Monitoring salinization processes in soils by using a chemical degradation indicator

The main aim of this work is to progress in the study of desertification processes in Mediterranean regions in the framework of DESERTNET project by means of the execution of pilot studies and development of evaluation models. This paper shows the results of an investigation on the degradation processes of soils carried out in the Murcia Region (SE, Spain). Specifically, salinization problems in Murcia Region were evaluated by means of two chemical degradation indicators, salinization state and salinization rate. We define chemical degradation indicator as the representative value of an observed chemical phenomenon in soil which produce its degradation. Chemical degradation indicators were calculated in order to simplify the interpretation of all the complex processes involved in environmental monitoring.The results obtained showed that in some areas an increase in salinization processes is taking place. On the other hand, there are only a few points with high a risk of salinization, obtaining similar results in the two periods of time studied.

Research Highlights
► Degradation processes were evaluated by means of salinization state and salinization rate indicators.
► Chemical degradation indicators are an efficient tool for land use planning.
► The salinization indicators allow the space-temporal monitorization to be carried out.