Influence of intensive horticultural cultivation on soil salinity in Campo de Cartagena (Murcia).

Abstract

The electrical conductivity (EC) and ionic composition of the soil solution of a Haplic Calcisol in Campo de Cartagena (Murcia, Spain) were studied in situ for four years in an experimental plot of vegetables in the open air, together with the relationship between these parameters and the quality of the irrigation water used and the management of the plot. The results show that there were very significant fluctuations in these variables during the study period and that these fluctuations depended on the management of the plot and, in particular, on the irrigation water used. Therefore, for an adequate management of these agro-ecosystems, it is necessary to establish a network of experimental plots in situ, where sensitive indicators of soil degradation are monitored, in our case the EC and the ionic composition of the soil solution. Such indicators are capable of detecting these degradation processes and their relationship with the inappropriate management of this resource.