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The effect of flooding with seawater on the fertility of the soil

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

H. J. Page  and
W. Williams
H. J. Page
Affiliation:
(Ministry of Agriculture Research Scholar), Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden
W. Williams
Affiliation:
(Ministry of Agriculture Research Scholar), Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden
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Extract

The flooding with sea-water of land around the Humber in 1921 spoilt a considerable area of arable land.

The effects of the flooding, which consisted chiefly in an entire destruction of the tilth of the soil, are described, and compared with the recorded effects of similar floods in Holland and in Essex.

The results of an examination of the exchangeable bases in the flooded soil are considered in the light of modern work on the relation between the nature of the exchangeable bases in the soil and its physical condition. It is shown that the observed effects can be explained by replacement of a considerable proportion of the exchangeable calcium of the soil by sodium.

Dutch experience on the reclamation of flooded soils is discussed. It is shown that in the first few years after flooding the land should be cultivated as little as possible.

The use of lime or gypsum for the treatment of flooded soils, in order to hasten the restitution of calcium to the clay in place of sodium, is discussed. From an examination of the soil from plots which had been treated with these materials it is shown that although both produced in some degree the desired effect chemically, the action did not proceed far enough in 12 months to produce a noticeable improvement in the tilth.

It may be possible under favourable conditions to grow certain arable crops on flooded land, among which crucifers appear to be specially suitable.

However, the most satisfactory and promising means of hastening the recovery of tilth and fertility by flooded land appears to be the establishment of a ley of lucerne, clover, or “seeds” which can be left down for several years.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 16 , Issue 4 , October 1926 , pp. 551 - 573
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1926

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References

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