Ions Transport in Seasonal Frozen Farmland Soil and Its Effect on Soil Salinization Chemical Properties

Abstract

The salinization of farmland soil is exacerbated during the freeze–thaw (FT) process, endangering agricultural production. The change of soil salt ions results in the formation and development of soil salinization. The objectives of this study were to investigate the migration characteristics of salt ions during the FT process, identify the effects of inconsistencies in ions transport on the development of soil salinization chemical properties. A six-month field observation was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021 in the Hetao Irrigation District, China, a typical seasonally frozen soil area affected by salinization. Soil salt ions, soil moisture content (SMC), soil temperature, and pH were measured. Soil salt content (SSC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) were calculated. The ions accumulated in the frozen soil layer during the freezing period in the order of Cl− > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Na+ > SO42−, and accumulated in the topsoil during the thawing period in the order of Cl− > Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > SO42−, while the change in HCO3− was mostly the opposite. The FT process changed the main salt anions from sulfate to chloride. After the FT process, the topsoil was endangered by high salinization, excess Cl− toxicity, and a potential alkalization threat. This study has great guiding significance for the management and control of soil salinization before spring sowing in saline areas.