soil
Soil salinity
Last reviewed 2026-10-04
Soil salinity is the concentration of dissolved salts in soil water. When salt levels are high, roots may have difficulty absorbing water even when soil appears moist. Sensitive plants can show poor growth, leaf burn, or reduced germination. Salinity comes from irrigation water, fertilizers, parent material, or inadequate drainage.
What it means
Salts include nutrient ions and other dissolved minerals. A soil test may report electrical conductivity as an indicator of salinity. The result needs context because crops differ in tolerance and because the test method matters.
How it affects the garden
Avoid repeated overfertilization and test questionable irrigation water. Improve drainage before attempting to flush salts, because flushing without an exit can move the problem elsewhere. Containers may accumulate salts when water evaporates and fertilizer remains. Follow product rates and water according to the crop rather than a fixed habit.
The watering calculator estimates water volume, but it cannot decide whether a bed can be safely leached. Use a soil or water test for that decision.
Example
Container edges develop a white crust and a sensitive plant grows poorly despite regular watering. Salt buildup is one possible cause, but root damage and other conditions should also be checked.
Common confusion
Salinity is not the same as soil pH. A soil can be acidic or alkaline without having high soluble salts.
Sources
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources explains salinity, plant response, and irrigation water considerations.
