How does the Agua Dulce system work?

Deteriorating Water Conditions

Over two thirds of the earth currently suffers from soil and/or water conditions which require special irrigation practices to produce successful crops. Saline, sodic, and alkali water and soil have been identified as major contributors in land degradation.

Salinization

Salinization is the process of accumulating salts in the soil. Most irrigation water contains salts in one form or another. The amount of salts that accumulate in the soil depends on the quantity and quality of the water used for irrigation as well as the effectiveness of leaching and drainage.

Sodificition

The sodium component in irrigation water causes top soils to deflocculate (harden or seal up.) which in turn stunts water penetration and availability of nutrients to the roots.

Alkaline water and soil

Alkaline water and soil is measured by pH levels > 7.0. Alkaline water commonly contains high levels of salt, sodium, carbonates, and bicarbonates. Calcium is often bound up by bicarbonates which, if unchecked, will cause soil deterioration.

Restrictions on water usage have often forced the agriculture, golf, and landscape industries to irrigate using poor quality water which is alkali, high in carbonates, bicarbonates, and salts. As water resources are depleted these industries continue to seek out solutions to treat or improve water more and more.

What are the effects of Saline, Sodic, and Alkaline water and soil?

• 1. Osmotic pressures increase
• 2. Root growth is stunted
• 3. Decreased water and nutrient uptake by plants
• 4. Inadequate seed germination
• 5. Poor water penetration, ponding, and runoff
• 6. Decreased crop production