Determining the source of saline sodic soils in north central Oklahoma

Abstract

Saline sadie soils of north central Oklahoma are a major problem for crop production. Saline sodic soils result in acres of unproductive land in the area. Saline sadie soils are caused by high concentrations of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) in the soils. Saline - sadie soils in the study area are the result of halite crystallization from evaporation of shallow ground water on the surface of the soils. The cause of saturation 2 of ground water with halite is due to dissolution of halite by ground water, which is brought to the surface by evaporation. Evapotranspiration acts as the driving force in bringing the ground water to the surface and increasing sodium and chloride concentrations. The source of ground water saturated with halite was studied to determine whether the ground water and soils were high in salinity by natural phenomena or by oil activity in the study area. The two possible sources of salinity in the study area are; 1. shallow halite beds occurring as lenses in the subsurface due to stratigraphic facies change or 2. disposal of oil brines on the soil surface which will infiltrate through the unsaturated zone and eventually contaminate the ground water.