Leaching of salts through irrigation

Leaching is the loss of soluble salts from the soil by the action of percolating water. When irrigation water is applied to soil and the leaching rate enhanced, excessive quantities of salt may be transported into other parts of the soil, the groundwater or as saline runoff into streams.

1. Water salinization
2. Inappropriate irrigation schemes

1. Soil salinization
2. Pollution of inland waters
3. Inorganic salts as pollutants
4. Brine disposal

1. Seepage water losses from irrigation systems
2. Rising water table
3. Over-watering during irrigation

1. Inadequate groundwater recharge

1. Improving farm irrigation systems

1. Pollution
2. Land