UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PUBLICATIONS.
University of California— College of Agriculture,
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION.
LANDS OF THE COLORADO DELTA
IN THE SALTON BASIN.
FIELD AND LABORATORY WORK
By FRANK J. SNOW.
DISCUSSION
By E. W. HILGARB and G. W. SHAW.
BULLETIN No. 140.
(Berkeley, Febniary, 1902.)
SACRAMENTO:
a. j. johnston, : : : : : superintendent state printing.
1902.
BENJAMIN IDE WHEELER, Ph.D., LL.D., President of the University.
EXPERIMENT STATION STAFF.
E. W. HILGARD, Ph.D., LL.D., Director and Chemist.
E. J. WICKSON, M.A., Horticulturist.
W. A. SETCHELL, Ph.D., Botanist.
R. H. LOUGHRIDGE. Ph.D., Agricultural, Geologist and Physicist. (Alkali Investigations.)
C. W. WOODWORTH, M.S., Entomologist.
M. E. JAFFA, M.S., Assistant Chemist. (Foods, Soils, Fertilizers.)
G. W. SHAW, M.A., Ph.D.. Assistant Chemist. (Soils, Sugars.)
GEORGE E. COLBY, M.S., Assistant Chemist. (Fruits, Waters, Insecticides.)
J. BURTT DAVY, Assistant Botanist.
LEROY ANDERSON, M.S. A., Dairy Husbandry.
A. R. WARD, B.S.A., D.V.M., Veterinarian, Bacteriologist.
E. H. TWIGHT, B.SC, Diplome E. A.M., Instructor in Viticulture.
W. T. CLARKE, Assistant Entomologist.
C. H. SHINN, B. A., Inspector of Stations.
C. A. COLMORE, B.S., Clerk to the Director.
EMIL KELLNER, Foreman of Central Station Grounds.
JOHN TUOHY, Patron,
}■ Tulare Substation, Tulare.
JULIUS FORRER, Foreman,
R. C. RUST, Patron,
y Foothill Substation, Jackson.
JOHN H. BARBER, Foreman, )
S. D. MERK, Patron, )
}• Coast Range Substation, Paso Robles.
J. W. NEAL, Foreman, \
S. N. ANDROUS, Patron, ) ( Pomona.
J- Southern California Substation, ■<
J. W. MILLS, Foreman, ) { Ontario.
V. C. RICHARDS, Patron, )
v Forestry Station, Chico.
T. L. BOHLENDER, ?n charge, )
ROY JONES, Patron, )
> Forestry Station, Santa Monica.
WM. SHUTT, Foreman, \
Bulletins and reports of this Station will be sent free to any citizen of the State ,
upon application.
'
NOTICE.
Attention is called to the fact that certain errors occur in Table I,
page 7, of Bulletin 140 of this Station. The errors have been cor-
rected in the following reprint, and you are requested to insert it in
the proper place in the said bulletin.
— /
TABLE I. Preliminary Results of Alkali Leachings.
Locality.
1.
2.
3
4
5
6
7
8.
9
10
11
12
13
16
17.
18
19
20-
Percent ages.
Sul- Carbon- Chlo-
rates, ates. rids.
Total, > Sulfates.
Pounds per Acre in 4 Feet.
I
Carbon -
.196
.068
.129
.162
.072
.294
.042
.631
.179
.207
.173
.172
.141
.142
.080
.056
.129
.152
.013
.010
.012
.007
.010
.008
.009
.013
.009
.010
.010
.014
.011
.012
.007
.009
.009
.009
.094
.043
.082
.045
.019
.496
.002
.424
.162
.027
.056
.044
.164
.137
.035
.001
.005
.154
.303
.121
.223
.214
.101 I
.798 I
.053 |
1.068 I
.350 I
.244 !
.239
.230
.316
.291
.122
.066
. 143
.315
ates.
Chlorids.
Average in 4 fpet..
Minimum in 4 feet
Maximum in 4 feet
31,360
10,880
20,640
25,920
11.520
47,040
6,720
100,960
28,640
33,120
27,680
27,520
22,560
22,720
12,800
8,960
20,640
24,320
484,000
26,888
6,720
100,960
2,080
1,600
1,920
1 , 1 20
1,600
1,280
1,440
2,080
1,440
1,600
1,600
2,240
1,760
1,920
1,120
1,440
1,440
1,440
15,040
6,880
13,120
7,200
3,040
79,360
320
67,840
25,920
4,320
8,960
7,040
26,240
21,920
5,600
160
800
24,640
29,120
1,612
1,120
2,240
318,400
17,688
160
79,360
Total.
48,480
19,360
35,680
34,240
16,160
127,680
8,480
170,880
56,000
39,040
38,240
36,800
50,560
46,560
19,520
10,560
22,880
50,400
831,520
46,195
8,480
170,880
It will be observed that this preliminary examination indicates the
average total alkali in the first four feet of soil to be about ly per cent.
or 46,000 pounds per acre; about three-eighths of which is common salt
and about three-fifths glauber salt. Further, the enormous variation
from 8480 to 170,880 pounds of soluble salts per acre — from a soil
which will not injure citrus fruits to one that would be repugnant to
all but the hardiest of alkali plants — shows that the land is quite
"spotted," some localities being too highly charged with alkali to admit
of any successful agricultural operations, while others do not exceed in
amount the salts found in some of the better agricultural regions of the
State. This condition suggested forcibly the need of a detailed local
examination of the region.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS.
GENERAL DATA REGARDING THE SALTON BASIN.. 5
Successive efforts at investigation 6
Preliminary results of alkali leachings ; table 7
Exploration by Mr. F. J. Snow 7
Variability of alkali in soils 8
THE SOILS OF THE BASIN 8
Classification 8
Physical Characteristics _• 8
Physical tests and analyses of the soils; table 9-10
Percolation of water; diagram 11
Practical deductions 12
Capillary power ; diagram 13
Chemical Composition '. 15
Analyses of Colorado alluvial soils 15
Intrinsic fertility of these soils 16
The Soluble Salts in the Soils 17
Importance of the alkali factor in soils of arid regions 17
The nature of alkali _. 18
Alkali Salts in the Salton Basin 19
Sections of New River and Salton River banks 19
Determination of alkali in these river sections; tables 20
Summary of salts in the river sections; tables and diagrams 21-23
General conclusions from these sections __ 24
Soils of the General Surface of the Basin _ 25
Physiographic features 25
New River, alkali in soils contiguous to; table 27
Salton River, alkali in soils contiguous to; table. ._ 31
Soluble Salts in Yuma Alfalfa Lands; table 33
General Summary 33
IRRIGATION WATER 34
Analyses of Colorado River and Lake Waters; table 35
Manner of Irrigating Alkali Lands; diagram 36
Drainage 39
VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SALTON BASIN 40
General Considerations 40
Annotated List of Plants Collected: by J. Burtt Davy 41
CLIMATE OF THE SALTON BASIN 45
CROPS FOR THE SALTON BASIN LANDS 45
Possible Crops ._ 46
Toleration of Alkali Salts by Certain Crops; table 49
January Crop' Reports Received from Actual Settlers 50
M A^
OF THE
SOUTHERN PART
SALTON BASIN
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
LANDS OF SALTON BASIN, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
The Salton Basin, in the southeastern portion of the Colorado Desert,
within the State of California, is a depression about 290 feet below sea
level at its lowest point, where thick saline deposits have given rise to
important enterprises in mining common salt. While the northern
portion of this basin is largely covered with drifting sand, surrounding
many tracts that, with irrigation, produce (as at Indio) abundant and
early crops, the southern portion, here being considered, is to a consider-
able extent covered with alluvial deposits originally derived from the
Colorado River; as is clearly indicated by their nature, as well as by
the fact that at times of exceptional high water (such as occurred in
1890) the river overflows into the basin through two channels, named
respectively the Salton and New rivers. In the year mentioned, the
overflow was so copious as to flood the salt deposits, and for nearly a
year there was a lake where doubtless originally the waters of the Gulf
of California received the entire flow of the Colorado. The alluvial
deposits of the river finally cut off the upper end of the Gulf, so that
now a large area of alluvial country, or delta, extends between the Salton
Basin and the present head of the Gulf. The part of this delta which
slopes toward the north into the Salton Basin forms the subject of the
present discussion. The subjoined map, reduced from sheets furnished
by the "Imperial Land Company," will serve to elucidate the general
features of the region, a portion of which has been surveyed in sufficient
detail to give the contour lines indicating the slope, which, as will be
noted, is considerable enough to render both irrigation and drainage
easy; in general, toward a depression designated as Mesquit Lake, which
can also serve as a back-water reservoir from Salton River and the
main canal. To the eye, however, most of the country appears as a
level plain, except where the channels of the streams form breaks. Its
natural vegetation is very scanty; mesquit is found scattered over the
plains, with locally some poplars on the lower ground; also low shrubby
and herbaceous, partly saline, growth. On the higher ground vegeta-
tion is generally very sparse, sometimes entirely absent over consider-
able tracts; locally there are areas in which certain plants are massed.
As to the thickness of these delta deposits, the only evidence as yet
available is from a boring at Imperial made to determine the feasibility
of obtaining artesian water in this region. This boring was carried to
the depth of 685 (?) feet, without penetrating anything different from
the various materials found at or near the surface, and without finding
water. It is thus apparent that the Gulf was originally of very consider-
able depth. The level of the Salton salt deposit at the works is stated
by Gannett to be 262 feet below sea level.
Successive Efforts at Investigation. — The attention of the Station
Director was first called to the agricultural possibilities of this southern
portion of the Colorado Desert in 1893, by a request on the part of
several gentlemen who proposed to take out water from the Colorado
River near Yuma, for the purpose of irrigating this region; and also
proposed to fit out an expedition, properly equipped, in order that he
might explore the country in question personally. Financial difficulties
intervening prevented the carrying-out of the plan at that time; but a
few samples of water from the lakes, and of soils superficially taken,
proved that the latter were very similar to that of the immediate bottom
of the Colorado River, which previous analyses had already shown to be
of extraordinary intrinsic fertility.*
A similar effort was made in 1896-7 by other parties, who also sup-
plied to the Station some soil and water samples for examination.
These but corroborated the previous conclusions, with the added sugges-
tion that a considerable proportion of alkali salts was present in soils as
well as in waters; so that a thorough examination of the region in this
respect was manifestly called for.
It was not until 1900, however, that the present organization, the
" Imperial Land and Water Company," took active steps toward the
construction of an irrigation canal, and renewed the proposition that the
land should be explored under the supervision of this Station, in order
to determine definitely its adaptation to general or special agriculture
and horticulture. The first step was the taking of soil samples over a
considerable portion of the district by an employe of the company,
in substantial accordance with printed directions furnished. These
samples, unfortunately, could not be very accurately located, in the
absence of a regular land survey; but they furnished a fair general idea
of the character of the lands, and further emphasized the necessity of a
more definite and detailed examination, in order to determine what
portions of the territory under the canal might or might not be con-
sidered suitable for general farming purposes.
To indicate the general idea obtained from the analysis of these twenty
preliminary samples, the results have been calculated so as to show the
soluble salts (alkali) to the depth of four feet, taking the average alkali
content found in the soils to the depth to which each sample had been
taken, and assuming that this represents approximately the saline con-
dition for each foot.
*See report of California Experiment Station for 1882.
/ —
TABLE I. Preliminary Results of Alkali Leachings.
Percentages.
Locality.
1...
2...
S...
4...
5...
6...
7...
8...
9...
10.. .
11...
12...
13...
16...
17...
18...
19...
20...
Sul-
fates.
.196
.068
.129
.162
.072
.294
.042
.631
.179
.207
.173
.172
.141
.142
.080
.056
.129
.152
Carbon- Chlor-
ates, ids.
Pounds Per Acre in 4 Feet.
Total, j Sulfates.
Carbon
ates.
Chlorids. Total
.013
.010
.012
.007
.010
.008
.009
.013
.009
.010
.010
.014
.011
.012
.007
.009
.009
.009
.094
.043
.082
.045
.019
.496
.002
.424
.162
.027
.056
.044
.164
.137
.035
.001
.005
.154
.303
.121
.223
.214
.101
.798
.053
L.068
.350
.244
.239
.230
.316
.291
.122
.066
.193
.315
Average in 4 feet...
Mininium in 4 feet
Maximum in 4 feet
31,360
10,880
20,640
25,920
11,520
47,040
6,720
96,960
28,640
33,120
27,680
27,520
18,560
22,720
12,800
8,960
20,640
24,320
575,320
28,766
6,720
96,960
2,080
1,600
1,920
1,120
1,600
1,280
1,440
2,080
1,440
1,600
1,600
2,240
1,760
1,920
1,120
1,440
1,440
1,440
29,120
1,456
1,120
2,240
15,040
6,880
13,120
7,200
3,040
79,360
160
16,960
25,920
4,320
8,960
7,040
26,240
21,920
5,600
160
800
6,160
248,880
12,444
160
79,360
48,480
19,360
35,680
34,240
16,160
127,680
8,280
170,880
56,000
39,040
38,240
40,800
50,560
46,560
19,520
10,560
30,880
50,400
853,320
42,666
8,280
170,880
It will be observed that this preliminary examination indicates the
average total alkali in the first four feet of soil to be about one per cent,
or 40,000 pounds per acre; about two-sevenths of which is common salt
and about two-thirds glauber salt. Further, the enormous variation
from 8,280 to 170,880 pounds of soluble salts per acre — from a soil
which will not injure citrus fruits to one that would be repugnant to
all but the hardiest of alkali plants — shows that the land is quite
" spotted," some localities being too highly charged with alkali to admit
of any successful agricultural operations, while others do not exceed in
amount the salts found in some of the better agricultural regions of the
State. This condition suggested forcibly the need of a detailed local
examination of the region.
Exploration by Mr. F. J. Snow. — The Director being unable to visit
the region personally, Mr. F. J. Snow, at the time assistant in the
laboratory of agricultural chemistry, was deputed to undertake the
work of exploration, and the field work was carried out by him with
the effective assistance and at the expense of the company, during the
three weeks of Christmas vacation, 1900-1901. The examination of the
numerous samples it was found necessary to collect occupied over four
months of his time during 1901; and the resignation of Mr. Snow from
the staff of the Station at the beginning of the session of 1901-2 una-
voidably delayed the report of results until the vacancy thus created
could be acceptably filled. Almost the entire laboratory work had
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— 11 —
An examination of this table shows that the silt soil contains about
60 per cent of silt of medium to coarse grade, which imparts the distinc-
tive character to the soil. It also carries from 10 to 15 per cent of very
fine silt, which in some respects might act
., , t mi Diagram I. Rate of percola-
similarly to clay in respect to capillary power. tion in 12 hours
The soil characterized as clay carries about 30 clay goil silt soilB
per cent of clay proper, and over 60 per cent of 3 12
very fine silt; making over 90 per cent of ex-
tremely fine matter, which, when compacted
(as much of it is), makes a material almost *— ins"
impervious to water. The truth of this latter
statement is well illustrated by the results obtained in
the percolation experiments (diagram I); and it is
obvious that a material of this character can not be
considered suitable for irrigation culture, or, in fact, blns'
for any of the usual crops under any practically pos-
sible treatment. It is too, " fat" even for potter's clay,
for which its high plasticity would otherwise render
it suitable.
