Sodium-Affected Soils in South-Central Illinois, USA:A Summary of Settings, Distribution, and Genesis Pathways

摘要

Sodium-affected soils (SAS) or sodic soils are soils that have been adversely affected by sodium salts and/or exchangeable sodium; they commonly occur in arid, semiarid, and subhumid climates. The occurrence of SAS in humid south-central Illinois, USAprovides an opportunity to study and understand the genesis of SAS in this unique setting. Background historical information and studies, description of SAS chemical and physical properties, an update on current SAS research in Illinois, and suggestionsfor further study are presented. An understanding of the distribution and genesis of these unique soils will aid in discovering soil management methods that will address the high sodium content and poor physical makeup of SAS.