About 30 percent of the irrigated land in the western
United States has a moderate to severe potential for salinity problems.
Where salinity problems occur, the productivity and sustainability of agricultural
communities are diminished. Sustainable agriculture is defined as being
productive and profitable while also conserving resources, protecting the
environment and enhancing the health and safety of the public. Salinity
has been addressed by the agricultural community for many years. Nonetheless,
the inability to achieve sustainability in areas prone to salinity reflects
the lack of an integrated, holistic approach to the problem.
“Salt problems are particularly insidious. They do
not come charging at us with trumpets blowing and battle flags flying,
a sight to set stirring the hearts of activists in any century. Rather,
they slip in almost unnoticed. Time is of no concern, for they are supremely
confident in their ultimate victory. History is on their side, as are
the laws of physics and chemistry and biology. They quietly destroy more
civilizations than all of the mighty armies of the world.” (Warren A.
Hall, July 1973, then acting director, Water Resources Institute, Dept.
of Interior)
This newsletter focuses on Colorado’s battle against salinity.
There are two articles each on salinity research in the Arkansas River
and South Platte basins. These are followed by articles on salinity measurement
in the lab and in the field. The three final articles address management
approaches to reducing the spread and impact of salinity. Let’s work together
to achieve sustainability for Colorado’s irrigated agricultural communities!
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