As is natural, intermixtures of these two extreme
materials in various proportions are frequently found,
often in shaly masses resembling the hard clay, but 12 ins.
softening readily in water and quite capable of suc-
cessful cultivation if freed from excess of alkali. The
"hand test," by wetting with water and working
between the palms of the hands, and the observation
of their percolative power, will generally serve to
distinguish these shaly clay-loams from the intractable
hard clay of the New River banks.
18 ins.
Percolation of Water. — In irrigated regions the
rapidity with which soils can be wetted is a question
of prime importance to the farmer; and with a view
of ascertaining the rate at which water will be taken
by each of the two types of soils here discussed, the
following experiments were undertaken. Experi-
ments No. 1 and No. 2 were conducted with the silt
soil, and No. 3 with the clay soil. No. 2 was designed
as a check upon No. 1, and was conducted at a dif-
ferent time; but all essential conditions were made as
similar as possible. In each experiment the same
constant depth of water was maintained over the soil-
column by means of a Marriotte apparatus. In
experiment No. 1 the tube used was one and one 29 ins
half inches in diameter and thirty-eight inches in
length, and contained 1,700 grams of soil. In experiment No. 2 (he
- 12 —
diameter of the tube was two inches, and the length thirty-two inches,
the weight of the soil being 1,400 grams. In each case the soil was
well settled in the tube. Experiment No. 1 was begun at 6:20 a. m.,
April 15th, and ended at 11:25 p. m. of the same day. Experiment
No. 2 was begun at 5:20 a. m., May 2d, and ended at 9:14 p. m. of
the same day. The rate of wetting is graphically presented in the
accompanying exhibits (diagram I), in which the depth reached in
twelve hours is shown.
Practical Deductions. — In soils as strong in alkali as these samples,
the rate of wetting becomes even a more important factor for considera-
tion than in non-alkali regions. Wherever the upper layers of the
soil are highly charged with the salts, the first thing needful to be
done — aside from thorough underdrainage — is that of heavy irrigation
by flooding, in order to wash the excess of alkali from the upper
layers to the lower, and thus reduce the amount in the upper four
to six feet of soil below the limit of endurance for the various crops.
(For a discussion of the "Tolerance of Alkali by Certain Cultures,"
the reader is referred to Bulletin No. 133 of this Station.) If an
excessive amount of water has to be used in order to accomplish this
washing-down, or if the water has to be kept upon the ground an undue
length of time, there is the constant attendant danger of "swamping"
the soil, and thus putting it out of good physical condition; and again,
in a soil in which the lime carbonate runs as high as seems to be the
case in these soils, there is the further danger of the development of
black alkali, thus adding to the already serious condition of many
of the sampled areas. If, however, the soil be of such a nature as
to preclude the possibility of wetting it thoroughly to a depth of five
or six feet within a reasonable length of time under irrigating condi-
tions, then if it be placed under cultivation, there may be expected a
considerable increase of alkali near the surface during the first three or
four years.
Comparing these two soils it was found that under these experiments
the silt soil became wet to the depth of three feet within 18 hours, while
in the case of the clay soil it required 165 days for the water to reach
the same depth; a rate entirely prohibitive of successfully handling this
soil under its highly saline conditions. Further, the experiment indi-
cates that this clay soil is so slow in taking moisture from above that in
a period of ten days it would only become wet to a depth of seven
inches, a rate too slow for agricultural operations.
In the silt soil, the conditions for successful treatment under irrigation
are much more favorable. Carrying, as it does, a heavy amount of
alkali within the first three feet, the same method of heavy flooding and
subsequent deep-furrow irrigation would have to be resorted to; and a
13 —
study of the data shows that if the water will carry a considerable por-
tion of the salts to a depth of four or five feet within a reasonable time,
the conditions may be considered as favorable as in many other well-
cultivated portions of the arid regions. The experiments show that
this may be accomplished within a period of 18 to 36 hours, a time
perfectly compatible with agricultural practice. The particular thing
here shown should be distinctly borne in mind; namely, that it is as
important for intending settlers to be as careful to avoid the compact clay
soils as those carrying excessive amounts of alkali.
In connection with the silt soil, in view of its looseness of texture, its
often highly saline condition, and the heavy percentage of lime carbon-
ate which it carries, attention should be directed to the great liability
to seepage from the higher ground, especially where near the main canal,
to the lower lands. Instances of this are so common in irrigated regions
that forewarned should be forearmed. Sooner or later there will arise
the necessity of drainage canals to keep the seepage water from " swamp-
ing" the lower land. With this underflow of water there is a greater or
less accumulation of alkali salts in the lower areas, which, taken in con-
nection with the high natural lime content of the soils, is almost sure to
result in the formation of considerable black alkali; a condition which
may already be seen in a few isolated localties where there has been a
periodic overflow from New River. One such is indicated on the map
by the number 25, and covers about 200 acres.
In dealing with the grades of soil intermediate between the two ex-
tremes here tested, it will be advisable to determine first of all the rate
at which water will penetrate them to the depth of not less than four,
preferably five or six, feet. This will at once indicate whether the alkali
salts can be successfully leached out of the land on a practical scale.
The test can be made either by digging a pit, alongside of which water
is put on the land; or else by following the water down by means of the
soil auger.
Capillary Power. — The height to which, and the rapidity with which
water will rise by capillary movement (wick action) in soils from
underground or sub-irrigation water, and the ease of its general trans-
mission in all directions, is a matter of vital importance in agricultural
operations, particularly in arid regions. While both the height and the
rapidity of transmission are to a large degree dependent upon the
physical nature of the soils, yet it is reasonably certain that there are
certain chemical factors involved as well. Inasmuch as this capillary
power is dependent upon the size of the spaces between the particles
constituting the soil, varying inversely as this space, capillary ascent is
less in sandy than in clay soils. In the former the rise is more rapid,
since there is less frictional resistance to the motion of the water; but
14 -
there is, also, much less surface tension, and while the rise is rapid the
water may not ascend more than a few inches.
As between silts and clays, such as we have to deal with in this dis-
cussion, the conditions are quite different and merit some attention,
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particularly as these silt soils are so prevalent in the arid regions. The
soils used in this experiment were from the same lot as those used in
the percolation experiments and in the complete chemical and mechan-
ical analyses described above. The soils were tapped into the tubes,
which were then placed upon a perforated support in a water reservoir.
— 15 —
The results are shown graphically by means of both curves and vertical
columns. In the case of the curves, the verticals represent equal heights
in inches; the horizontals show the length of time in days. In the
columns, to facilitate comparison, the points reached in each at the end
of the several periods of time are connected by lines.
The particular point to attract attention in comparing these two soils
is the great difference in the rapidity of the rise of water. In the case
of the silt soil, in seven minutes it had ascended 2 inches, in eighteen
minutes 4 inches, in one hour 7 inches, in one hour and forty-three
minutes 10 inches; while it took the clay eleven hours and seventeen
minutes to draw the water to a like height, or approximately ten times
as long. This rate, however, diminishes somewhat more rapidly in the
silt as the water column ascends, than it does in the clay. This rapid
rise of water in soils of a somewhat similar character was noticed some
years ago, and commented upon in the annual report of this Station for
1894. In the case of the alluvial soil from Gila River, near Yuma, the
water rose 9^ inches in one hour; at the end of twelve hours it had
reached a height of 24 inches, and at the end of the first day it had
reached the height of 27^ inches; while the silt soil here under con-
sideration reached the height of 30 inches in a like time. The clay soil
of the region must be looked upon, then, as very slow in its capillary
action when compared with the lighter alluvial silt, the ratio for the
first few hours being about 1:10.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE SOILS.
In a previous report* of this Station, analyses of three samples of
soil from this region are given, and in the discussion of the results it
was stated: "It will be noted, as a common factor of these three soils,
that they are highly calcareous; they show the presence of the carbonate
of lime by effervescence with acids. The Colorado River soil is very
rich in potash; the Gila soil much less so, yet very adequately sup-
plied; the amount of soda found does not indicate much alkali con-
tamination. The Colorado soil has a good, but not high, supply of
phosphoric acid; the Gila soils both show an unusually high percentage
of that ingredient. The Colorado soil has a good supply of humus;
the Gila soil is notably deficient therein for a bottom soil."
A complete chemical analysis of each of the types here under con-
sideration was made by Mr. Snow, and the subjoined results obtained.
The analysis of other soils from the same region, the discussion of
which appears above, is included for the sake of comparison.
* Report of California Experiment Station, 1890, p. 50.
16
TABLE III. Analyses of Colorado Alluvial Soils.
Clay Soil.
Silt Soil.
No. 2324. 1 No 2R25.
Colorado
River,
California,
Bottom
Soil.
No. 506.
Gila River.
Arizona,
Bottom
Soil.
No. 1195.
Gila River,
Arizona,
Bottom
Subsoil.
No. 1197.
Coarse materials >0.5E
Fine earth
Analysis of Fine Earth.
Insoluble matter
Soluble silica
Potash (K,0)
Soda(Na.O)
Lime (CaO)._
Magnesia (MgO)._
Br. ox. of manganese (Mn304).
Peroxid of iron (Fe203 )
Alumina (A1203 )
Phosphoric acid (P205)
Sulfuric acid ( S03 )
Carbonic acid(C02)
Water and organic matter
Total
Humus
" Ash
" Nitrogen, per cent in humus..
" Nitrogen, per cent in soil
Available phosphoric acid (citric acid
method)
Hygroscopic moisture (absorbed at
15° C.)
Water-holding power
100.00
38.65
15.79
.76
.34
4.35
1.24
.10
6.15
10.52
.23
.49
5.30
15.84
99.76
.38
1.01
18.42
.07
.012
5.75
74.39
100.00
62.67
10.93
.74
.29
3.75
1.68
.01
3.71
4.26
.22
.36
2.32
8.93
100.00
58.57
5.33
1.18
.16
8.67
2.97
100.00
57.90
13.49
.66
.25
6.26
.66
.03
14
,38
13
,15
,82
,34
99.87
.65
.69
10.92
.07
.01
2.98
46.26
100.87
.75
1.15
.08
5.57
7.48
.23
.03
2.63
4.98
100.00
64.83
11.85
.67
.39
4.33
1.97
.03
6.27
4.27
.17
.05
3.56
1.14
100.22
.38
.43
99.83
9.26
48.40
4.91
3.48
42.30
Intrinsic Fertility of these Soils. — In a general review of these soils,
one is impressed at first by the general similarity in composition,
bearing out the statements made several years ago and quoted above,
viz: that the intrinsic fertility of the soils of this region is high. The
lime content of all three is high; and the fact that this lime is present
largelv in the form of a carbonate, as indicated by the high per cent of
carbonic dioxid, also indicates a high general availability of the other
critical elements. In the case of the clay it will be noted that there is a
much larger portion of soluble matter than in the silt, which is further
shQwn by its higher alkali content, discussed later in this bulletin. In
this latter respect both the silt and soil No. 506 have the advantage of
the clay. This fact is also borne out by the higher per cent of both
soda and sulfuric acid present in the clay when compared with the
other soils. There is about two thirds as much soluble silica in the silt
as in the clay. As to potash, all three soils are very rich, there being
nearly four times as much as the average for soils of humid regions.
In this respect the soils must be considered as permanently fertile. On
the side of phosphoric acid there is little difference in the two types,
both having an excellent supply, exceeding that of soil No. 506 quite
materiallv: still, the latter could not be considered deficient. The
— 17 —
humus content is good — better in the silt than in the clay — especially
as the nitrogen content of the humus is high. The water-holding power
is greater by 30 per cent in the case of the clay than in the silt, which
might be expected on account of the difference in the nature of the two
soils. All three of these soils must thus be ranked as exceptionally
good in their supplies of plant food.
THE SOLUBLE SALTS IN THE SOIL.
Importance of the Alkali Factor in Arid Regions. — In the selection ot
lands in arid regions it is highly essential that more than the physical
nature and general fertility of the soils be considered. There are factors
entering into the soil problems of such regions which are entirely
foreign to those of humid climates, and which, in many cases, are far
more complicated. A soil may possess all the elements, both physical
and chemical, of intrinsic fertility, and still be entirely unsuited to
agricultural operations under irrigated conditions; points which, in a
humid region, might be considered very favorable to a soil may, under
irrigation, if the alkali condition of the undersoil be not accurately
known, cause the ruin of the land. Being unaware of these essential
differences, settlers from the humid region are not infrequently led to
select land which is, or may become, entirely unsuited to any kind of
crop-growing. It is important, then, that the truth should be placed
before them in these matters, not only that they may avoid financial
loss, but also that the evil results sure to follow such unwise selections
may not cast reflections upon the State. On the other hand, it is not
at all uncommon for people temporarily residing in arid regions to
make broad and sweeping condemnations of lands which experience and
a thorough understanding of arid conditions will not bear out.
Alkali lands, when at all adapted to agriculture, are intrinsically of the
very richest character; and may, as a rule, be considered as exceptionally
fertile upon the mineral side when compared with the humid-region
soils. In order to realize these advantages, however, care is needed in
handling such lands, and ignorance of the true condition may cause
very serious financial loss, both to the individual and to the State. A
notable case is that of the Fresno plateau region — the divide between
the San Joaquin and Kings rivers — where there were no signs of alkali
when the region was settled and for some time thereafter. Gradually
small spots of alkali appeared in the older settlements, enlarging from
year to year as the point of tolerance was passed for the several crops,
finally causing the death of vines and trees to such an extent as to
attract serious attention. It has only required a thorough understanding
of the conditions to point out an application of the rational treatment
of drainage, combined with the use of gypsum, when needed, as a
remedy for a trouble that threatened to overrun the country.
2— Bul. 140
— 18 —
The alkali factor should always, therefore, receive careful attention
as to both surface and undersoil conditions. Three points demand
consideration in this connection, viz:
1. The soluble salt content of the soil itself;
2. The salt content of the available irrigation water;
3. The condition of the surface and sub-drainage in connection with
the nature of the soil.
