CONTRIBUTION AU DIAGNOSTIC DE L’ ÉTAT de SALINISATION DES SOLS DE LA PLAINE D’EL HMADENA

Abstract

In Algeria, more than 20% of irrigated soils are affected by the problem of salinity. In the northwestern part of Algeria, the Bas-Cheliff plain lies in the most affected zone with 80 to 85% of its soils affected by salinity and sodicity problems. However, the hydrodynamic properties and the erodibility of these soils are poorly known. Recent mapping work in the Bas-Cheliff plain has shown that the problem of soil salinization affect 80% of the total area studied. It is a region characterized by low average rainfall and a high means evapotranspiration, irrigation water more or less charged according to the seasons and the origin of the water. The risk of salinization is accentuated by a fine texture often heavy and risks of flooding during heavy rains. The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the current physicochemical and hydrological state of a plot of 2,325 ha, located in the INRAA station of El Hmadena; The hydraulic conductivity measurements were carried out by the disk's infiltrometer on the upper layer (0-20 cm) of 12 points located at the nodes of a grid with a study pitch of 50 m. The results show that the soil of the experimental site has a moderate permeability and high levels of exchangeable sodium, which can lead to a risk of degradation, which will be reflected on the hydraulic conductivity of this soil (irrigation and drainage).