Increasing evaporation, limited rainfall, or poor drainage can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil. This process—known as salinization—can affect the availability of water and nutrients for plants. During dry periods in particular, crops such as potatoes, carrots, and onions may be especially sensitive to elevated salt concentrations. So what can growers do to make their soils more resilient under these conditions?
What is salinization?
Salinization is the process where salts accumulate in the soil. This can happen due to factors such as:
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Irrigation with brackish water: As water evaporates, salts are left behind.
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Climate change: Higher temperatures and drought increase the rate of evaporation.
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Poor drainage: Without proper drainage, salts remain in the root zone instead of being flushed out.
The accumulation of salts can make it harder for plants to absorb water and can disrupt soil life. That’s why it’s important to explore ways to improve soil structure and support biological activity in the soil.
The importance of organic matter and soil life
A healthy soil with enough organic matter and active soil life is more resilient under stress conditions like salinization. Think of organic matter like a sponge: it helps retain water and nutrients, and it buffers fluctuations in salt concentrations. In addition, it provides food and habitat for soil organisms that play a key role in natural soil processes, such as nutrient release, structure improvement, and root development support.
An active soil biology can contribute to:
- Improving soil structure, allowing better water infiltration and more effective leaching of salts.
- Stimulating processes that increase nutrient availability for plants.
- Enhancing plant resilience to stress factors such as elevated salt levels.
How can GrowSolutions support this?
At GrowSolutions, we focus on strengthening soil health through products that work in harmony with the soil’s natural processes. Two of our key products in this area are TerraBoost and NutriFul.
TerraBoost
TerraBoost is an organic soil improver with a high content of organic matter. It supports better water management and improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture. Additionally, it enriches and stimulates soil life, which can positively affect soil structure and enhance both the retention and release of nutrients.
NutriFul
NutriFul is a biostimulant based on fulvic acid. Fulvic acid is known for its ability to improve nutrient availability to plants and can help buffer both pH levels and salinity, enabling crops to use water more efficiently. In combination with adequate rainfall or irrigation, NutriFul can assist in mobilizing and relocating excess salts away from the root zone.
Healthy soil as a foundation
Salinization is an increasing challenge for growers, particularly during periods of drought. Investing in soil health—by maintaining organic matter levels and promoting soil biology—is a crucial step toward a more resilient cropping system. Products like TerraBoost and NutriFul can play a supportive role in this process.
Questions about this approach or the application of TerraBoost and NutriFul? Feel free to get in touch!
