Salinity characterization of the Kenyan saline soils

Abstract

Representative samples of the saline soils of Kenya were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, and contents of various ions in their saturation paste / paste extracts. The salt ion contents and types were characterized using a chemical classification system. Results indicated that salts of sodium chlorides I bicarbonates predominated in the southern RiftValley saline soils. The saline soils of the northern regions were rich in sodium chlorides / bicarbonates except for the area of Mandera- Wajir where in addition to salinity, a high content of sulphates could be observed. Coastal saline soils were rich in sodium carbonates and chlorides. The chemical classification based on the chloride equivalence showed that Kenyan saline soils were ‘moderately’ to ‘very strongly saline,’ indicating that the ion toxicity of the salts was very high.

Key Words:

• chemical classification
• ion toxicity
• salinity
• salt ion type