Reclamation of salt-affected high boron soils in western Kern County

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted in the west side of Kern County to evaluate and develop appropriate reclamation procedures for salt-affected high boron soils. The experiments consisted of sprinkler irrigation applied at two rates with straw, gypsum, and slip-plowing. The reclamation was primarily in response to depth of water percolating through the soil profile and that neither amendments nor slip-plowing facilitated reclamation. Soluble salts were reduced to safe levels throughout 5-foot soil profiles by application of about 5 acre-feet of water. Reduction of boron and exchangeable sodium to safe levels required approximately 15 acre-feet of water. No resalinization occurred upon fallowing leached soil profiles for 12 months.