Determining the Suitability of Salt-Affected Water and Soil For Tree and Shrub Plantings

Plant Materials Technical Note Number MT-62

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Plant Materials Technical Note Number MT-62 (PDF; 204 KB)

September 2007
Joseph Scianna, Research Horticulturist, USDA, NRCS, Plant Materials Center, Bridger, Montana
Tom Pick, Water Quality Specialist, USDA, NRCS, Bozeman, Montana
Robert Logar, State Staff Forester, USDA, NRCS, Bozeman, Montana

Introduction

The usefulness or suitability of a water source for irrigating trees and shrubs is typically described in terms of one or more “quality” criteria. Water quality is not an absolute term, and depends on the specific use for which the water is intended. Determining suitability typically involves comparing analytical results to published water quality criteria and studies applicable to the intended use. Interpreting water quality data and then predicting the suitability of that water for irrigating tree and shrub plantings is difficult, especially given the potentially long life span of woody plants. Water, soil, and plant interactions are complex, varying with the specific crop, soil characteristics, local climate, and management practices. Although it is relatively easy to classify irrigation water as “suitable” or “non-suitable” for most crops on a specific soil, suitability becomes more subjective when predicting the effect of marginal quality irrigation water on undefined soils. In order to make meaningful water quality interpretations, it is necessary to consider both water and soil quality factors simultaneously. Land managers must often rely on local experience and anecdotal information when making water suitability decisions. When using marginal quality water it may be necessary to initiate corrective actions before planting, as well as monitor plant health and/or apply additional management practices over time. This technical note describes tests, standards, and interpretations for determining irrigation water quality for tree and shrub plantings in the context of soil quality. The focus of this technical note is salt-affected water and soils since these conditions frequently limit woody plant survival and growth in the northern Great Plains and Intermountain West. The term “salts” may be broadly interpreted. For our purposes, we will define salts as chemical compounds dissolved in water to form ionic solutions, e.g., sodium chloride, calcium sulfate, and potassium nitrate.

For a list of analytical services, see "Soil, Plant and Water Analytical Laboratories for Montana Agriculture" located at the Montana State University Extension, Publications, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Fertilizers Webpage.

• Irrigation Water Quality
• Irrigation Water Testing
• Soil Quality
• Management Practices
• Summary
• References
• Appendix

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Last Modified: 11/07/2011