Column Experiment using Tottori Sand Dune Soil

Dynamics of water and salt in soil under an arid condition and its effect on element absorption by crops (I)

Abstract

The dynamics of water and salt in a Tottori sand dune soil column and its effect on element absorption using barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Daisen gold) were investigated. Three air temperatures of 25, 30 and 35°C and three ground water levels were incorporated. The results are as follows.
(1) High air temperatures and ground water level stimulated the evapotranspiration from the soil column.The former had a much stronger effect than the latter.
(2) The ground-water level affected the soil moisture profile. The lower the water level, lower was the moisture content of the soil. At the same ground-water level, similar moisture profiles were obtained irrespective of growing crops although the moisture content was higher during the growing period.
(3) Salt content ranging from 0-3 cm of the surface soil were markedly high and sharply decreased with depth. The higher the air temperature, the more salt accumulated. Soil accumulation was stimulated using growing crops.
(4) The cation accumulation in rhizosphere affected its absorption using barley. This was especially true for sodium, although barley growth was dependent on nitrogen absorption.