Analysis on the Salt Content Characteristics of Southern Saline-Alkali Soil in Datong Basin and Its Causes

This paper studies the southern part of Datong Basin and investigates, in combination with a survey on the soil properties, the salt content characteristics of the soil in the region using relevant analysis methods. The results showed that the soil salinization type of the soil in the study area is soda saline-alkaline soil, and the salt content of the profile soil tends to assemble in the soil surface. As the overall salt content is low, it is classified as moderately saline soil. However, being highly alkaline, it thus basically belongs to the moderate-to-severe level; a significant positive correlation is found between total salt quantity and exchange sodium and degree of alkalization. Exchange sodium is a factor that determines the size of alkalization degree and it also indirectly affects the pH value; special climate, topography and parent material, groundwater and soil properties, and tillage management of the region explain the formation of the large area of saline-alkali soil. This study will provide an important theoretical basis for the sustainable use of soil resources in the southern saline-alkali soil in Datong Basin.