The Nature of Alkali. — The nature and kinds of alkali have been
repeatedly treated of in the several publications of this Station, but it is
deemed best to again state here that, "broadly speaking, it may be said
that, the world over, alkali salts usually consist of three chief ingredients,
namely, common salt, glauber salt, (sulfate of soda), and salsoda or car-
bonate of soda. The latter causes what is popularly known as " black
alkali," from the black spots or puddles seen on the surface of lands
tainted with it, owing to the dissolution of the soil humus; while the
other salts, often together with epsom salt, constitute " white alkali,"
which is known to be very much milder in its effect on plants than the
black. In most cases all three are present, and all may be considered
as practically valueless or noxious to plant growth. With them, how-
ever, there are almost always associated, in varying amounts, sulfate of
potash, phosphate of soda, and nitrate of soda, representing the three
elements — potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen — upon the presence of
which in the soil, in available form, the welfare of our crops so essen-
tially depends, and which we aim to supply in fertilizers. The potash
salt is usually present to the extent of from 5 to 20 per cent of the total
salts; phosphate, from a fraction to as much as 4 per cent; the nitrate,
from a fraction to as much as 20 per cent. In black alkali the nitrate
is usually low, the phosphate high; in the white, the reverse is true."*
With regard to the relative injuriousness of the component salts it
may be said that the glauber salt, unless present in excessive amounts, is
comparatively innocuous and need not be considered a serious barrier
to agricultural operations when conducted in a rational manner. The
carbonate of soda, constituting the active ingredient in the so-called
"black alkali," exerts a corrosive action on the root crown of the plant,
and in many cases, especially in heavy soils, tends to destroy their tilth.
But by the use of gypsum, it can readily be converted into the relatively
innocuous sulfate. Experience on our substation tracts, as well as else-
where, shows that any considerable amount of sodium chlorid (common
salt) is fully as much to be feared as the more corrosive carbonate,
since it can not be neutralized or changed within the soil, but must be
bodily removed by drainage.
* Bulletin No. 128, California Experiment Station, p. 13.
— 19 —
ALKALI SALTS IN THE SALTON BASIN.
In considering only the amounts of alkali salts in the soils of this
region, we find the outlook not altogether encouraging. While there is
some land not too strongly impregnated to produce even now, without
any special precautions, good crops of cereals, especially barley, also
alfalfa, and some of the hardier orchard and small fruits, there is a
very large proportion of the lands so strongly charged that, without
due care, crops could be secured only for two or three years, and in
some, none at all. As to quality, however, it is notable that there is in
the great majority of cases a great predominance of the relatively
innocuous sulfates — glauber salt, epsom salt, and throughout, a certain
proportion of potash sulfate also, ranging in the determinations thus
far made from two to over ten per cent of the total salts. Carbonate of
soda is quite subordinate, because of the presence of gypsum throughout
the materials. Common salt is rather abundant near the surface, but
only in small supply below the first three feet, until a depth of twenty
feet is reached, as is shown in the sections given below. Nitrates appear
to be present throughout, to an extent varying from 1,000 to 1,800
pounds per acre (.025 to .044 per cent) in four feet depth; increasing
from the surface downward, contrary to the usual rule. The alkali is,
therefore, generally speaking, of the mildest " white " type, and it is not
surprising that, as the crop reports given below show, seed germinates
and a luxuriant growth of weeds is found even where the alkali salts are
bodily blooming out along the ditches. It would thus seem that, on the
whole, the hard clay is a more serious obstacle to the utilization of these
extremely rich lands than are the alkali salts, so far at least as the
lighter and more pervious soil qualities are concerned.
Sections of New River and Salton River Banks. — Below will be found
tables and diagrams showing the results of analyses of samples taken in
vertical sections from the banks of both the Salton and New rivers.
These samples were taken, as indicated in the tables, to the depth of 22
feet 9 inches, and 22 feet respectively, the banks in each case having
been dug away for 20 feet horizontally in order to get truly representa-
tive samples, avoiding the effects of concentration of salts by evapo-
ration. These sections are of especial importance as indicating the
general disposition of the soluble salts in the substrata of the valley;
they consequently elucidate best the chances of getting rid of alkali
by drainage, or by leaching downward on the land itself. The tables
show the data obtained from the two stream banks, the nature
of the materials being given alongside of the same.
20 —
TABLE IV. Section from New River Bank: 22 Feet, Locality No. 33.
Percentages.
CO
p
t— •
P
CD
00
o
g
o*
o
p
p
CD
w
.916
.008
1.321
.010
1.164
.008
.736
.016
.556
.016
.572
.012
.593
.007
.286
.007
.371
.013
.376
.010
.631
.012
.661
.013
.522
.013
.584
.009
.572
.014
.258
.007
.232
.008
.195
.008
.257
.007
1.188
.010
1.130
.008
1.244
.012
1.143
.005
1.162
.007
o
p-
Pi
o
Physical Characteristics of Each
Thickness.
Pounds per Acre.
X
O
' O
H
d
P
£T
o
>-i
p
o
o
p
CD
00
p
p
<rH
CD
oo
.092
.265
.096
.060
.037
.032
.036
.249
.018
.014
.076
.016
.029
.011
.078
.015
.025
.021
.003
.006
.068
.026
.036
.063
1.016
1.596
1.268
.812
.609
.616
.636
.542
.402
.400
.719
.690
.564
.604
.604
.280
.265
.224
.267
1.204
1.206
1.282
1.184
1.232
8 in. Surface compacted clay; I
crumbles easily. t
12 in. Compacted clay ; crura- »
bles easily. )
12 in. Very tough clay ; will not j
1 break nor crumble. j
..4 in. Very hard ; breaks in cakes..
.12 in. Compacted, but not as hard.
.12 in. Very hard; breaks in cakes.
.12 in. Very hard; breaks in cakes.
.12 in. In large chunks ; very hard .
.12 in. Notashard; more silt; mixed.
. 6 in. Notashard; more silt; mixed.
j 12 in. Hard compact clay; caked )
in chunks. f
12 in. Hard compact clay; caked j
1
.. 12 in.
..12 in.
.. 6 in.
.. 12 in.
._ 12 in.
.12 in.
.. 12 in.
. 12 in.
. 12 in.
.12 in.
.12 in.
. 12 in.
in chunks.
Compact; some silt
Compact; more silt
Compact; more silt
Loose silt and sand
Loose silt and sand
Loose silt and sand
Loose silt and sand
Very compact
Very compact
Very compact
Very compact
Very compact
24,427
52,840
46,560
9,813
22,240
22,880
23,720
11,440
14,840
7,520
25,240
26,440
20,880
23,360
10,240
10,320
9,280
7,800
10,280
47,520
45,200
49,760
45,720
46,480
213 | 2,653
400 i 10,600
320
214
640
480
280
280
520
200
480
520
520
360
280
280
320
320
280
400
320
480
200
280
3,840
800
1,480
1,280
1,440
9,960
720
280
3,040
640
1,160
440
1,560
600
1,000
840
120
240
2,720
1,040
1,440
2,540
27,293
63,840
50,720
10,827
24,360
24,640
25,440
21,680
16,000
8,000
28,760
27,600
22,560
24,160
12,080
11,200
10,600
8,960
10,680
48,160
48,240
51,280
47,360
49,280
Sand and water at 22 feet.
TABLE V. Section from Salton River Bank: 22 Feet 9 Inches, Locality No. 34.
195
.007
.080
.282
603
.012
.329
.944
356
.008
.038
.402
233
.008
.025
.266
095
.007
.006
.107
181
.008
.013
.202
129
.011
.003
.143
121
.009
.009
.143
164
.010
.012
.186
225
.008
.003
.236
.260
.005
.007
.272
i
.467
.007
.009
.483
.331
.009
.028
.368
.417
.009
.026
.452
207
.008
.011
.226
315
.012
.015
.342
.998
.008
.012
1.018
.372
.008
.006
.386
.193
.014
.074
.281
292
.020
.044
.356
.132
.008
.008
.148
092
.010
.089
.191
416
.008
.168
.592
686
.009
.285
.980
771
.010
.739
1.520
12 in. Silty; some clay some-)
what compacted. j
12 in. Similar to above, but |
more compact. <j
6 in. Like first foot
12 in. Like first foot
12 in. Like first foot
12 in. Very loose, silty soil;
little sand.
12 in. Very loose, silty soil; a)
little sand. \
j 6 in. Silt ; some clay ; slightly j
} compact. j
12 in. Silt; compact breaks to)
silt soil. j
12 in. Silt; some clay
j 12 in. Silt; some clay some-)
( what compacted. j
j 3 in. Silt; some clay some-j
( what compacted. j
j 12 in. Silt ; some clay some
( what compacted.
.. 12 in. Silt; very loose
.. 12 in. Silt; very loose
.. 12 in. Silt; very loose
.. 6 in. Clay; compact
..12 in. Silt; some clay
.. 12 in. Silt; some clay
.. 12 in. Silt; lumps crumble easily.
.. 12 in. Silt; very fine
.12 in. Silt; very fine
..12 in. Clay; compact
.. 12 in. Clay; compact.
.12 in. Clay; compact
7,800
280
3,200
24,120
480
13,160
7,120
160
760
9,320
320
1,000
3,800
270
240
7,240
320
520
5,160
440
120
2,420
180
180
6,560
400
480
9,000
320
120
10,400
200
280
4,670
70
90 !
13,240
360
1,120
16,680
360
1,040
8,280
320
440
12,600
480
600
19,960
160
240
14,880
320
240
7,720
560
2,960.
11,680
800
1,760
5,380
320
320 j
3,680
400
3,560 :
16,640
320
6,720 i
27,440
360
11,400 |
30,840
400
29,560
11,280
37,760
8,040
10,640
4,280
8,080
5,720
2,860
7,440
9,440
10,880
4,830
14,720
18,080
9,040
13,680
20,360
15,440
11,240
14,240
5,290
7,640
23,680
39,200
60,800
— 21
TABLE VI. Showing Summary of Soluble Salts in the River Sections.
(Pounds per acre.)
Salton River Silt.
New River Clay.
Sul-
fates.
Carbon-
ates.
Chlor-
ids.
Total.
Sul-
fates.
Carbon-
ates.
Chlor-
ids.
Total.
For Total Depth : 22 ft. 9 in.
For Total Depth : 22 ft.
Total
Average per foot. ..
Min. in any foot...
Max. in any foot...
281,864
12,812
3,680
30,840
7,348
334
200
800
73,590
3,345
120
29,560
362,802
16,491
4,280
60,800
663,806
30,173
7,800
50,780
8,580
390
200
640
52,402
2,291
120
10,600
722,788
32,854
8,960
63,840
For First 4 Feet.
For First 4 Feet.
Total
50,044
12,511
6,560
24,120
1,376
344
295
480
18,240
4,560
620
13,160
69,660
17,415
7,460 :
37,160 !
155,888
38,972
22,240
50,780
1,788
447
346
640
13,372
5,343
1,480
8,347
177,040
44,260
24,360
59,133
Average per foot .. . .
Min. in any foot...
Max. in any foot. ._
For the Next 6 Feet.
For the Next 4 Feet.
Total
42,678
7,113
5,000
10,400
1,992
332
295
400
1,818
303
120
480
46,560
7,760
5,720
10,880
109,320
18,225
11,440
23,720
2,340
390
280
520
20,070
3,345
720
9,960
131,760
Average per foot ..
Min. in any foot...
Max. in any foot...
21,960
16,000
25,440
In comparing the column of total salts, it is at once apparent that the
New River materials are much more heavily charged with salts than
are those on Salton River. Looking closer at the nature of these
materials, we find, moreover, that while the Salton profile shows mostly
silts and sands, which make an easily worked loam soil, the material
of the New River bank is prevalently a very close-grained, fine clay,
which is practically impervious to water, as shown in the percolation
experiment previously recorded. (See p. 11.) In the Salton profile we
also find occasional layers of this clay; and inspection shows that in
nearly all cases this clay is more heavily charged with salts than is the silt
and sand. Thus this clay, which wets with great difficulty and when
wet becomes extremely tough and plastic, is a very unwelcome soil
ingredient, as it is incapable of tillage and will be penetrated only by
such hardy roots as those of the mesquit and greasewood, and possibly
by those of the saltbushes. It is quite unlikely that other useful trees
will be able to force their roots through this uncanny material, and
settlers will quite early find from experience what is quite evident from
these experiments : that these clay lands are ill adapted to agricultural
operations, even where a few feet of silt forms the surface.
There are, as stated, many grades of transition between this pure,
tough clay and the silt, which is eminently suitable as a soil material,
and when mixed with a moderate amount of the clay forms excellent
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— 24 — 4
loams or clayey soils. Such soils sometimes constitute the surface soil
itself, more frequently form layers of the substrata within reach of the
roots of culture plants, and of course should be well distinguished from
the practically impenetrable clay described above, as well as from the
loose silts proper.
The distribution of the salts is better shown to the eye in the graphic
form, as given on diagrams III and IV. Here we see at a glance that
there are two high maxima of total salts, viz: near the top and at the
base of the profile, with a minor one midway between in the case of
New River; while in that of the Sal ton River there is at 15 feet as heavy
a maximum as near the surface, with minor increases above and below.
Another and very important point of difference is that while on New
River there is no notable increase of the common salt near the base of
the profile, on the Salton the sodium chlorid seems to increase very
materially, almost equaling the sulfate, which elsewhere is throughout
the sections in considerable excess. The sulfate (glauber salt) being
the least noxious by far of the three salts usually contained in "alkali,"
this is a strong redeeming feature of the conditions in the region. It
must be noted, however, that in both profiles the common salt is in
quite heavy supply near the surface, constituting one fourth of one per
cent of the soil in the New River banks, and one third of one per cent
in that of Salton River.
Comparing the total content of salts in the two profiles, we see at
once that it is by far the heavier in the New River profile, where the
average content per acre of the entire section, as shown in the table
on pages 20-21, is 32,854 pounds; while the same on Salton River is only
16,491 pounds, or just one half as much.
The New River section is mainly clay; that on the Salton is mainly
silt and sand, but with an occasional sheet of clay. It will be noted
that wherever such a sheet occurs, the alkali content is heavier; in full
agreement with the same fact at the New River section. The clay, then,
must be regarded not only as an obstacle to tillage and root penetration,
but also as a prolific source of alkali salts. Wherever it is at, or within
less than three feet of the surface, the land should be considered as unsuit-
able for cultivation at this time.
The conclusion as to alkali content is again corroborated by the shal-
lower sections from which soil samples were collected by Mr. Snowr;
thus, in localities Nos. 3, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17 (see tables below). There
is also a decided increase wherever the silt is compacted by the presence
of considerable clay. In a few cases only, mostly near the surface, where
one would naturally expect an accumulation, is the loose silt strongly
impregnated with salts.
