywords - Seawater, Electrical Conductivity, Chloride Content, Exchangeable Sodium Percentage.