Scientific Inquiry In Biology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Scientific Inquiry In Biology - Essay Example The condition of high Soil sodium is referred to as sodic, and is common in desert and arid lands. An example is the Yelarbon area of Australia. When the Chloride form dominates, it is referred to as saline. Salinity though may also refer to an increased amount of the chlorides of Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium. Increased Sodium salinity often leads to sodicity. An excess of the cation may lead to increased pH and increased soil osmotic pressure retarding the ability of plants to absorb water. Furthermore, an increase in the Sodium Carbonate concentration leads to an ion exchange reaction that immobilizes Calcium. Calcium is an important regulator of growth and development in plants. Its participation involves nearly all aspects of plant development. (Harper J.F, 2004) Another problem associated with increased soil Sodium is the toxicity to Na+ sensitive plants, and disruption of soil structure leading to crusting and poor drainage. (Ruiz Vera, 2006). This reduces available soil oxygen as well. The causes of increased sodium may be man-made or natural. Irrigation of soil with water having increased sodium carbonate is one artificial method. A natural cause may be weathering of rocks containing Sodium carbonates. The control of sodicity is by addition of Calcium in form of Limestone, Sulphur and drainage of the soils affected. If an increase in soil osmotic pressure leads to retarded growth of lawn grass, then addition of a proportional amount of salt to a control sample will lead