Soil salinity in the Mandacaru I project, Juazeiro-BA: colonists' perception, diagnosis and monitoring / Salinidade do solo no projeto Mandacaru I, Juazeiro-BA: percepção, diagnóstico e monitoramento dos colonos

Salinity problems are common in arid and semi-arid regions such as northeastern Brazil. The high concentration of soluble salts found in the region's soils can reduce, interfere or even prevent plant development and, consequently, crop production. It is important to investigate these degraded areas in order to diagnose and suggest soil recovery methodologies. The objective of the work was to diagnose, ascertain the perception of the producers and the methods of controlling the salinity of the areas cultivated in the Mandacaru I project, Juazeiro-BA. Questionnaires were applied to 20 project producers with salinized stretches in their areas. The results were submitted to qualitative analysis and compared with information contained in the literature. Inadequate handling was found in the salinized areas by the producers. They noticed the decrease in productivity in crops in the saline stretches, especially in non-tolerant species. Fertilization is carried out empirically or considering the opinion of third parties. The opening of drains is the most common procedure for the recovery of salinized areas, despite being indicated as financially unfeasible. Despite being responsible for the recovery of degraded areas, producers believe that there is negligence on the part of CODEVASF. despite being pointed out as financially unviable. Despite being responsible for the recovery of degraded areas, producers believe that there is negligence on the part of company. despite being pointed out as financially unviable. Despite being responsible for the recovery of degraded areas, producers believe that there is negligence on the part of CODEVASF.