THE ALKALINITY OF ALKALI SOILS

Summary The theoretically derived equation: log Alk–pH = log Pco 2 –7.82 describes the relation between three easily estimated parameters, viz. the composition (alkalinity), CO, partial pressure and the pH of the soil solution. This equation is also important for understanding the formation of alkaline soils. The concept of residual alkalinity, i.e. the difference between the alkalinity and the total concentration of the divalent cations in the soil solution (on an equivalent basis) is introduced. In a closed basin with excess evaporation over precipitation highly alkaline soils, i.e. soils with a pH above 8 to 8.5, develop if the inflowing water has a positive residual alkalinity. A number of processes, such as weathering, oxidation and reduction, cation exchange, precipitation, addition of neutral salts, evaporation, which may influence the alkalinity and residual alkalinity of natural waters and soils are discussed briefly.