Soil salinity and moisture content under non-native Tamarix species
Solomon W Newete1,2, Mohamed A Abd Elbasit1,3, Tesfay Araya4
1Agricultural Research Council-Soil, Climate and Water (ARC-SCW), Division of Geo-Information Science, Pretoria, South Africa.
International Journal of Phytoremediation
|June 12, 2020
Summary
Exotic Tamarix trees in South Africa increase soil salinity and moisture content, particularly at 30-40cm depth. This suggests Tamarix
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Exotic Tamarix species are prevalent in the Olifants River, South Africa.
- Understanding their impact on soil properties is crucial for ecosystem management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate soil salinity and moisture content under Tamarix in the Olifants River.
- To determine the relationship between Tamarix density, distance from water, and soil parameters.
Main Methods:
- Soil electro-conductivity (EC) mapping using electromagnetic induction (EMI) with an EM38 sensor.
- In-situ measurements of soil EC and moisture using an EC meter and Amplitude Domain Reflectometry (ADR) sensor at various depths (0-100 cm).
- Transect-based sampling along the riverbank at 50m intervals.
Main Results:
- Highest salt concentration (3,000 mS/m) and soil moisture (20-40%) were observed at 30-40 cm depth under dense Tamarix stands.
- Findings suggest hydraulic lift by Tamarix, transporting water to upper soil layers where fine roots are active.
- Salt leaching depth and litter decomposition rates are influenced by proximity to water sources and Tamarix plant density.
Conclusions:
- Tamarix significantly alters soil salinity and moisture profiles, concentrating salts and moisture in specific soil horizons.
- Hydraulic lift mechanism is proposed as a key factor in water redistribution by Tamarix.
- Plant density and distance from water sources are critical factors influencing soil salt dynamics and decomposition under Tamarix invasion.
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