Temporal variability of soil fertility, salinity and sodicity in irrigated soils in the municipality of Congo, Paraíba state, Brazil

Abstract

This study was carried out in irrigated areas of the Congo region, Paraíba State, Brazil, aiming to evaluate the temporal variability of soil fertility, salinity and sodicity, through random sampling. Soil samples were collected in 27 points at 0–20 cm soil depth, during rainy (May/06) and dry (December/06) periods. The soil parameters such as pH, Ca, Mg, K, MO, P, EC_se and ESP were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The soils of the studied area in both periods presented high concentrations of Ca, Mg, K and P and medium values of OM. These results indicate that an increase in soil fertility may be reached with additions of OM. The soil samples were considered normal in relation to salinity and sodicity due to low EC_se and ESP, respectively. The  analyzed parameters showed variation between the sampling periods.