Genesis and Behavior of Sodic Soils in Humid Climates

Abstract

Sodic soils are typically located in semi-arid to arid climates. However, sodic soils in continental humid climates are rare. As with sodic soils in dry climates, sodic soils in wetlands pose management difficulties for agriculture, forestry, or wild-life habitat. The typical practice of gypsum application is problematic given inability to provide drainage. Natraqualfs located in southeastern Missouri present an acid argillic horizon superimposed on a natric horizon, where the exchangeable sodium percentage and an alkaline reaction are characteristic attributes. Ferrolysis is an active soil process that is slowly degrading the natric horizon because of exchangeable Al 3+ and H + generation and re-stabilization of the soil structure, permitting leaching of the sodium.