Session Activities:

Time

45 Min.

Trainer will introduce basic concepts of waterlogging, salinity and alkalinity, and use slides or videos to review typical conditions, tolerant crops, effects on susceptible crops, field identification practices, and analysis procedures that are typically applied. (If video equipment is not available, trainer can use graphics to cover topics.)

60 Min.

Trainer leads Trainees into the field and has them dig shallow holes in waterlogged areas and in well-drained areas. Trainees should compare the soil conditions and the apparent effects on plants in the field. The trainer should discuss with the Trainees probable causes of, and potential solutions to, the problems.

60 Min.

Trainees move to a field site with salinity problems. Observations of effects on plant growth are recorded, and methods for identifying salinity problems in the field are defined. Trainees meet with a local farmer and discuss the farmer's experiences in trying to work with or improve salinity problems.

60 Min.

Trainees visit a sodium affected field and identify areas within the field that demonstrate dispersed soil that has lost its structure. Impacts on crop growth and irrigation water infiltration rates are observed and recorded. Trainees will discuss with the trainer the probable causes of the problem and potential solutions. Again, Trainees meet with a local farmer to discuss the farmer's concerns and experience.

60 Min.

Trainees move to a field where they can conduct some simple experiments. Trainer instructs Trainees to build three small basins. Trainees should prepare three solutions, as follows: (a) plain water, (b) water with a mixture of approximately 0.25 kilogram salt per every four liters of water, (c) water with a mixture of approximately 0.25 kilogram of any chemical fertilizer per every four liters of water. Each basin should be filled with one of these solutions, and allowed to drain. After the solution has completely drained, add a second, and then a third mix to the basin. Trainees should observe and discuss the differences in terms of water penetration and resulting soil structure and color in each basin. Trainees should discuss the long term effects of these conditions on crop growth.

60 Min.

In many countries laboratory facilities are available and tests for salinity and sodium problems can be performed. Trainees need to learn basic skills to enable them to collect samples and interpret lab results. Trainer should obtain soil or water lab results from in-country and use the data to prepare simple problems for the Trainees to analyze. Problems should require the Trainees to consult the following tables: (a) Crop Salt Tolerance Levels for Different Crops as Influenced by Irrigation Water or Soil Salinity, and (b) Effect of Irrigation Water Quality on Soil Salinity, Permeability, and Toxicity (see Chapter 7 of Irrigation Reference Manual). Trainees should classify the soils or water samples in terms of the degree of salinity or sodicity problems evident.

Session Activities:

Time

45 Min.

Trainer leads Trainees to the field and has Trainees demonstrate their ability to distinguish waterlogging, salinity, and sodicity problems. Trainer introduces simple techniques that can be used to begin to control these problems, including the use of soil amendments, leaching, surface and subsurface draining, and cultural practices.

90 Min.

Trainees are divided into groups of three and assigned the task of estimating and applying the correct amount of soil amendments and quantifying the amount of leaching required to improve conditions in the field they are visiting. Trainee groups describe and document cultural practices that can be employed to improve soil and water conditions. Groups reconvene and compare results and experiences.

60 Min.

Trainer brings Trainees to inspect a farm drainage system. Trainees, continuing to work in their groups of three, graphically delineate the system design, and identify the steps that were apparently followed in developing this drainage system.

45 Min.

Trainees interview a farmer working with the problems of high water table and salinity and conduct a quick visual review of the farmer's situation. Trainees offer general recommendations for the farmer on practices that can reduce or eliminate the problems, being certain to frame recommendations within the limitations of options available to the farmer.