Effect of Irrigation on Salt Distribution Profile at Umjawasir Farm in the Northern State, Sudan

Abstract

This work was carried out at Umjawasir irrigated farm in
the Northern State, Sudan. It aimed to assess the salts distribution
pattern within the root zone to predict soil secondary salinity
development, which causes a risk for sustainability of production. The
irrigation water was analysed and rated by monitoring average root
zone salinity and soil structure stability using E.C i and SAR i . Three
sites: I (irrigated for eight years), II (irrigated for three years) and III
(bare soil, as control), were studied. Soil samples were taken in 2003,
every 0.25 m to a depth of 1.25 m, for each site. The soils' E.C e., Na,
Mg and Ca content, ESP, SAR, O.C. and N content were determined.
Regression analyses were carried out to investigate the possibility of
transient salinization. The results showed that the soil salt content was
lower at site I than sites II and III at the soil surface (0.25-0.50 m), and
at the depth of 0.75 m, sites I and II had higher E.C e. compared to site
III. Sites I and II showed significant (P= 0.05) differences in E.C e.
with depth. The results also indicated that there was washing of salts
from the soil surface and accumulation at depths greater than one
metre. Therefore, the hazard of development of transient salinity is
expected. Further detailed investigations of the leaching factor and soil
physical properties need to be done to make recommendation for
suitable irrigation and cultivation practices for sustainable crop
production.