Water movement in sodic soils explained through hands‐on demonstrations

Millions of ha of sodic soils exist around the world and the movement of water through these soils is most directly dictated by the concentration of Na and overall electrical conductivity of the soil, and minerology of the clay. Helping farmers, land managers, crop advisors, and students better understand why water moves or does not move in these soils is necessary so that proper management strategies for these soils can occur. The purpose of this article is to provide educators and extension specialists with demonstrations that help describe water movement through sodic and non‐sodic soils. The first demonstration links water movement through sodic soils and how altering the concentration of Na and soluble salts influences water movement. The second demonstration allows audiences to link the movement of water through soil horizons having varying concentrations of Na, soluble salts, and clay. These demonstrations may be useful educational tools on how and why amendments are used for improving water movement within sodic soils and also to show restrictions in water movement through naturally‐occurring natric or clay‐enriched horizons. Core Ideas Swelling and dispersion control water movement in sodic soils. Amendments are valuable in assisting the movement of water in sodic soils. Demonstrations can help audiences visualize water movement in soil.