Effect of brackish water on soil environment in saline area of Quzhou of Hebei Province

Irrigation experiments with brackish and fresh water were conducted in fields of Quzhou saline area, Hebei Province, where the water consumption, its composition and the environmental effects on the soil were analyzed. The study shows that too much water supplied will result in the insufficient use of soil water which is an important part of crop water consumption. Irrigation with brackish water will increase the soil salt content, and at the end of wheat growing season, the conductivity of soil solution will be up to 10 dS/m. Appropriate measurements should be taken to avoid the negative effects which will have on crops. If the brackish water can be used sparingly, it can substitute for part of the fresh water resources.