SOIL SURVEY OF SOLOMONSVILLE AREA, ARIZONA. 27 



The utilization of alkali lands and the gradual removal of the excess 

 of alkali salts have been attempted with partial success by the growing 

 of certain alkali-resistant plants of more or less economic value. The 

 harvesting of the crop in the case of such plants removes a consider- 

 able amount of the alkali salts, which have been taken into the plant 

 tissues and cells. This method is successful onl} T to a limited extent, 

 and, like the others mentioned, it fails to remove the cause. It is 

 worthy of notice, however, that some field crops will thrive in the 

 presence of a greater quantity of the alkali salts than others. This is 

 true particular^ of sorghum, sugar beets, and alfalfa. Land upon 

 which the injur} 7 from alkali is slight, but sufficient to damage the 

 less resistant crops, should be used for growing these hardier crops. 



But it is thorough drainage of the land that must be considered the 

 only practical and efficient remedy for the reclamation of alkali lands. 

 This alone removes the cause by doing away with the excess of seep- 

 age water and lowering the water table. It both checks further 

 accumulation and makes possible the removal of the salt already in 

 the surface soil. A system of open drains will do, but lines of tile at 

 frequent intervals are not only more efficient, but are no hindrance to 

 cultivation, and are permanent. The intervals between the drains 

 will vary with the rate of flow of water through the soil, and can best 

 be determined in an area by experiment on a small scale. The depth 

 should be such as to keep the water table below the danger line, 

 which, in this area, is not less than 6 feet. 



The drainage of large areas into the Gila River might, in time of 

 low water, increase the salt content of its water to such an extent as 

 to impair its fitness for irrigation. But with the gradual extension 

 of drainage through the limited area requiring it in this district the 

 effect would be negligible. 



After the installation of the drainage s3 T stem the salts should be 

 removed by washing them out through the drains by frequent flooding 

 of the land. The water should be added to a depth of 3 or -i inches, 

 and maintained at that depth as long as possible or until the land is 

 sufficiently sweetened to allow the growing of crops. Occasional flood- 

 ing with larger quantities of water is less effective. The cultivation 

 of the soil between floodings should be very thorough, deep plowing 

 and frequent stirring being very important. As soon as enough salt 

 is removed to allow seed to germinate the growing of the more alkali- 

 resistant crops should be begun, and, as the reclamation proceeds, 

 those less resistant should be gradually introduced. 



AGRICULTURAL METHODS. 



The general agricultural practice of the area is careful and intelli- 

 gent, but there are many instances of wasteful and slovenly methods. 

 The cultivation has changed gradually from an extensive to a more 



