Answer to Question #124958 in Chemistry for Kelvin

Question

How different are saline soils from calcareous soils?

Answer 1

Calcareous soils have high content (more than 15%) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the soil. Calcium carbonate may occur in various forms including powdery, crusts, nodules, etc. Calcareous soils often have low organic matter content and lack some minerals including nitrogen, iron, zinc, etc.

Saline soils are characterized by a high content of easily soluble salts of sodium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, and sulfate. The amounts of salts stored in the soil are dangerous for plants impairing their growth.