Vertical assessment of the physico-chemical properties of soils irrigated by Continental Intercalaire waters in the region of El M'Rara (southern Algeria).

Abstract

In the arid region of El M'Ghair, the use of thermal waters from the Continental Intercalary (CI) aquifer for irrigation poses major risks of soil degradation. This study aims to evaluate the vertical dynamics of three key parameters of soil salinity: water potential of hydrogen (pH); Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Total Calcium Carbonate content (CaCO3), at three distinct depths: 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm. The analytical results reveal a marked stratification of minerals. The EC shows its highest values in the surface horizon (0-20 cm) between a minimum of 252.22 µs/cm and a maximum of 435.55 µs/cm and an average of 320.38 µs/cm confirming intense evaporation that promotes the accumulation of salt on the surface. Furthermore, the pH results range between 7.43 and 7.66. The CaCO3 results show alkalinity in the deep horizon (40-60 cm), related to the processes of limestone accumulation. This study highlights the need to adjust irrigation water volumes and install an efficient drainage system to limit the salinization of the root horizons of the palm grove.