Quantifying Ionic Imbalances and Salinity Risks in Semi-Arid Soils of Daund Taluka: Village-Level Geochemical Study: Quantifying Ionic Imbalances and Salinity Risks in Semi-Arid Soils of Daund Taluka: Village-Level Geochemical Study

Hanumant Karpe

Authors

Hanumant Karpe Department of Botany, PG and Research Centre, Chandmal Tarachand Bora College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Shirur-412210, Maharashtra, India

Keywords:

Chemical Composition, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Ionic Composition, pH, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Soil analysis, Soil Salinity

Abstract

Soil Science Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting agricultural productivity worldwide. Excess accumulation of soluble salts adversely affects soil physicochemical properties, resulting in osmotic stress, ion toxicity, nutrient imbalance, and deterioration of soil structure. Elevated concentrations of sodium and chloride ions reduce water uptake, impair soil permeability, and negatively influence plant growth and crop yield. Therefore, assessment of ionic composition and salinity status of agricultural soils is essential for developing effective reclamation and sustainable soil management strategies.

Saline soil samples collected from Dapodi, Nangaon, Pargaon, and Amoni Mal villages of Daund Taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, were analyzed for major cations and anions. Carbonate ions were absent in all samples, whereas bicarbonate and sulphate concentrations were recorded at 6.5 meq/L and 104 meq/L, respectively. Chloride concentration was markedly high (191 meq/L), indicating severe salt accumulation. Among the cations, sodium was dominant with an exceptionally high concentration of 1434.75 meq/L, followed by calcium (475 meq/L) and magnesium (220 meq/L), while potassium content remained comparatively low (3.2 meq/L). The predominance of sodium and chloride ions revealed severe ionic imbalance and high salinity stress, which may adversely affect soil aggregation, hydraulic conductivity, and nutrient availability.

The present investigation demonstrated that the studied soils are severely affected by salinity, primarily due to excessive sodium and chloride accumulation. Such ionic dominance may lead to soil structural degradation, reduced permeability, and restricted crop productivity. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated soil reclamation strategies, including gypsum amendment, leaching practices, improved drainage systems, and cultivation of salt-tolerant crop varieties. Adoption of these management approaches may contribute to restoration of soil fertility, enhancement of agricultural sustainability, and long-term productivity of salt-affected soils.

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References

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Quantifying Ionic Imbalances and Salinity Risks in Semi-Arid Soils of Daund Taluka: Village-Level Geochemical Study