What process leaves dissolved salts on the surface of soil when groundwater is pumped?

What process leaves dissolved salts on the surface of soil when groundwater is pumped?

• A. Leaching
• B. Desalinization
• C. Erosion
• D. Salinization

Answer: (D)

When groundwater is pumped, the water table drops and water from below can move upward toward the root zone by capillary action. As it rises and evaporates at the soil surface, dissolved salts are left behind, concentrating and forming a salt-crusted layer. This buildup of salts at the soil surface is salinization. In dry regions with high evaporation, this process happens more quickly and can harm plant growth by reducing soil permeability and making it harder for roots to take up water. Leaching would move salts downward away from the surface, not leave them on top; erosion is the physical removal of soil; desalinization is the removal of salts, not their accumulation.

When groundwater is pumped, the water table drops and water from below can move upward toward the root zone by capillary action. As it rises and evaporates at the soil surface, dissolved salts are left behind, concentrating and forming a salt-crusted layer. This buildup of salts at the soil surface is salinization. In dry regions with high evaporation, this process happens more quickly and can harm plant growth by reducing soil permeability and making it harder for roots to take up water. Leaching would move salts downward away from the surface, not leave them on top; erosion is the physical removal of soil; desalinization is the removal of salts, not their accumulation.