The effect of fertigation on salinization and stability of soil aggregates, taking into account the effectiveness of precipitation on their natural desalination in central Europe

Abstract

The effect of fertigation on the physicochemical properties of soil was estimated. Three fertigation procedures with different salinity levels were tested. The effect of precipitation on soil desalination through salt leaching was controlled by comparing changes in soil electrical conductivity during and after vegetation. Soil aggregate stability was measured as an indicator of soil degradation. The electrical conductivity of soil during pre-sowing (or after sowing) treatment was higher than at the end of the growing season. This difference decreased significantly, becoming insignificant after winter due to the effective dissolving effect of rain and snow. The article considers the issues of natural soil desalination, taking into account precipitation. Studies of soil desalination by leaching of salts were described. It was revealed that in the short term fertigation is not harmful to the soil if the amount of precipitation is sufficient.