1.1 What Is Soil Salinity? Soil salinity is a measure of the concentration of all the soluble salts in soil water, and is usually expressed as electrical conductivity (EC).

Primary salinity is caused by natural processes such the accumulation of salt from rainfall over many thousands of years or from the weathering of rocks. The small amounts of salt brought by the rain can build up in soils over time (especially clayey soils), and can also move into the groundwater.

Salinization is the process by which water-soluble salts accumulate in the soil. Salinization is a resource concern because excess salts hinder the growth of crops by limiting their ability to take up water. Salinization may occur naturally or because of conditions resulting from management practices.

The most economical way to measure salinity is a hydrometer. There are two basic types: glass models and plastic boxes. A glass hydrometer floats in the water.

Water and soil salinity are measured by passing an electric current between the two electrodes of a salinity meter in a sample of soil or water. The electrical conductivity or EC of a soil or water sample is influenced by the concentration and composition of dissolved salts.

Salinometer, also called salinimeter or salimeter, device used to measure the salinity of a solution. It is frequently a hydrometer that is specially calibrated to read out the percentage of salt in a solution.

The most economical way to measure salinity is a hydrometer. There are two basic types: glass models and plastic boxes. A glass hydrometer floats in the water. The glass tube will sink to a certain level, depending on the density of the water.

Any of HM Digital’s TDS meters can be used to test for salt (up to the maximum range of the meter). Salt is a part of Total Dissolved Solids and therefore will be part or all of the reading. If you are first filtering the water, and then adding salt, simply use the meter as you would under any circumstances.

Salinity Refractometer™, Model 24240 Measures concentration of salt and dissolved solids in aqueous solution. Provides reading in parts per thousand (PPT) and specific gravity (SG) Ideal for on-site measurements in processing and storage areas, or in the field.

Salinity can be conveniently measured in a ballast water tank using a refractometer. The instrument works on the critical angle principle, utilizing lenses and prisms to project a shadow line onto a small glass reticle inside the refractometer, which is then viewed by the inspector through a magnifying eyepiece.

A refractometer is used to determine a concentration of a particular substance within a given solution. It operates based on the principle of refraction. When rays of light pass from one medium into another, they are bent either toward or away from a normal line between the two media.