Again, in comparing these two river-bank sections in respect to the
— 25 —
upper four feet of soil, it is found that the same fact, i. e. that the clay
is the stronger in alkali, still holds good, for the average is about two
and a half times higher in the case of the New River clay than in the
Salton silt, and the minimum in the latter is 4,280, against twice as much
in the former. What is true of the average of the total salts is also true
of the average of each ingredient; and it is still further interesting to
note that in general the same fact holds for the next four feet, which
includes a depth as great as need be considered in any agricultural
practice.
Disregarding the hard clay as being unsuitable for agricultural opera-
tions, and looking more closely at the silt, it will be seen that in the six
feet underlying the upper four the average of the total salts is less than
one half as high as in the latter; thus indicating that the proper treat-
ment of these lands will be that of heavy flooding for reducing the
amount of salts in the upper layers of the soil, followed by deep-furrow
irrigation until leaching by underdrainage shall become practically
feasible.
SOILS OF THE GENERAL SURFACE OF THE BASIN.
Besides the profiles on the banks of the two rivers, soil samples were
taken in the open country, with a view to making them representative
of the various districts, so far as time permitted. In so doing, the several
layers of materials encountered in boring were taken separately, gen-
erally to the depth of six feet when conditions permitted; and a speci-
men of each layer was preserved for analysis. The general aspect and
ulay" of the land were recorded, and the vegetation, if any, noted and
specimens thereof preserved for subsequent identification, as possible
indicators of the strength and character of the alkali salts.
PHYSIOGRAPHIC FEATURES.
(By Me. Snow.)
" Localities Nos. 1, 5, 6, 7, 17, 18, 19, and 23 represent that portion of
the region lying west of New River; Nos. 1, 5, 6, and 23 representing
that portion north of the proposed townsite. This latter area is a level
country many miles in extent. The soil is generally a hard, compact
clay, and in spots bears a heavy growth of greasewood; in the im-
mediate locality of No. 23 there is a rank growth of pig-weed. Three
miles from this point a 27-foot well has been dug, in which the clay
extends to a depth of 12 feet, the remainder of the depth being sand.
Localities Nos. 17, 18, and 19 were south of the proposed townsite,
near the Mexican border, and represent an area of very level country
extending parallel to New River far across the line into Mexico. The
soil of this area, also, is a heavy, compact clay. The vegetation along
— 26 —
the river and around the lakes is very rank and abundant, but on the
agricultural land represented by these samples it is scarce and scattered.
Over more or less of this area there are numerous hummocks, on which
are found dead mesquit and greasewood bushes.
" Localities Nos. 3, 4, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 26, and 27 were between the
two rivers. Localities Nos. 3, 4, and 8 represent land lying north of
the proposed townsite, over which a hard, compact clay soil predomi-
nates, and all of which is without vegetation. Near the point where
sample 8 was obtained was a water-hole containing very saline water.
A dense growth of trees, particularly willows and poplars, occurs in the
river-bed at this point. Samples 14, 15, 16, and 26 were taken around
the proposed townsite, and represent a large body of level land lying
near the center of the agricultural district. The land has but little
vegetation and is composed of hard, compact, impervious clay soil.
Sample 27 represents a large area of so-called l blown-out' land lying
near Blue Lake, and a larger area of similar land lying on the west
bank of the Salton River and joining the Mexican line on the south.
Near sample 27 is a small body of black-alkali land.
" The locality represented by 9, 11, and 20 is that known as the ' East
Side Tract,' a large area of land extending from the east bank of the
Salton River to the sand hills on the east, and including all the irri-
gable lands to the Mexican line. These lands for some distance back
from the river are much broken by large arroyos which lead into the
Salton River. The soil is generally of a silty character, more or less
mixed with clay in the northern part, and becoming more silty and
sandy as the Mexican line is approached. Over this area the vegetation
is scarce in the northern part, but near the Mexican line there is a rank
growth of pig- weed, saltbush, greasewood, arrow-wood,* and sand verbena
(Abronia) . All the plants are to be found in this part of the country
in abundance, and reach an enormous size.
" The country represented by localities Nos. 21 and 22 lies in Mexico,
and consists of a loose, pervious, silty soil, which is overflowed annually
by the waters of the Colorado River. The vegetation in these localities
is very rank and abundant."
*By this name are indicated two different plants; see list, p. 42.
— 27 —
TABLE VII. Alkali Salts in Soils Contiguous to New River, San Diego County.
Locality No. 1— T. 14 S., R. 14 E., Sec. 6.
o
•B
B
cr
►J.
o
pr
S3
Percentages.
GO
B
o
C
P
hi
o-
o
B
O
BJ
O
(-■•
Oi
on
o
Physical
Characteristics.
Potinds per Acre.
c
a
>-1
cr
o
B
P
C
t— •
o
o
12
24
36
48
60
72
12
.218
12
.090
12
.026
12
.092
12
.136
12
.155
.005
.013
.019
.014
.007
.015
.001
.004
.003
.001
.004
.224
.107
.046
.106
.144
.174
... Silt; loose ...
. Silt ; very fine .
ditto
ditto
Silt; some sand
ditto
Total for vertical section
8,720
3,600
1,040
3,680
5,440
6,200
28,680
200
520
760
560
280
600
2,920
40
160
40
40
160
440
8,960
4,280
1,840
4,240
5,760
6,960
32,040
Locality No. 3— T. 12 S., R. 13 E., Sec. 36.
10
10
.767
.010
.157
.934
22
12
.995
.009
.392
1.396
36
14
.172
.012
.010
.194
Total for vertical section
Clav; slightlv compact
..... ditto
ditto
25,567
39,800
8,026
333
360
560
5,233 1
15,680
467
73,393
1,253
21,380
31,133
55,840
9,053
96,026
Locality No. 4— T. 13 S., R. 14 E., Sec. 5.
12
12
.755
.013
.318
1.086
24
12
.179
.012
.019
.210
36
12
.081
.012
.005
.098
48
12
.057
.012
.009
.078
60
12
.063
.016
.009
.088
Total for vertical section
Silt; very fine ..
ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
30,200
520
12,720
7,160
480
760
3,240
480
200
2,280
480
360
2,520
640
360
45,400
2,600
14,400
43,440
8,400
3,920
3,120
3,520
62,400
Locality No. 5— T. 12 S., R. 13 E., Sec. 33.
12
12
.254
.020
.014
.288
16
4
.079
.010
.033
.122
30
14
.105
.007
.014
.126
42
12
.081
.012
.014
.107
54
12
.095
.014
.009
.118
72
18
.120
.006
.014
.140
Total for vertical section
Silt; very loose
ditto
_ ditto .
ditto ._
...ditto
Clay; compact
10,160
800
560
1,053
133
440
4,900
327
653
3,240
480
560
3,800
560
360
7,200
360
840
30,353
2,660
3,413
11,520
1,626
5,880
4,280
4,720
8,400
36,426
Locality No. 6— T. 13 S., R. 14 E., Sec. 18.
12
12
.070
.046
trace
.116
18
6
.244
.008
trace
.253
32
14
.140
.008
.140
.288
44
12
.063
.009
.002
.074
60
16
.058
.019
.002
.079
72
12
.062
.010
trace
.072
Total for vertical section
116 -Silty clay ; compact.
.Silty clay; loose. ..
.Clay; very compact.
Silt ; very loose
_. . ditto
ditto
2,800
1,840
4,880
160
6,534
373
2,520
360
3,100
993
2,840
40
22,674
3,766
trace
trace
6,533
80
107
trace
4,640
5,040
13,440
2,960
4,200
2,880
6.720 ' 33,160
— 28
P
a
cd
OO
o
P
CO
p
o
p-
CD
TABLE VII— Continued.
Locality No. 7— T. 13 8., R. 13 E., Sec. 11.
Percentages.
P
o
p
c
o
B
P
P*
»— <
o
i-s
»-"
CL
t»
o
Physical
Characteristics.
Pounds per Acre.
CO
P
o
p
o*
o
P
P
CD
03
a
p;
o
H
o
6
.862
.019
.276
1.157
6
.317
.008
.239
.564
4
.335
.010
.009
.354
2
.427
.009
.117
.553
12
.151
.001
.047
.205
12
.165
.011
.014
.190
6
.111
.012
.023
.146
3
.185
.009
.028
.222
2
.121
.010
.019
.150
3
.279
.014
.033
.326
16
.061
.013
.014
.088
6
12
16
18
30
42
48
51
53
56
72
Total for vertical section
...Silty clay; loose...
Clay; compact
Silt; loose
ditto..
ditto
ditto
ditto
.Silty clay ; compact.
...Silty clay; loose...
Clay; compact
.. .Silty clay; loose...
17,240
6,340
4,466
2,846
6,040
6,600
2,220
1,850
807
2,790
3,253
380
160
134
60
280
440
240
90
67
140
693
5,520
4,780
120
780
1,880
560
460
280
126
330
747
54,452 2,684
15,583
23,140
11,280
4,720
3,686
8,200
7,600
2,920
2,220
1,000
3,260
4,693
72,719
Locality No. 8-
-T. 13 S.,
R. 14 E.
, Sec. 6.
12
24
12
12
.097
.903
.014
.002
.017
.173
.128
1.078
....Silt.
....Silt.
3,880
36,120
560
80
680
6,920
5,120
43,120
Total for vertical section
40,000
640
7,600
48,240
Locality No. 14— T. 15 S., R. 13 E., Sec. 13.
4
4
.731
.007
.075
.813
16
30
40
12
12
10
.642
.423
.301
.012
.013
.013
.211
.154
.150
.865
.590
.464
56
16
.335
.012
.323
.670
68
72
12
6
.388
.592
.009
.009
.103
.080
.500
.681
Total for vertical section
j Clay; somewhat j
| compact. j
ditto
.... ditto
Clay; compact. ..
Clay ; somewhat
compact.
ditto
ditto
9,747
93
25,680
16,920
10,033
480
520
433
17,867
640
15,520
11,840
360
180
107,607
2,706
1,000
8,440
6,160
5,000
17,226
4,120
1,600
43,546
10,840
34,600
23,600
15,466
35,733
20,000
13,620
153,859
Locality No. 15— T. 15 S., R. 14 E., Sec. 16.
12
12
.249
.005
1.928
2.182
24
12
.621
.003
1.076
1.700
36
12
.476
.025
.497
.998
48
12
.396
.021
.181
.598
60
12
.399
.019
.170
.588
72
12
.245
.015
.070
.330
Clay; lumpy..
.ditto
ditto
Clav; compact.
ditto
Total for vertical section
9,960
24,840
19,040
15,840
15,960
9,800
200
120
1,000
840
760
600
93,440 i 3,520
77,120
43,040
19,880
7,240
6,800
2,800
156,880
87,280
68,000
39,920
23,920
23,520
13,200
255,840
Locality No. 16— T. 15 8., R. 14 E., Sec. 18. (Imperial.)
12
12
.478
.007
.013
.498
72
12
.243
.019
.006
.268
72
72
.562
.012
.018
.592
.498 j Clay; lumpy.
Clay; compact
Total for vertical section
19,120 i
9,720
280 j 19,920
760 240
134,880 2,880
134,880 j 2,880
39,420
10,720
4,320 ; 142,080
4,320 142,080
— 29
TABLE VII— Continued.
Locality No. 17— T. 16 S., R. 13 E., Sec. 33.
o
a
■a
tr1
&
a
d
CO
CO
P
go
Percentages.
Physical
Characteristics.
Pounds per Acre.
a
a
CD
CO
GC
1— •
M»
P
<rt-
<T>
GO
i
Q
P
C
o
0
P
r*
CD
GO
o
o
co
■
!
H3
o
erf-
P
i— i
CO
S3
1— ■
p
ST
CO
o
p
>-t
a1
o
3
P
r*-
CD
09
■I
CO
i
i
H
o
9
9
24
9
15
.241
.572
.009
.009
.014
.051
.264
.632
Clay; lumpy. ...
Clay; compact
7,230
28,600
270
450
420
2,550
7,920
31,600
Total for vfirtinal section
35,830
720
2,970
39,520
Locality No. 18— T. 17 S., R. 13 E., Sec. 20.
12
12
.302
.013
.014
.329
18
6
.575
.015
.426
1.016
30
12
.400
.020
.136
.556
34
4
.188
.017
.033
.238
46
12
.180
.021
.014
.215
58
12
.158
.012
.019
.189
72
14
.078
.027
.009
.114
Clay; lumpy..
.Clay; very compact.
Clay; lumpy..
...Silt; very loose.
ditto
ditto.
ditto
Total for vertical section
12,080
520
560
11,500
300
8,520
16,000
800
5,440
2,507
240
1,320
7,200
840
560
6,320
480
760
3,640
1,260
420
59,147
4,440
17,580
13,160
20,320
22,240
3,167
8,600
7,570
5,320
80,377
Locality No. 19— T. 17 S., R. 14 E., Sec. 21.
12
12
.480
.008
trace
.488
24
12
.333
.008
.094
.435
36
12
.065
.020
.005
.090
42
6
.117
.013
trace
.130
54
12
.013
.025
trace
.038
66
12
.065
.009
trace
.074
72
6
.051
.009
trace
.060
. Silty clay; lumpy .
Clay; lumpy
ditto
Silty clay ; compact
Sandy; loose
ditto
._ ditto
Total for vertical section.
19,200
320
trace
13,320
320
3,760
2,600
800
200
2,340
260
trace
520
1,000
trace
2,600
360
trace
1,020
180
trace
41,600
3,240
3,960
19,520
17,400
3,600
2,600
1.520
2,960
1,200
48,800
Locality No. 21 — Mexico.
8
8
.231
.011
trace
.242
14
6
.736
.019
.037
.792
26
12
.316
.014
.004
.334
38
12
.118
.011
.002
.131
46
8
.076
.019
.001
.096
55
9
.159
.013
trace
.172
60
5
.143
.025
.061
.229
72
12
.151
.020
.004
.175
Clay
Clay
Clay; compact ..
ditto
ditto
..Silty clay; lumpy
ditto..
ditto
Total for vertical section
6,159
i
294
14,720
380
12,640
560
4,720
440
2,280
253
4,770
390
2,393
417
6,240
80
54,432
2,814
trace
6,453
740
15,840
160
13,360
80
5,240
27
2,560
trace
5,160
1,016
3,816
160
7,000
2,183 59,429
Locality No. 23— T. 13 S., R. 14 E., Sec. 15.
12
12
.508
.003
.445
.956
24
12
.652
.003
.215
.870
36
12
.580
.010
.080
.670
48
12
.424
.005
.066
.495
60
12
.333
.012
.183
.528
72
12
.617
.009
.131
.757
.. Silty clay ; lumpy .
