How to Measure a Soil's Salinity

Saline soils contain a high concentration of salts. In most cases, soil salinity is not visible, but sometimes salt accumulation appears as a white powder or crust on the soil surface. Plants growing in saline soils may be stunted or discolored. Soil salinity can be caused by high soil pH (greater than 7.8, alkaline soils) and/or by accumulation of salts in soils. Salts in irrigation water, high water tables, poor irrigation and drainage, overfertilization and runoff from other sources may cause salts to accumulate in soils.

Soil pH test kit or test meter
Trowel or soil auger
Plastic bucket
Zip-top plastic bags
Waterproof pen
Box for mailing

Instructions

- 1
  Follow the package directions to test your soil using a soil pH test kit or pH meter. They can be purchased from home improvement stores and are easy to use.
- 2
  
  A trowel may be used to collect soil samples.
  
  Collect a soil sample and submit it to a soil testing laboratory for a more accurate and complete diagnosis. Use a trowel or soil auger to collect a sample 4 to 6 inches deep. Augers are easy to use and are simply inserted into the ground. If using a trowel, dig a hole the correct depth and remove a 1-inch-wide sample from the smooth side of the hole. Collect samples in early spring or late fall to allow time for any soil amendments to take effect. Also submit samples whenever you notice any problems in plant growth.
- 3
  Use a plastic bucket to collect the soil samples. Keep your samples from each unique garden area (e.g., flower garden, vegetable garden, lawn) separate and submit them separately. Randomly collect about 10 or more soil samples from within each unique garden area and mix them together in the bucket.
- 4
  Take about a 1/2-lb. sample from each bucket and place them in zip-top plastic bags. Label them with a waterproof pen. Check with the soil testing laboratory you are using to find out what type of information they want you to record.
- 5
  Mail the soil samples to the soil testing laboratory in the appropriate box. Many university extension services have their own boxes for mailing. Contact them in advance of collecting the soil sample to make sure you have the right type of mailer and information form. Enclose any fee the lab charges for testing. Fees are usually less than $10.

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