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4. Soil Management Considerations
Benefits of irrigation management include:
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Conservation of scarce water resources
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Reduction of labor associated with irrigating
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Improved soil health as the result of
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Reduced erosion
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Increased forage production and organic matter input
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Managed sodicity
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Reduced nutrient leaching
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Increased aeration
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Protection of aquatic habitats on and off your ranch or farm
Managing for Saline/Sodic soils
Soils that are both saline and sodic are the hardest to manage. By definition, these soils have an
electrical conductivity above 4 mmhos/cm and a Sodium Adsorption Ratio greater than 13. These
soils must first be managed as sodic soils. Application of calcium to disperse the sodium followed
by leaching to remove salts is critical. High electrical conductivity water is beneficial to sodic soils
for leaching purposes but is not beneficial for crop production. The soil must be irrigated after
the application of calcium to remove the sodium that has been displaced by the calcium. Water is
applied to leach the sodium to below the root zone of the plant, and water must therefore be free to
drain or leach below the root zone. Evaluate soil drainage before beginning reclamation.