A study on the salinity of Maltese Soils in relation to their distance from the coast

Abstract

This dissertation looks at the effect of distance from the sea and seasonality on soil pH and electrical conductivity. The study aims to observe natural factors such as wave action and atmospheric deposition, and their influence on the soil. These factors are then linked to the aspects of seasonality and distance from the sea. The study observes the effects on a single site, as well as effects on an entire cluster of sites. Sampling took place around Malta. All the samples were then split into four categories according to their distance from the sea. In order to observe the aspect of seasonality, sampling took place in July and in February. Once the samples were collected, they were analysed individually at the lab. Finally statistical tests were carried out, in order to find out the effect of both seasonality and distance from the sea on soil pH and electrical conductivity. The results indicate that distance from the sea did not affect pH or the electrical conductivity. However in this respect samples located immediately next to the sea had high levels of salinity. Sites at Ta’ Fra Ben and Xgħajra had values of over 16340μS/cm and 8066μS/cm respectively. Similarly salinity was not affected by seasonality. Though with seasonality, the abnormal nature of winter 2016 might have influenced the results. On the other hand, soil pH was found to have increased slightly in winter in both inland categories. Coastal soils however did not show any variation in pH.