Agronomy Library > Annual Weeds

Perennial Forages for Saline Seeps
Author: Alberta Agriculture & Food
Date Created: June 01, 2007
Last Reviewed: August 06, 2007
Planting perennial forages into saline seep areas is one of several recommended practices for salinity control (see the factsheet Dryland Saline Seeps: Types and Causes, Agdex 518-12, published by Alberta Agriculture and Food). Saline seeps result when salt-laden groundwater rises to within a few metres of the soil surface. Once the water is in the soil’s capillary zone, evaporation as well as cohesive and adhesive forces act like the wick in a kerosene lamp to draw saline water into the root zone or topsoil. Water then evaporates and the salts remain, gradually accumulating over time. Forage establishment is especially tough in saline environments because of the harsh soil conditions for germination and emergence, along with heavy competition from salt-tolerant species like kochia or foxtail barley. Forages differ in their salinity and flood tolerance, with several appropriate species available depending on the specific farm situation.  click here for the complete online & PDF factsheet on the Alberta Agriculture & Food website