0057 Soils & Water Salinity vs Sodicity

In agriculture, salinity and sodicity both refer to salt concentrations in either the soil or water. High salt concentrations can reduce soil health, water quality, and reduce the plants ability to pull water from the soil. However, many salts are also needed for good soil health and plant growth, the key is moderation.

Salinity is the measure of many different salts. This includes
: Chlorine(Cl-)
, Bicarbonates(HCO3-)
, Sulfate(SO4)
, Nitrate(NO3-)
, Calcium(Ca2+)
, Magnesium(Mg2+)
, Potassium(K+)
, and Sodium(Na+).

Sodicity is simply the measurement of Sodium(Na+) concentration.

Where as sodicity is almost always a negative quality to have in your field or garden, salinity can be useful. The benefits of salinity are going to heavily depend on the proportions and quantities these salts along with a couple other factors I will discuss in future videos.