Clay; compact...
ditto..
ditto..
ditto
ditto
Total for vertical section
20,320
120
17,800
26,080
120
8,600
23,200
400
3,200
16,960
200
2,640
13,320
480
7,320
24,680
360
5,240
124,560
1,680
44,800
38,240
34,800
26,800
19,800
21,120
30,280
171,040
— 30 —
TABLE VII— Continued.
Locality No. 26— T. 15 S., R. 13 E., Sec. 25.
B
o
B"
CO
H
B*
a
3
B
o
B-
CO
Percentages.
02
O
P
a"
o
B
P
a
00
O
BJ
O
>-t
a.
co
H
o
Physical
Characteristics.
Pounds per Acre.
03
B
O
P
>-»
c
o
B
P
«-t-
(t>
co
O
B*
o
co
4
16
28
40
52
64
4
12
12
12
12
12
.138
.362
.200
.163
.165
.129
.007
.004
.001
.016
.004
.006
.009
.098
.065
.033
.023
.019
.154
.464
.266
.212
.192
.154
...Clay; compact
..ditto
...ditto
ditto
ditto
ditto
1,840
14,480
8,000
6,520
6,600
5,160
93
160
40
640
160
240
Total for vertical section
42,600
120
3,920 I
2,600
1,320
920
760
1,333 J 9,640
2,053
18,560
10,640
8,480
7,680
6,160
53,573
Locality No. 27— T. 15 S., R. 13 E., Sec. 34.
12
12
.044
.012
trace
.056
30
18
.032
.020
trace
.052
36
6
.001
.024
trace
.025
42
6
.032
.017
.005
.054
54
12
.027
.011
trace
.038
66
12
.092
.012
.014
.118
72
6
.195
.016
.037
.248
Total for vertical section
.. Silt; loose ..
ditto
.Clay ; lumpy.
.. Silt; loose ..
ditto
ditto
ditto.....
1,760
1,920
20
640
1,080
3,680
3,900
13,000
480
trace
1,200
trace
480
trace
340
100
440
trace
480
560
320
740
3,740
1,400
2,240
3,120
500
1,080
1,520
4,720
4,960
18,140
TABLE VIII. Summary Table, showing Soluble Salts to Depth of 4 Feet.
Region.
New River
Locality.
Pounds per Acre.
Sulfates. I Carbonates.
Chlorids.
Total.
1
4
5
6
7 ..
14
15
16
18
19
21
23
26
27
Average .
Minimum
Maximum
17,040
42,880
21,253
17,509
45,752
71,313
69,680
89,920
30,340
37,720
43,579
96,560
35,240
4,880
44,547
4,880
96,560
2,040
1,960
3,020
2,977
1,694
2,036
2,160
1,920
2,780
1,200
2,024
840
1,039
2,720
2,028
840
3,020
240
14,040
2,393
6,640
14,100
29,213
148,280
2,847
16,527
3,960
1.007
32|240
8,573
100
20,011
100
148,280
19,320
58,880
25,666
27,026
61,546
102,372
219,120
94,787
49,627
42,880
46,610
119,640
44.852
7,700
66,586
7,700
219,120
— 31 —
TABLE IX. Alkali Salts in Soils Contiguous to Salton River.
Locality No. 2— T. 13 S., R. 14 E., Sec. 4.
o
a>
tf
**•
s
a
V
a
DO
&
o
*t
tt
en
CO
a
a
&
CD
Percentages.
Physical
Characteristics.
Pounds per Acre.
Sulfates
o
H
&
o
3
?o
0>
oo
o
Dj
CO
i
i
Total
Sulfates
V
o
a
ro
o
(3*
O
Si
CO
o
P
48
48
.072
.008
.014
.094
Clay; compact
11,520
1,280
2,240
15,040
Locality No. 9-T. 13 8., R. 15 E., Sec. 2.
6
6
.343
.014
.075
.432
18
12
.623
.016
.117
.756
30
12
.444
.017
.145
.606
36
6
.333
.013
.098
.444
48
12
.120
.013
.047
.180
60
12
.258
.014
.220
.492
72
12
.115
.013
.103
.231
. ..Clay; lumpy
Clay ; very compact .
ditto
ditto
.. Silt; some sand ...
Clay ; very compact .
ditto
Total for vertical section
6,860
280
1,500
24,920
640
4,680
17,760
680
5,800
6,660
260
1,960
4,800
520
1,880
10,320
580
8,800
4,600
520
4,120
75,920
3,480
28,740
8,640
30,240
24,040
8,880
7,200
19,680
9,240
108,120
Locality No. 10— T. 13 S., R. 16 E., Sec. 6.
11
11
.118
.006
.008
.132
16
5
.101
.008
.002
.111
30
14
.106
.008
.004
.118 |
36
6
.486
.008
.026
.520 '
Sand ; fine, very loose
... Sand and gravel
118 ! Coarse sand
Total for vertical section
4,327
220
293
1,683
134
33
4,046
373
187
9,720
160
520
20,676
887
1,033
4,840
1,850
5,506
10,400
22,596
Locality No. 11— T. 13 S., R. 15 E., Sec. 36.
14
23
35
41
53
57
14
9
12
6
12
4
.527
.282
.189
.238
.192
.087
017
.150 S
012
.028 i
014
.079
011
.009
011
.009
014
.009
.694 j Clay; shaly
.322 I Silt ; very loose....
.282 ] ditto
.258 i Clay; compact
.212 ditto.
.110 Silt; loose
Total for vertical section
24,593
793
7,000
8,460
360
840
7,560
560
3,160
4,760
220
180
4,680
440
360
1,160
186
120
54,213
2,559
11,660
Locality No. 20— T. 16 S., R. 16 E., Sec. 22.
32,386
9,660
11,280
5,160
8,480
1,466
58,432
12
30
42
54
72
12
18
12
12
18
.161
.151
.022
.017
.010
.012
.010
.008
.033
.005
trace
.005
.204
.168
.032
.030
Clay; snaly
ditto
Sandy
. ditto .
6,440
9,060
880
1,020
400
720
400
480
1,320
300
trace
300
8,160
10,080
1,280
1,800
♦Sample spoiled by becoming wet.
Locality No. 22—8 miles south from Sec. 8, R. 17 E., Mexican line.
12
12
.224
.012
.001
.237
24
12
.341
.012
.033
.386
36
12
.376
.012
.014
.302
48
12
.275
.014
.047
.336
Silt; very fine
ditto
ditto
ditto
Total for vertical section
8,960
13,640
15,040
11,000
48,640
480
480
480
560
1,900
40
1,320
560
1,880
3,800
9,480
15,440
12,080
13,440
50,440
— 32 —
TABLE X. Summary Table, showing Soluble Salts to the Depth of 4 feet in localities
. near Salton River.
Locality.
Pounds per Acre.
Sulfates.
Carbonates.
Chlorids.
Total.
2
11,520
61,000
48,103
48,640
1,280
2,380
2,190
1,900
2,240
15,820
11,390
3,800
15,040
9.
79,200
61,596
50,440
11 .
22
Average. -. -
Minimum ...
Maximum
42,314
11,520
61,000
1,938
1,280
2,380
8,312
2,240
15,820
52,564
15,040
79,200
Even a cursory glance at the preceding tables shows that the distri-
bution of the silty and clay lands is very much "spotted"; for while
there^s a general predominance of clay on the west, contiguous to New
River, especially in the westward bend of that channel, in range 13,
there are also two silt localities (Nos. 5 and 7) in the same range,
together with localities 1, 4, 6, 8, and 19 in range 14. Elsewhere we
find in ranges 14 and 15, localities 2 and 9 with compact clay soils,
although generally silts are predominant on the Salton. Only detailed
mapping can therefore segregate the several areas; but each one can
test the soil character easily by boring or digging, or preferably by the
irrigation test, i. e., noting how rapidly the water will penetrate to the
depth of from three to six feet, according to the crops it is intended to
plant. In the absence of ditches, water sufficient for the purpose can
be hauled to the spot.
That the two deep vertical sections do not represent the worst of the
land is shown in the more shallow sections from near New River, where
eight out of fourteen of the more shallow sections exceed the deep sec-
tion from New River bank in the total alkali present. In the case of the
shallow sections from near Salton River, however, the condition does
not appear to be as bad, for but one out of four exceeds the river-bank
section in the total alkali present in the first four feet.
In looking closely at the lesser sections, as well as at those taken from
the river banks, there will be seen a general tendency for a break to
occur in the total alkali content after the second foot, which generally
seems to carry a larger amount of salts than the top foot. This break
will serve largely as a saving clause for the lands, in many cases ren-
dering it possible to reduce the alkali in the upper layers of the soil
below the maximum of tolerance for crops. Particularly will this be
true in growing alfalfa, which has been found to resist a surprising
amount of alkali when it is once well rooted. In this same region excel-
— 33 —
lent fields have been grown where the soil carried as high as 110,000
pounds of alkali to the depth of six feet, and 79,760 pounds to the
depth of four feet. The figures showing the alkali content of two of the
alfalfa fields near Yuma are herewith presented.
Sample 28 was taken two miles south of Yuma in Mr. C. C. Dyer's
alfalfa field.
Sample 31 was taken from the alfalfa field adjoining Mr. Smith's dairy,
one and one half miles south of Yuma. The soil was moist to a depth
of 5 feet.
TABLE XI. Showing Soluble Salts in Yuma Alfalfa Lands.
b
CO
V
a
o
&
<t>
oo
l-=
B*
>-"
o
<t>
GO
co
y
Percentages.
Pounds per Acre.
Physical
Characteristics.
co
►-ta
P
e-t-
<t>
CO
o
P
l-S
O
SO
GO
o
o
GO
o
w
?o
<-►
CO
fa
a>
CO
o
a"
o
P
CO
GO
o
o
so
H
O
p
CO
p
in
oo* f ..Silt; very loose..
<^ j ..ditto
£ I ditto
^ ditto
12
24
36
48
12
12
12
12
.402
.683
.456
.328
.010
.013
.008
.008
.012
.038
.016
.014
.424
.734
.480
.350
16,080
27,320
18,240
13,120
400
520
320
320
480
1,520
640
560
16,960
29,360
19,200
14,000
a i
CO I
.467
.009
.020
.499
74,760
1,560
3,200
79,520
CO
0)
a
eS
' Silt; loose
ditto
_ ditto ..
__ ditto
._ Clay; lumpy _.
Silty clay ; lumpy
12
24
36
48
60
72
12
12
12
12
12
12
.356
.829
.416
.248
.342
.371
.008
.010
.008
.009
.009
.008
.018
.031
.044
.017
.027
.007
•
.382
.870
.468
.274
.378
.386
14,240
33,160
16,640
9,920
13,680
14,840
320
400
320
360
360
320
720
1,240
1,760
680
1,080
280
15,280
34,800
18,720
10,960
15,120
15,440
.427
.009
.024
.459
102,480
2,080
5,760
110,320
It is safe to say that much of the land near Salton River will produce
excellent crops of this forage plant if it can once be started. The young
plants of this crop are quite sensitive to alkali, and in most instances it
would be necessary to reduce the salts in the upper layer of the soil by
heavy and deep irrigation in order to secure a stand. It took four years
to secure good stands in the above fields.
That it is possible to do this in most cases on the Salton River silts
can be seen by referring not only to the sections from the river bankj
but also to the lesser sections. In a previous publication from this
Station (Bulletin No. 133), Dr. Loughridge has shown that when young
this plant will stand in the neighborhood of 12,000 pounds of salts.
When the distribution of the alkali in the silt soil is considered in con-
nection with the rapidity of percolation, as shown by the experiments
previously discussed, the condition for crop-growing on these soils seems
quite favorable. There is, however, a distinct disadvantage in the case
3— Bul. 140
— 34 —
of the silt soil for crops which require open culture, namely the high
capillary power; which will tend to hring up the alkali rapidly when
exposed to surface evaporation after irrigation. To successfully culti-
vate these lands and not experience a very serious u rise of alkali," it is
very imperative that they be at all times kept in good tilth by frequent
and deep cultivation. If this be not done there is almost sure to follow a
very serious alkali condition in the upper layers of the soil.
Looking again at the tables and profiles, we find throughout that the
carbonates are insignificant, and, except so far as there is a likelihood
that under heavy irrigation they may be formed in the future, can be
left out of consideration at present. As to the chlorids, the land near
New River seems to carry the larger amount; which might be expected
from what has been said heretofore. It shows the enormous range of
100 to 148,280 pounds per acre to a depth of four feet; and when the
generally high chlorid content of these clays is considered, together
with their other unfavorable properties, it is apparent what a hopeless
task it will be to attempt to handle them successfully. The people who
have been unfortunate enough to settle upon these dense, hard clay soils
should change to some more auspicious location, the sooner the better.
THE IRRIGATION WATER,
A consideration of the soluble salt content of the available irriga-
tion water is of nearly as great importance as a like consideration of
the soils themselves; for when water highly impregnated with alkali is
used for irrigation purposes, all the alkali in that portion of the water
which evaporates from the surface will be left in the land, and if the
water be very bad the land may soon become so highly charged with
alkali from this cause alone that it will not grow profitable crops. This
fact is the more important in case the lands to be irrigated are them-
selves as heavily loaded with alkali as those under consideration; for
the salts left after the evaporation of the water become an added evil
with which to contend, and may prove "the straw that breaks the
camel's back."
It is not easy to state absolute figures as to what constitutes an excess
of salts in water to be used for irrigation purposes, for not only must
the nature of the saline content of the water be considered, but also that
of the land to be irrigated. The far more variable factor, the quantity
and frequency of irrigation required, also demands attention.
Speaking along this line in a previous publication, the Director of the
Station has said: " Broadly speaking, the extreme limit of mineral
content usually assigned for potable waters, viz: 40 grains per gallon,
also applies to irrigation waters. Yet it sometimes happens that all or
— 35 —
most of the solid content is gypsum and epsom salt; when only a large
excess of the latter would constitute a bar to irrigation use. When, on
the contrary, a large portion of the solids consists of carbonate of soda,
or common salt, even a smaller proportion of salts than 40 grains
might preclude its regular use, depending upon the nature of the soil
to be irrigated. For in a clay loam, or heavy adobe, not only do the
salts accumulate nearer the surface, but the sub-drainage being slow and
imperfect (unless the land is underdrained), it becomes difficult, or
impossible, to wash out the saline accumulations from time to time, as
is readily feasible in sandy soils."
Subjoined is a table showing analyses of the water of the Colorado
River which is used for irrigation purposes in the region. In the same
table are shown analyses of water from two of the lakes, and of a well
in the region, all the analyses having been made by Mr. Snow.
TABLE XII. Water Analyses.
Colorado River " near
Head Gates."
Turbid.
