Influence of physical properties of saline soils in Vojvodina [Serbia] at biomass production | Uticaj fizičkih osobina zaslanjenih zemljišta Vojvodine [Srbija] na produkciju biomase

Saline soils (halomorphic soils) are present in Vojvodina over an area of c. 150,000 ha as two soil types: solonetz and solonchak.Research results show that the water-physical properties are highly unfavourable. Heterogenous mechanical composition, i.e. texture difference in pedological profile is prominent with all solonchak profiles structured A/E-Bt-BC (in Bt horizont 11.74 % more clay as compared to the higher A/E horizont) and solonetz (in Bt horizont 15.68 % more clay as compared to the higher A/E horizont). Bt,na solonetz horizon with silt, sand and clay ratio 38%:23%:39% was the most deviant from the agronomically most favourable ratio 40%:40%:20%. Bulk density average values of solonchaks profile structur A/E-Bt-BC decrease with depth. This trend differs from most other soil types. Soil profiles classified as solonchaks and solonetzs show high values of specific mass, which can be interpreted with low organic matter content. Average filtration capacity of the tested halomorphic soils is wide-ranged, from a moderately fast in subsurface AC horizont of solonchak profile structure A-AC-C, to a slow one in Bt horizon of solonchak profile structure A/E-Bt-BC. Surface A horizon of solonchak profile structure A-AC-C is water impermeable, and it is known that the speed of filtration (water permeability) down the soil profile depth is determined by horizon, i.e. the layer with the least permeability. Subsurface argiluvic and natric Bt,na horizons of the tested soils were of the most unfavourable water-physical properties. Knowing and improving unfavourable water-physical properties is of importance for increasing low production ability of the surfaces under saline soils (average hay yield from extensive pastures was 0.5-1.5 t/ha, and from meadows up to 2 t/ha). Yield of plant organic matter for animal feed could be increased by using relatively simple and inexpensive agrotechnical measures, such as harrowing in the spring and top dressing with mineral fertilizers. Considering the decrease in reserves of fossil fuel resources, the biomass produced on saline soils, as a renewable resource, could partially satisfy the demand for energy.