Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4575352 | Geoderma | 2007 | 8 Pages |
Irrigation water can have an adverse effect on the chemical and physical properties of the soil. In order to detect changes caused by long-term irrigation, the soils from an irrigated area on the Spanish–Portuguese border were monitored, and 1428 georeferenced topsoil samples were analyzed. The results confirm a generalized acidification of the irrigated soils when compared with rain-feed soils. There was also an increase in the electrical conductivity and exchangeable sodium percentage. The irrigated soils showed a significant decrease in organic matter content. All these results evolved significantly over at least a 30-year period. The information was implemented in a Geographical Information System, which allowed the detection of the areas of greatest irrigation impact, and the delimitation of particularly vulnerable zones where special attention is recommendable for soil conservation