Question

Discuss Sodium Adsorption Ratio.

Answer 1

Sodium Adsorption Ratio

"Sodium adsorption ratio" (SAR) is a measure of the amount of sodium (Na+) relative to calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) in the water extracted from a saturated soil paste.

It is the ratio of the Na concentration divided by the square root of one-half of the Ca + Mg concentration. SAR is calculated from the equation:

SAR = Na+ / [(Ca2+ + Mg2+)/2]0.5

Soils that have values for sodium adsorption ratio of 13 or more may have an increased dispersion of organic matter and clay particles, reduced saturated hydraulic conductivity and aeration, and a general degradation of soil structure.