Assessment of soil salinity status under different land-use conditions in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil

Soil salinization and sodification, caused by inadequate land management, is one of the main threats to semiarid agroecosystems. It essential investigate saline levels under different land-use conditions maintain sustainability agricultural production. The objective this study was diagnose salinity status soil in region Northeast Brazil. samples were collected surface layer (0–5 cm) three conditions: areas low (native vegetation – Caatinga), (cultivated areas), very high (desertified salinity), compared regarding chemical attributes soils descriptive multivariate analysis. results showed that sodium chloride predominant soluble ions cultivated desertified due waters commonly used region. Increases electrical conductivity values 1219 23207% observed for areas, respectively, native vegetation. principal component analysis contributed identifying parameters responsible variation salinity, second factor identified percentage exchangeable sodium, conductivity, plays an role desertification. However, calcium, magnesium, correlated positively with variables degrade - EC, ESP, SAR. We also found addition chloride, sulfate present expressive levels, strong associations our suggests free forms these ions, chlorides sulfates effectively contribute degradation areas. combination × geochemistry laboratory techniques a valuable tool identify monitor converting uncultivated from