Q
~p
o<»
3d
. CD
O CO
Op
Clear.
O
Op
3d
. CD
*-■ P
O oo
2 m.
Blue Lake.
d
CD
•-»
Q
p
o
P
o
o
©
Well at
Cameron
Lake.
O
>-t
p
m
d
CD
>-«
O
p
t—'
o
p
o
o
o
Cameron
Lake.
Q
*d
<-i
P
P
i-«
»-<•
cr*
3
CO
co
M*
d
S3
CD
h—
>1
o
Q
P
o
o
o
o
P
Total residue by evapora-
tion
Soluble in water after
evaporation _..
Insoluble in water after
evaporation
Organic matter and
chemically combined
water
The soluble part consists
of-
Sodium and Potassium
sulfates (glauber salt,
etc.) .. .
Sodium chlorid (com-
mon salt)
Sodium carbonate (sal
soda) ...
79.73
33.57
38.55
7.59
13.65
5.75
6.60
1.30
The insoluble part consists
of—
Calcium and magnesium
carbonates
Calcium sulfate (gyp-
sum) _
Silica
Residue upon slight igni-
tion
19.35
6.75
7.42
{►21.32
i
J
17.23
3.32
1.16
1.27
3.65
2.95
Browns.
51.11
33.59
9.93
7.59
21.20
6.82
5.57
9.35
.58
8.75
5.75
1.70
1.30
3.64
1.16
.95
1.60<|
.10
Does not
blacken.
26.57 4.55
16.94
6.42
3.21
2.33
4.09
5.55
trace
.87
Blackens
2.90
1.10
.55
.40
.70
.95
.15
43.69
23.95
15.07
4.67
7.38
4.10
2.58
.80
21.22 3.64
2.73
trace
1
13.73
j sm.
1.34
.46
trace
2.35
".23
Browns.
104.96
78.56
16.65
9.75
40.45
23.87
14.24
sm
16.36
.29
Blacken^
17.97
13.45
2.85
1.67
6.93
4.08
2.44
2.80
.05
36
In connection with the above table we give two analyses of the
Colorado River water from the Eleventh Annual Report of the Arizona
Experiment Station. Each analysis represents water from samples
taken over periods of a week :
Silt by volume
Silt by weight
Total soluble solids .
Sodium chlorid
Permanent hardness ; stated as calcium sulfate
Grains per U. S. Gallon.
Jan. 22-28. Apr. 25-May 1.
Low water. Medium flow.
.392%
.115%
33.24
10.26
8.24
These analyses show the composition of the water to be quite variable
at different periods of the same season and in different seasons. It will
be noted that the maximum concentration shown is over 58 grains of
soluble salts per gallon when the water is at a low stage, and that these
fall to about 30 grains per gallon during the period of medium flow. In
the Arizona report previously referred to it is farther stated that "the
total soluble solids were observed to average as low as 25 parts per 100,-
000 (14.5 grains per gallon) for months at a time." It is during this
time, so far as possible, that the water would be mainly used for irri-
gation purposes, thus indicating the water to be of fair quality for use
upon the silt soils. The quantity of soluble salts is influenced by the
stage of the water and by the seepage from irrigation districts; the latter
materially influences the character of the salts present. That this is so
may be seen by comparing the proportion of sodium chlorid present at
the several times, for at one period (in 1900) this ingredient reaches a
maximum of one third of the total soluble salts, and in another consti-
tutes only about one fifth. The carbonates appear to form about one
sixth of the total. While this water could be used with impunity upon
the silts, it would but increase the extremely undesirable saline condi-
tions of the clay soils of the region.
Manner of Irrigating Alkali Lands. — The manner of using water upon
these lands, in order that the salts may not be brought to the surface
and thus increase the saline condition, especially of the upper foot, is of
great importance in handling these strongly saline lands. The general
principle has been indicated at several points in this publication, viz:
that of leaching down the salts in the soil itself, thus reducing the
amount of alkali in the upper foot, and taking it out of reach of the
tender rootlets of the young plants especially. The water under the^e
conditions should not be kept on the tract for a less period than twenty-
four hours, and for a thorough leaching-down a considerably longer
time should be given. The behavior of the soil when irrigated should
— 37 —
be the first thing tried in order to test the possibilities of successful cul-
tivation; taking into consideration the known fact that the rapidity of
absorption ("taking water") gradually increases under cultural condi-
tions, largely because of the loosening of the soil by the crop roots, as
well as by tillage.
" It is not practicable, as many suppose, to wash the salts off the sur-
face by a rush of water, even when visibly accumulated there, as they
instantly soak into the ground at the first touch. Nor is there any
sensible relief from allowing the water to stand on the land and then
drawing it off; in this case also the salts soak down ahead of the water,
and the water standing on the surface remains almost unchanged. In
very pervious soils, and in the case of white alkali, the washing-out can
often be accomplished without special provision for underdrainage, by
leaving the water on the land sufficiently long. But the laying of
regular underdrains greatly accelerates the work, and renders success
certain."*
After the salts have been washed down so as to relieve the surface
soil of any excess injurious to the germination of seeds or the life of
young seedlings, irrigation by flooding must, except in the case of crops
that fully shade the ground, be practiced only at long intervals, if
at all. To prevent the "rise of the alkali" that is sure to follow
continued surface flooding, the water should thereafter be applied in
deep furrows, from which the water will chiefly soak downward and
sideways only, and preferably not rise to the surface at all. Evapo-
ration from the soil surface is the cause of the accumulation of the salts at
and near that surface; to prevent it it is necessary to avoid wetting the
latter, and this is best brought about by deep-furrow irrigation, which,
at the same time, allows of a considerable saving of water, while tending
to deepen the root-system and so to bring it out of reach of the destructive
heat and drought of summer.
Diagram V illustrates the manner in which irrigation water can be
used so as to prevent its reaching the surface to any such extent as to
cause a serious amount of evaporation. The solid lines represent the
manner of penetration of water from furrows 8 inches deep, as actually
observed at the Southern California substation near Pomona (see Bul-
letin No. 138, page 38) in two different soils, of which the heavier (to
the left) resembles most nearly in texture the silt and loam soils of the
Salton Basin. The dotted lines show the effects that would have been
produced had the furrow been made deeper to the extent of 7 inches; in
which case the water would have reached the surface only at the edges
of the furrows, so that when these are subsequently closed by plowing
there would be practically no surface evaporation, and no after-cultiva-
tion would be required to prevent crusting-over.
* Bulletin No. 128, California Experiment Station.
38 —
It is evident that with the proper implements for the purpose,
such deep-furrow irrigation, to prevent the re-ascent of alkali near
the surface, could be made a ready means of utilizing a large proportion
of the alkali lands here in question without any difficulty, and with a
Clay Loam. Sandy Loam.
Zit. 1ft. 0
lit. lit
I'.hSt
7Z HOURS AFTER IRRIGATION
Diagram V. Percolation experiments. Spread of water from deep
furrows in heavy and light soils.
material saving of water and cost of surface cultivation, in addition to
the advantages secured in the deeper penetration of the roots into
materials which, as the sections of the river banks show, are but very
slightly tainted with alkali salts.
Of course, this method is best applicable to crops grown in rows, as
— 39 —
orchards and vineyards, sorghum, corn, etc. For broadcast crops it can
only be used in rather pervious soils, which can be irrigated by lateral
seepage when laid off in "lands" of a width proportionate to the rapidity
of water-penetration. In the Mussel Slough district such lands are made
about 50 feet wide; but as the soils here in question are not nearly as
open, they would have to be made narrower. By following this method
carefully and intelligently, most of the lands of the silty character can
probably be successfully cultivated to crops not too sensitive to alkali,
provided they are not underlaid at too shallow a depth by the impervious
clay; as is frequently the case between the two rivers. The clay will of
course arrest the alkali-laden irrigation water in its downward course,
and thus from a depth of a few feet it will be constantly reascending
toward the surface. Such land will be hard to cultivate successfully
without actual underdrainage, except to the hardiest crops, such as
sorghum, barley, and shallow-rooted plants generally. Alfalfa can
hardly be a success on land having the clay within less than five feet;
for fifteen or twenty feet are ordinary depths of penetration for its roots.
When the clay layer is not of great thickness and is underlaid by silty
materials, success in tree-planting may be attained by blasting with
giant powder; as is commonly done with hardpan of other kinds, when
a good soil material is known to lie beneath. In the case of alfalfa,
modiola, and other plants which eventually cover and shade the ground
very fully, the evaporation through the* roots and leaves will largely prevent
the rise of the alkali, even when flooding is practiced.
It is clear that, in this region at least, no farmer can afford to be
ignorant of the undersoil conditions upon his land; and if heavy irriga-
tion is practiced, he should make absolutely sure by personal observation
that the soil is actually being wetted to the depth of five or six feet, and
note how long it takes to bring about this wetting. Such examination
can be made either by means of a long-shafted posthole auger or two-
inch carpenter's auger; or more quickly, after some practice has been
acquired, by the use of a pointed prod made of quarter-inch square
steel, with a loop for a cross-handle, which can be pushed down by
twristing it slightly alternately in opposite directions. This rod also
serves admirably for preliminary tests of the subsoil in the examination
of lands.
Drainage. — The natural slope of these lands toward Mesquit Lake, as
shown by the contour lines of the map, together with the good percola-
tive power of the lighter silty and sandy lands, renders the leashing of
their salts into drainage ditches running toward the lake perfectly
feasible, and simplifies the problem of ultimate successful cultivation.*
*In studying the contour lines on the map it should be noted that the small figures
appearing on these lines do not indicate directly the elevation above the sea, but only
the relative altitude of the several points. The point of reference used is 1,000 feet above
sea level, and the true altitude (or rather depression) can be found by deducting 1,000
from these figures.
— 40 —
For the permanent betterment of the lands, those interested should,
by community action, devise a thorough system of drainage. Such a
system might at the beginning be a number of deep ditches, into which
the alkali-charged seepage-water could enter from flooded areas, until
the far preferable plan of tiling could be profitably introduced.
An illustration in point obtains in the case of the Patterson ranch, at
Oxnard, a portion of which became much " salt-stricken," but where, after
the construction of a deep drainage canal into which were led laterals,
there was, and is, a constant removal of the accumulated salts at a
surprisingly rapid rate.
VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE S ALTON BASIN.
That the vegetation of any region supplies important information
concerning its agricultural adaptations is so well known in practice as
not to require discussion. It is especially instructive in its application
to alkali lands; and Mr. Snow was therefore instructed to observe and
collect for determination specimens of all the plants to be found on the
territory explored by him.
"While the adaptation or non-adaptation of particular alkali lands
to certain cultures may be determined by sampling the soil and subject-
ing the leachings to chemical analysis, it is obviously desirable that
some other means, if possible available to the farmer himself, should be
found to determine the reclaimability and adaptation of such lands for
general or special cultures. The natural plant growth seems to afford
such means, both as regards the quality and quantity of the saline
ingredients. The most superficial observation shows that certain plants
indicate extremely strong alkali lands where they occupy the ground
alone; others indicate preeminently the presence of common salt; the
presence or absence of still others forms definite or probable indications
of reclaimability or non-reclaimability. Many such characteristic
plants are well known to and readily recognized by the farmers of the
alkali districts. 'Alkali weeds' are commonly talked about almost
everywhere; but the meaning of this term — i. e., the kind of plant desig-
nated thereby — varies materially from place to place, according to
climate as well as to the quality of the soil. Yet if these characteristic
plants could be definitely observed, described, and named, while also
ascertaining the amount and kind of alkali they indicate as existing in
the land, lists could be formed for the several districts, which would
indicate, in a manner intelligible to the farmer himself, the kind and
degree of impregnation with which he would have to deal in the
reclamation work, thus enabling him to go to work on the basis of his
own judgment, without previous reference to this Station." *
The season at which the exploration took place (Christmas vacation)
* Bulletin No. 128, California Experiment Station, p. 35.
— 41 —
was of course unfavorable to the finding of all the kinds of plants that
might occur somewhat later. Only twenty-two species in all were col-
lected, and these were submitted for determination to Mr. Joseph Burtt
Davy, Assistant Botanist to the Station. Mr. Davy's results and com-
ments are given herewith, together with the annotations of Mr. Snow,
placed in brackets.
ANNOTATED LIST OF PLANTS FROM THE SALTON BASIN.
(Collected by F. J. Snow.)
By Jos. Burtt Davy, Assistant Botanist.
CRUCIFERiE.
1. Lepidium lasiocarpum, Nutt. Pepper-cress.
Five miles south of proposed townsite. [Very abundant near Mexican line.]
Salton River, near Patton's camp. [Abundant in scattering places.]
T. 13, R. 15. [Scarce, except in small patches.]
Mexico: 15 miles from line. [Scarce.]
A common desert annual, probably tolerant of some alkali, as are many other
species of the genus, but not necessarily indicative. It is sometimes found also in
moist alluvial soils, and ranges from Santa Barbara through the Mojave plateau
region and, east of the Sierra, northward to Keeler.
ZYGOPHYLLACEiE.
2. Larrea tridentata ( DC .) Coville. Creosote-bush.
Along Salton River. [Abundant in places along the river. Very abundant toward
Mexican line.]
Locality 9, T. 13, R. 15. [A few scattering live bushes.]
Mexico: 15 miles from line. [A few bushes. Becomes very abundant near
Mexican line along Salton River.]
One of the most characteristic desert plants, occurring almost throughout the
Lower Sonoran zone from the bottom of Death Valley about 300 feet below sea level
to an altitude of 5,500 feet in the Panamint Mountains. It is not an alkali plant,
and usually grows on well-drained soils well above the alkali line ; but at its lower
limit a few scattered specimens are often found in the Atriplex polycarpa belt, in a
mixture of gravel and clay with some visible trace of alkali.
LEGUMINOS.E.
3. Astragalus mortoni, Nutt. Morton's loco-weed; ' ' Loco- weed " ; " Wild pea."
Salton River bed; "if cattle eat, will go crazy." [Scattering plants along the
river-bed.]
New River bed. [A number of plants near north end of river-bed.]
Moist grounds along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada, in the vicinity of Mono
Lake, and northward to the interior of Oregon and Utah. Well known as " a deadly
sheep poison." We have no information as to its tolerance of alkali, but other
species of the genus are characteristic alkali plants.
4. Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) DC. Mesquit-tree ; Algaroba; Honey mesquit.
Near Mexican line— a few miles from Blue Lakes. [Abundant.]
Characteristic of desert areas with moist subsoil. It sometimes occurs on the edge
of alkali marshes in company with Atriplex canescens and Sueeda suffrutescens, where
a slight alkali efflorescence or thin crust occurs, but above the heavily alkaline soils,
though below the Atriplex polycarpa belt. I have found it in somewhat alkaline
soils near Bakersfield. Though tolerant of some alkali, it is not an alkali indicator.
