Salinity Temporal Evolution Assessment under Mediterranean Conditions

Abstract

Background: The present study aims to study the temporal evolution of the salinity of three profiles of Solonchaks which are in the region of Rélizane (Algeria). The aim is to determine the temporal changes in salinity between 2010 and 2014, by comparing saline profiles to determine the direction and intensity of variation in soil salinity. Methods: The experiment was carried out on three soil profiles (Solonchaks) which are located in the perimeter of the Mina which is located in the Bas-Chélif. Result: The study of the temporal evolution of salinity showed that the majority of horizons underwent desalination between the 2010 and 2014 campaign. This desalination occurred at a speed between 3.67 and 10.74 dS m-1 per year. This would be due to a partial leaching of salts from the surface horizons during the rainy season. The soils studied are marked by a higher salinity during the 2010 compared to the 2014 campaign. The principal component analysis (PCA) reveals that the chemical elements of the soil solution have the most weight on the variability of salinity, and the Wilcoxon test reveals that the difference between the EC of the 2010 campaign and that of 2014 is significant.