Effect of Electrolyte Concentration and Soil Sodicity on Infiltration Rate and Crust Formation

Abstract The effects of electrolyte concentration and soil sodicity on the infiltration rate and extent of crust formation of a calcareous and a noncalcareous soil were studied using a rain simulator. The infiltration rate was more sensitive to the sodicity of the soil and to the electrolyte concentration of the applied water than was the permeability of the underlying soil. The mechanical impact of the raindrops and the relative freedom for particle movement at the soil surface may account for the greater sensitivity of the infiltration rate. These observations suggest that crust formation is due to two mechanisms: (i) a physical dispersion of soil aggregates caused by the impact action of the raindrops, and (ii) a chemical dispersion which depends on the soil exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and the electrolyte concentration of the applied water.