Assessing salinity level of soils in area near Batticaloa lagoon

Abstract

Soil salinity is a major environmental crisis in the world; Sri Lanka also faces the problem. This project was carried out to assess the soil salinity level of paddy fields and adjacent lands near to the Batticaloa lagoon. The samples collection period was 6" August 2002 to 6” November 2002 (in dry season). Samples were taken three times monthly and altogether 1,080 (360 x 3) soil samples were analysed from ten sampling points using microprocessor conductivity meter LF 196 model (the probe model is Tetra Con 96- 1.5), In location L8, salinity level was abnormally high up to 100 m distance from bank of the lagoon and this also influences the adjacent paddy land in L8. Mean salinity was 6.73 ppt and mean conductivity was 12.48 mS/cm; this salinity level may not be suitable for cultivation. Other the locations (L1, 0.62 + 0.34 ppt; L2, 0.25 + 0.14 ppt; L3, 0.06 + 0.05 ppt; L4, 0.24 + 0.10 ppt; L5, 0.13 + 0.11 ppt; L6, 0.60 + 0.43 ppt; L7, 0.27 + 0.14 ppt; L9, 0.24 + 0.22 ppt; and L10, 0.15 + 0.21 ppt) are not fully affected by salinity problem, and the recommended paddy varieties can be cultivated in these areas.