Its altitudinal range varies from 328 feet below sea level, to 5,650 feet above.
— 42 —
FICOIDE^E.
5. Sesuvium portulacastrum, L. Lowland purslane.
New River channel. [Found at the north end of New River channel; but few
plants to be seen elsewhere.)
A very characteristic plant of moist alkali and saltmarsh soils both in the interior
and along the seacoast. It is found in alkali marshes in the Mojave Desert and the.
Tulare Valley, and in the Great Basin region from northern Nevada to Colorado and
New Mexico. It is said that in the interior it often occurs with much broader leaves
than is usual when growing along the seashore. We have no analysis showing the
tolerance of alkali by this plant, but it has been found growing in soils so heavily
impregnated with salts that scarcely any other plants grew there.
COMPOSITE.
6. Bigelovia veneta (H. B. K.) Gray. Bigelovia.
Ten miles south of Blue Lakes. [Abundant.]
Alkali meadow at monument east of Salton River. [Abundant.]
A plant of the Lower Sonoran zone, common in moist alkali soils, but apparently
not tolerant of a very large percentage. In the Bakersfield region the salt tolerance
of this plant was found to vary from 1,800 pounds of salts per acre to 24,320 pounds.
It was not found in soils heavily charged with alkali.
7. Baccharis sp. (imperfect material). Sausal; Baccharis ; (also Arrow-wood, in part).
Salton River bed. [Found only in river-bed in numerous places.]
Our species of Baccharis are swamp plants, usually growing on the borders of
rivers and streams or in "washes." As* a rule they are found in fresh water, but
at least one species (not this one) sometimes occurs in slightly alkaline water. Two
other species, B. emoryi, Gray, and B. sergiloides, Gray (to neither of which does
the specimen appear to belong), occur in the Colorado Desert region.
8. Pluchea sericea (Nutt.) Coville. Cachimilla ; Arrow-wood.
Salton River bed. \
New River. v [Abundant along portions of the river channels and banks.]
New River channel. )
T. 13, R. 15. [Scarce.]
i
Reported as occurring along sandy borders of streams from Ventura County
eastward to Utah and south through Arizona to New Mexico. Both of our species
of Pluchea frequent 'moist alkali swamps, and one of them occurs both in the
interior in the Suisun marshes and in the saltmarshes of San Francisco Bay. The
amount of alkali tolerated is evidently considerable, as P. sericea occurs in associa-
tion with Alkali tussock-grass (Sporobolus airoides (Torr.) Thurb.) and Salt-grass
(Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene) in the Mojave Desert plateau region.
HYDROPHYLLACEvE.
9. Natna hispidum, Benth.
Salton River bed. [Scarce, except in certain portions of the river-bed.]
A desert annual, apparently restricted to the Colorado Desert, and probably not
indicative of alkali.
BORAGINACE.E.
10. Coldenia palmeri, Gray.
Sample 10, T. 13, R. 16. [O-ri sandy, high lands. Not very abundant.]
A dwarf, desert perennial occurring on sand-hills along the Colorado and lower
part of the Mojave and adjacent Arizona. (Bot. Calif.)
11. Heliotr opium curassavicum, L. Wild heliotrope.
Along Salton. \
New River. - [Abundant along the river-bed.]
New River channel. )
Alkali meadow at monument east of Salton River. [Abundant.]
A nearly cosmopolitan weed, common in sands of the seashore, and in moist
alkaline soils of the interior. It generally indicates the presence of alkali and
moisture, but is sometimes found in soils apparently free from alkali.
— 43 —
AMARANTACE.E.
12. A marantus chlorostachys, Willd. Pigweed.
Salton River near Patton's camp. [Scattering dead plants, with here and there
live plants of rank growth. To the west, about 2 miles, they thrive and attain a
very rank growth. It is also found east of Salton River near the Mexican line.]
A semi-tropical weed, probably naturalized.
13. A marantus palmeri, Wats. (?)
Sample 11, T. 13, R. 15. [Scattering plants; abundant toward the Mexican line. J
A desert species, apparently indigenous to the Colorado Desert and Rio Grande
regions. The Amaranths are such omnivorous, weedy plants that they can not bt
relied upon as alkali indicators.
CHENOPODIACEJE.
14. Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) Wats. Lens-fruited saltbush.
New River. [Found scattered in New River country ; abundant in places and in
river-bed.]
Mexico: 15 miles from line. [Scarce in this locality ; but abundant near Mexican
line.]
Alkali meadow at monument east of Salton River. [Abundant.]
A desert species, ranging from the Tulare Valley to the Colorado Desert and east-
ward through Arizona. We have no record as to its tolerance of alkali, but the list
of localities in which it has been found and the plants with which it is associated,
indicate that it is an alkali plant.
15. Atriplex polycarpa (Torr.) Wats. Scrub saltbush: called " Greasewood" in the
Mojave Desert, but not the " Greasewood " of the Great Basin region.
Mexico : 15 miles from line. [Abundant in certain localities near Mexican line.]
A characteristic desert species, ranging through the Lower Sonoran zone from the
Tulare Valley through the Mojave and Colorado deserts to the Williams River in
Arizona. Common in clayey valley bottoms, usually in dry soils. Analyses of
scrub saltbush soils near Bakersfield show that its tolerance of salts ranges from
840 pounds to 78,000 pounds per acre.
16. Atriplex canescens (Pursh) James. Shad scale; sometimes called "greasewood."
Sample 9, T. 13, R. 15. [Many dead bushes on small hummocks. A few live
bushes, which are very large, are found scattered near.]
Sample 11, T. 13. R. 15. [Many dead bushes are found in this vicinity.]
T. 13, R. 15. [Many dead bushes on small hummocks ; also scattering live
bushes.]
Near Mexican line, a few miles from Blue Lakes. [Abundant near the lake.]
Mexico : 15 miles from line. [Scarce ; but very abundant near the line on Salton
River.]
A common and characteristic species, occurring in dry soils both ifi the Upper
and Lower Sonoran zones in the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and in the Great
Basin region from northern Nevada and Colorado to New Mexico. It does not
appear to reach the Tulare Valley. It occurs in dry soils, on mountain slopes at
altitudes ranging between 2,300 and 4,700 feet, and does not seem to be indicative of
the presence of alkali. Like the Mesquit and Creosote-bush, it is sometimes found
sparingly in slightly alkaline soils at its lower limit.
17. Atriplex sp. (immature).
Sample 8, T. 11, R. 14. [A few scattering dead bushes.]
Sample 9, T. 13, R. 15. [Dead bushes are found on small hummocks.]
18. Suseda sp. (immature). Saltwort; Glasswort.
Salton River bed. [Abundant along the river-bed.]
New River. [Abundant along the river-bed.]
The saltworts are characteristic alkali indicators, and are not known to occur
elsewhere than in moist alkali soils. The total amount of salts tolerated has a
wide range of variation, running from 3,700 pounds to 153,000 pounds per acre; but
— 44 —
saltwort has been found in greatest luxuriance where the total amount of salts
was 130,000 pounds per acre. The saltworts appreciate more common salt (sodium
chlorid) than many other characteristic alkali plants, but appear to be somewhat
easily affected by salsoda (sodium carbonate).
POLYGONACE.E.
19. Rumex sp. (immature). Dock.
Along Salton. [Abundant in places along the river bank.]
Salton River bed. [Abundant in places along the river-bed. J
At monument east of Salton River. [Abundant.]
Two or three species are found in moist places in tbe Mojave and Colorado deserts.
GRAMINE.E (TRUE GRASSES).
20. Leptochloa imbricata, Thurb. Alkali slender-grass.
Near Salton River bed, 15 miles from line. [Not abundant.]
Common in moist places and alkali plains from the Tulare Valley through the
Colorado Desert to Lower California, and eastward into Mexico and Texas. A
somewhat stout perennial, 1 to 3 feet high, " abundant in fields and gardens, thrifty
on alkali plains and near soft [salt?] water; abundant in August and September,
when alfalfa is dried up ; a good forage plant, cut and fed to animals." {Dr. Ed.
Palmer.)
GNETACE^E.
21. Ephedra sp. (immature).
Ten miles from Blue Lakes. [Abundant near the lake and along New River near
the Mexican line.]
Characteristic desert shrubs, said to be sometimes found in alkali soils.
UNCLASSIFIED.
22. Dwarf annual (immature and not recognized).
Sample 8, T. 11, R. 14. [Only a few plants to be found.] *
Sample 9, T. 13, R. 15. [Only a few plants to be found.]
The list of plants here given is notable for the absence of most of the
species considered elsewhere as prominent alkali indicators. We miss
at once the salt- or alkali-grass (Distichlis), the "greasewood" of
Nevada (Sarcobatus) and that of the San Joaquin Valley (Allenrolfea),
the samphire (Salicornia), and the tussock-grass (Sporobolus airoides).
Of the saltbushes proper (Atriplex)y two (A. polycarpa and lentiformis)
appear elsewhere as species indicating the probable presence of consider-
able alkali, while the other two species observed are not known as alkali
plants. The two plants that may be considered as indicators of strong
alkali, especially of common salt, are the saltwort {Suzeda) and the
lowland purslane (Sesuvium); their indication is strengthened by their
occurence in the river channels, at whose level the profiles (pp. 20 and
21) show an abundance of salt. But as a whole, the collection made does
not speak of "irreclaimable" alkali land, so far as we know their habits.
The heliotrope will grow luxuriantly in non-saline lands, but also where
common salt can be seen by the seaside. The creosote bush (Larrea),
the pepper-cress (Lepidium), the pigweeds (Amarantus), the Bigelovia
(yellow-flowered, sometimes called green sage) are not plants addicted
to alkali lands. Taken as a whole, the native vegetation does not
altogether confirm the unfavorable impression derived from the leach-
— 45 —
ing of the soil samples. It is hoped that a more detailed examination
of the flora at a more favorable season, soon to be undertaken, will
throw more light on these questions.
( !LIMATE OF THE SALTON BASIN.
The high summer temperature and dryness of the air in the Salton
region are well known, being in this respect similar to the rest of the
Colorado Desert. While the thermometer during summer usually rises
to and above 100° Fahr. (124° having been recorded twice at Salton
during 1901), the heat is not oppressive, on account of the dryness of
the air, which evaporates the perspiration as soon as formed. The nights
are usually decidedly cool to the sensation. The winter temperatures
are in strong contrast to the summer heat, as will be seen from the
small table, given below, of observations made by Mr. Snow during
December, 1900, and January, 1901. It will be noted that a minimum
temperature of 13° occurred on January 2d, so that ice two inches thick
formed near camp. Such a temperature would at once prohibit the
culture of citrus fruits, but may occur only locally, on low ground.
Still, the run of December temperatures, from observations all over the
region, indicates clearly that " semi-tropic" growths will incur consid-
erable risks, unless protected in winter.
Morning Temperatures Observed in Salton Basin at 8 o'clock.
1900. 1900. 1901.
Dec. 22 23° Dec. 27 21° Jan. 1 .... 38°
23 *21 28 25 2 13
23 t70 28 tt73 3§ 23
24 }24 29 28 4 30
25 23 30 .... 26 5 40
26 20 31 24 6 30
* Dec. 23. Ice in washpan and on pond two inches thick. f Dec. 23. For the day.
J Dec. 24, 25, 26, and 27. Ice in ponds. ft Dec. 28. For the day.
§ Jan. 3. Surveyors' Camp 17.
CROPS FOR THE SALTON BASIN.
As to crops for the silt soils of this region, it must be said that the show-
ing here made is not at all encouraging for extensive fruit-growing at the
present time. While there may be localities in the region which could
grow the fruits more tolerant of alkali and dry heat, yet we deem it un-
wise at present to encourage the planting of fruit, except the date-palm,
to any considerable extent. The date-palm would doubtless be one of the
fruits which could be most successfully grown, taking into consideration
both the climate and the alkali soils. To this might be added olives,
figs, table, sherry, and port grapes; and on the sandier lands, almonds,
— 46 —
peaches, and some of the Japanese plums (all on Myrobalan stock)
might be grown. Of ordinary crops, alfalfa, barley, sorghum, and beets
for stock food, together with the saltbushes, are those that will be most
likely to succeed before drainage to carry off the alkali salts has been
made effective. Among the vegetables, the egg-plant, melons, cucumber,
carrot, celery, asparagus, onion, sea-kale, and New Zealand spinach are
those most likely to succeed.
It must not be forgotten that high summer temperature will militate
materially against the production of the ordinary deciduous fruits, even
after the lands have been successfully leached of their alkali to the
extent necessary to permit the growth of such trees. The effects of hot
northers upon these trees in other parts of the State indicate plainly
what is likely to be the effect of the normal atmospheric conditions of
the Colorado Desert upon them. ' The cultural experience had at Indio
will be valuable in determining the reasonable prospects for successful
culture of several crops, always keeping in mind that the light sandy
soils of that portion of the region, containing but little alkali and
easily leached of what there is by flooding, are more easily handled
than those of the alluvial area here in question.
The following list of possible crops for alkali soils has been compiled
by Mr. Joseph Burtt Davy, Assistant Botanist of the Station. It
should be understood that while the plants mentioned in this list are
all more or less alkali-resistant, yet the extreme climatic conditions
existing in the Salton Basin render the actual success of many very
questionable, although worthy of trial. The " toleration" list will aid
in making selections for experiment.
POSSIBLE CROPS FOR ALKALI SOILS.
EDIBLE FRUITS.
Strawberry tomato (Physalis pubescens,
L.).
Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana, L.).
Date-palm (Phcenix dactylifera, L.). In
Arabia it is said to grow in soil " strongly
impregnated witb salt," and that "the
water for irrigation may be slightly brack-
ish."
Oleaster (Elseagnus augustifolia orientalis,
Schlecht). Produces the fruit known as
" Trebizonde dates."
Olive (Oka europsea, L.). The Mission
variety should be first tried.
Black mulberry (Morris nigra, L.). The
Black Persian is probably derived from
this species. It is likely that other species,
also, would tolerate alkali.
Grape (Vitis vinifera, L.), especially the
southern (sherry and port) varieties.
Golden currant (Ribes aureum, Pursh.)
is said to tolerate an alkaline soil. It is
also known as the Missouri, Utah, Utah
hybrid, and Buffalo currant. The best
cultivated varieties are said to be the
"Crandall," " Deseret," and "Jelly." It
is doubtful if it will resist the dry heat of
the Salton Basin.
Alkali currant (Ribes aureum tenuiforum
(Lindl.) Torr.). Grows in strongly saline
soil in Washington, Oregon, northern
California, and Nevada.
Fig (Ficus carica, L.).
VEGETABLES.
Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tubero-
sus, L.). The white variety is said to be
the best for alkali soils.
Beet-root (Beta vulgaris hortensis).
Carrot (Daucus carota, L.).
— 47
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea, L.). (Medium
alkali.)
Radish (Raphanus sativus, L.).
Celery (Apium graveolens, L.).
Celeriac (Apium graveolens rapaceum,
DC.).
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, L.).
Onion (Allium cepa, L.).
Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris cicla).
Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus, L.).
Cardoon (Cynara car dunculus, L.).
Tomato (Ly coper sicum esculentum, Mill.) ;
worth trial.
Egg-plant (Solanum melongena, L.). Very
hardy against dry heat.
Sea-kale (Crambe maritima, L.).
Garden cress (Lepidium sativum,, L.).
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa, L.).
New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia e.r-
pansa, Murr.).
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa, Willd.).
The foliage makes a savorv and whole-
some greens.
STARCH FOODS.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa, Willd.).
The seeds form one of the most important
foodstuffs of the inhabitants of Peru and
Chile, who make a nutritious porridge of it.
SUGAR CROPS.
Sugar-beet ( Beta vulgaris altissima).
Sugar sorghum (Andropogon sorghum sac-
charatus (L.) Kcern).
OIL PLANTS.
Russian sunflower (Helianthus annuus,
L.).
Niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica, Cass.).
This plant is worth a trial on alkali soils.
FORAGE PLANTS.
Root crops:
Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tubero-
sus, L.). Valuable tuber for hogs. The white
variety seems to be better adapted for
alkali soils than the red.
Mangold-wurzel (Beta vulgaris rapa).
Seed crops:
Russian sunflower (Helianthus annuus,
L.). The seeds furnish a valuable poultry
food. The sunflower is reported to endure
the excessive summer heat of central Aus-
tralia better than any other cultivated
herb tried there. The wild form of this
plant (indigenous to California) has been
found to tolerate easily 12,500 pounds of
salts in an acre-foot at Chino.
Barley (Hordeum vulgare, L.).
Japanese barnyard millet (Panicum crus-
galli maximum, Hort.).
Pasture, soiling, and hay plants:
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa, L.).
Saltbushes (Atriplex semibaccata, R.Br.;
A. leptocarpa, F.v.M. ; A. vesicaria, How-
ard ; A. kochiana, Maiden ; A. spongiosa,
F.v.M. ; A. halimoides, Lindl. ; A. holocarpa,
F.v.M., and A.campanulata, Benth. ; Kochia
aphylla, R.Br., and K. pyramidata, Benth. ;
Rhagodia billardieri, R.Br.; R. parabolica,
R.Br.; R. hastata, R.Br., and jR. linifolia,
R.Br. ; Sclerolsena bicornis, Lindl.).
Modiola (Modiola decumbens, G. Don).
New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia ex-
pansa, Murray).
Slough-grass (Beckmannia erucseformis ,
Host.).
Alkali tussock-grass (Sporobolus airoides
(Torr.) Thurb.)
Alkali slender-grass (Leptochloa imbri-
cata, Thurb.).
Saccaton (Sporobolus wrigh{ii, Munro).
Alkali saccaton (Panicum bulbosum,
H. B. K.).
Salt-grass (Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene).
Alkali lyme-grass (Elymus salinus, Jones).
Barnyard-grass (Panicum crusgalli, L.).
Japanese barnyard millet (Panicum crus-
galli maximum, Hort.).
Switch-grass (Panicum virgatum, L.).
Nevada blue-grass (Poa nevadensis,
Vasey).
Mexican salt-grass (Eragrostis obtusiflora^
Scribn.).
Wild rye (Elymus condensatus, Presl.).
Meadow barlev-grass (Hordeum nodosum,
L.).
Little barley-grass (Hordeum pusillum,
Nutt.).
Creeping bent-grass (Agrostis alba stoloni-
fera).
Kaffir corn, Jerusalem corn, Durra, and
Milo maize (Andropogon sorghum sativus,
Hack.).
Egyptian corn (Andropogon sorghum cer-
nuus, Kcern).
Teosinte (Euchlsena luxurians (Durieu)
Aschers).
Usar-grass (Sporobolus orientalis, Kth.).
Purslane (Portulaca, oleracea, L.).
Bulbous-rooted foxtail (Alopecurus bul-
bosiis, Huds.).
Korean lawn-grass (Zoysia pungens,
Willd.).
Barley (Hordeum vulgare, L.).
Bermuda-grass (Cynodon dactylon (L.)
Pers.).
Quitch-grass (Agropyron repens, Beauv.).
Johnson-grass (Andropogon halepensis
(L.)Brot.).
48
The three last-named grasses ( Bermuda-
grass, Quitch-grass, and Johnson-grass) are
liable to become terrible weeds in cultivated
ground, and should not be planted where
there is any danger of their spreading
among orchards or cultivated crops, nor,
in fact, in any place which is not to be given
up entirely and permanently to pasture.
Browsing shrubs:
Tea-tree (Leptospermnm lanigerum,
Smith).
Myalls (Acacia homalophylla, Cunn., and
A. pendula, Cunn.).
Shrubby saltbushes (Atriplex nummula-
ria, Lindl. ; A.pamparum, Griseb. ; Bhagodia
spinescens inermis).
PAPER-MAKING MATERIALS.
Esparto-grass (Stipa tenacissima, L.).
Albardin (Lygeum sparttim, L.).
SHADE AND ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS.
Kazlreuteria paniculata, Laxm.
Acacia pendula, Cunn.
Acacia homalophylla, Cunn.
Albizzia lophantha, Benth.
Albizzia lebbek, Benth.
Canary date-palm (Phoenix canariensis,
Hort.).
Washington palm ( Washing tonia filifera,
Wendl.).
Oriental sycamore (Platanus orientalis,
L.).
Manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis,
Labill.).
Peppermint gum (Eucalyptus amygdalina,
Labill.).
Red gum (Eucalyptus rostrata, Schlecht.).
Yate tree (Eucalyptus cornuta, Labill.).
It should be borne in mind that these several plants are not equally
tolerant of alkali, and that local experimentation is necessary in order
to determine the adaptation of each one to local conditions.
TOLERANCE OF VARIOUS CROPS FOR ALKALI SALTS.
The subjoined table, originally published in Bulletin No. 133 of this
Station, is of interest in connection with the discussion of the avail-
ability of the Salton Basin lands for cultural purposes. For comparison
with other publications it should be remembered that the calculation of
the " pounds per acre," most readily understood by farmers, is based on
the estimated weight of an acre-foot of soil at four millions of pounds.
Hence, one per cent is equal to 40,000 pounds; one-tenth of one per
cent, 4,000 pounds. It will be noted that the total of salts alone is but
a very rough criterion of the possibilities of culture, on account of the
very different effects of the several compounds on plants. The sul-
fates (of potash, soda, and magnesia) are the least injurious, and happily
predominate widely in the Salton Basin. Carbonate of soda, though
very injurious as such, is easily transformed into the bland sulfate by
dressings of gypsum. Common salt is really the worst ingredient.
49
Highest Amount of Alkali in Which Fruit Trees Were Found Unaffected.
Arranged from highest to lowest. Pounds per acre in four feet depth.
Sulfates
(Glauber Salt).
Carbonate
(Salsoda).
Chlorid
(Common Salt).
Total Alkali.
Grapes 40,800
Olives 30,640
Figs 24,480
Almonds 22,720
Oranges 18,600
Pears 17,800
Apples 14,240
Peaches 9,600
Prunes 9,240
Apricots 8,640
Lemons 4,480
Mulberry 3,360
Grapes 7,550
Oranges 3,840
Olives 2,880
Pears... 1,760
Almonds 1,440
Prunes 1,360
Figs 1,120
Peaches 680
Apples 640
Apricots 480
Lemons 480
Mulberry..-. 160
Grapes 9,640
Olives 6,640
Oranges 3,360
Almonds .... 2,400
Mulberry.... 2,240
Pears... 1,360
Apples 1,240
Prunes 1,200
Peaches 1,000
Apricots .. 960
Lemons 800
Figs 800
Grapes 45,760
Olives 40,160
Almonds 26,560
Figs --. 26,400
Oranges 21,840
Pears 20,920
Apples 16,120
Prunes 11,800
Peaches 11,280
Apricots 10,080
Lemons 5,760
Mulberry 5,760
Other Trees.
Kolreuteria .. 51,040
Kolreuteria - .
9,920
Or. Sycamore 20,320
Kolreuteria. ._
73,600
Eucal. am.. .. 34,720
Or. Sycamore
3,200
Kolreuteria.. 12,640
Or. Sycamore.
42,760
Or. Sycamore. 19,240
Date Palms..
2,800
Eucal. am. .. 2,960
40,400
Wash. Palms. 13,040
Eucal. am. ..
2,720
Camph. Tree. 1,420
Wash. Palms.
15,280
Date Palms .. 5,500
Wash. Palms
1,200
Wash. Palms 1,040
Date Palms...
8,320
Camph. Tree. 5,280
Camph. Tree.
320
Camph. Tree..
7,020
Small Cultures.
Saltbush 125,640
Alfalfa, old.. .102,480
Alfalfa, young 11,120
Hairy Vetch.. 63,720
Sorghum 61,840
Sugar Beet... 52,640
Sunflower 52,640
Radish. 51,880
Artichoke 38,720
Carrot 24,880
Gluten Wheat 20,960
Wheat 15,120
Barley 12,020
Goat's Rue... 10,880
Rye 9,800
Canaigre 9,160
Ray Grass 6,920
Modiola.. .. 6,800
Bur Clover... 5,700
Lupin .. 5,440
White Melilot 4,920
Celery 4,080
Saltbush 18,560
Barley 12,170
Bur Clover .. 11,300
Sorghum 9,840
Radish 8,720
Modiola 4,760
Sugar Beet.. 4,000
GlutenWheat 3,000
Artichoke... 2,760
Lupin 2,720
Hairy Vetch. 2,480
Alfalfa 2,360
Grasses 2,300
Kaffir Corn .. 1,800
Sweet Corn.. 1,800
Sunflower ... 1,760
Wheat 1,480
Carrot 1,240
Rye 960
Goat's Rue .. 760
White Melilot 480
Canaigre 120
Modiola 40,860
Saltbush 12,520
Sorghum .... 9,680
Celery 9,600
Alfalfa, old.. 5,760
Alfalfa, yo'ng 760
Sunflower... 5,440
Sugar Beet ._ 5,440
Barley 5,100
Hairy Vetch. 3,160
Lupin 3,040
Carrot 2,360
Radish 2,240
Rye.. 1,720
Artichoke... 1,480
GlutenWheat 1,480
Wheat 1,160
Grasses 1,000
White Melilot 440
Goat's Rue .. 160
Canaigre 80
Saltbush 156,720
Alfalfa, old... 110,320
Alfalfa, young 13,120
Sorghum 81,360
Hairy Vetch.. 69,360
Radish 62,840
Sunflower .... 59,840
Sugar Beet ... 59,840
Modiola 52,420
Artichoke .... 42,960
Carrot 28,480
Barley 25,520
Gluten Wheat 24,320
Wheat 17,280
Bur Clover.... 17,000
Celery 13,680
Rye 12,480
Goat's Rue ... 11,800
Lupin 11,200
Canaigre 9,360
Ray Grass.... 6,920
White Melilot 5,840
4— Bul. 140
— 50 —
JANUARY CROP REPORTS FROM ACTUAL SETTLERS.
Reports have been received from sections 19 and 20, in township 14
south, range 15 east, sections 29, 32, and 33, in township 16 south, range
14 east, and on land adjoining the town of Imperial on the south.
They show apparent success, during the past season, in growing alfalfa,
sorghum, barley, millet, Kaffir corn, and watermelons, with a few lesser
tracts of garden vegetables. As an illustration of the tone of these
reports, we present the following extract from a letter received from
Thomas Beach, Calexico; a region which, however, is outside of the
worst clay and alkali belts:
" Between the last of June and middle of August of last year I put in about 325 acres
of sorghum, 30 of millet, 20 of field corn, 25 of Kaffir corn, 2 of melons, 1 of cotton, and
1 acre of pumpkins. The sorghum was watered six times and the others about four.
The former gave about 5 tons per acre, and the millet yielded 2 tons ; the corn did not
do as well. I raised some Rocky Ford melons from seed ripened the same year at
Indio, and can say that I never tasted better; the same is true of watermelons and
pumpkins. The ground took water well, and during the summer months I was able to
disc it three days after flooding. I now (January 28th) have barley 2 feet high that
has been watered but twice ; some alfalfa I sowed on the 20th of September is up 6 or 8
inches in height, with roots a foot long and has had but two irrigations."
These reports do not in any sense contradict the facts stated in the
earlier pages of this report; for it will be noted in the first place that
these are, in nearly every case, alkali-resistant crops.
Upon inspection of the maps and tables it will be further seen that,
in general, the first foot of soil does not carry the heavy percentage of
alkali which exists at a depth of two to three feet. An irrigation, either
just preceding or just following seeding, would tend to temporarily
reduce the alkali in this upper foot even below the amount shown in
the tables, and below the maximum tolerance of the essentially alkali-
resistant plants named above; and probably also below that for many
of much less resistant kinds. There is little doubt that, at the outset,
most plants climatically adapted could be started with more or less
success under the common methods of irrigation. These early results
can only be taken as indicating that the alkali in the top foot at this
time and in those localities was not sufficiently strong to interfere
seriously with the germination of seed — retardation possibly excepted.
The reports can not, however, be taken as indicative of what may be
expected after surface irrigation has been practiced for a few years; for
such treatment is sure to result in the rise of alkali to such an extent
as to cause serious injury to the crop and consequent financial loss to
the grower.
Mention has already been made of the alkali-resistant nature of these
crops, except millet and watermelons. In the case of the former, which
is closely related to sorghum, it may be expected to be quite resistant,
although no figures are at hand touching upon the matter; the water-
— 51 —
melon is essentially a desert plant, related plants being indigenous to
the African deserts. The growth of these crops in these localities
simply adds weight to the evidence that these plants are quite tolerant
of alkali.
People should not be deceived by a rank growth of plants in arid
regions, unless the characteristics of such plants be definitely known;
for the very fact of the existence of alkali is evidence of intrinsic
fertility of the soils, and crops are well known to have a luxuriant growth
on such lands, provided only that the saline matter is not present to such
an extent as to approach the limit of tolerance of the crops grown.
Notwithstanding the present success with the alkali-resistant crops
named, residents are urged to adopt the methods laid down in this
publication as those which alone may reasonably be expected to give
immunity from alkali damage for any considerable length of time.
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