What is the problem with salty soil?
Agriculture in Virginia is a $70 billion dollar industry, and the Eastern Shore grows 36% of Virginia’s high-value vegetable crops. Salt that gets into the soil may keep crops from growing because salt water dehydrates them. Farmland that is near tidal creeks and has seasonally wet soil can suffer crop damage. When forest soil gets too salty, the trees die and become ghost forests, and plants that can live with salty water take over. This vegetation is called salt marsh, and as it expands, other plants die.
If the salt gets into wells with fresh drinking water, it can cause health problems if people drink it. People and towns without fresh water have to buy bottled water or expensive treatment systems, which costs more money.
What causes salty soil?
On the Eastern Shore, salt can get into the drinking water and soil in two ways: coastal flooding above ground and pulling seawater in from the ocean underground.
Flooding from the ocean and Bayside increases saltiness in the water and soil. Dry ground is like a sponge and more likely to suck up salt water. Both roadside and farm drainage ditches that empty into creeks and keep the land around them drier. When it rains, the ditches carry water from the fields to the creeks so the crops don’t drown. But when a tidal creek floods, salty water from the ocean can mix with creek water, travel back up drainage ditches, and spill out over farmland. Farm soil close to the ditches are most likely to be flooded and get salty.
Aquifers are underground rock bodies with lots of holes that collect fresh water from rain that filters down. If a well pumps too much of this water up, it creates suction that pulls sea water into the aquifer from the side. Crops that use water from these wells can be damaged if too much salt gets into the aquifer.
What can be done?
RE-DITCHING
Some farmers on the Eastern Shore are figuring out how to fill or redirect ditches that let in flood water.
PLANTING SALT-TOLERANT CROPS
Planting crops that can survive saltwater is another option. Scientists in Virginia are also researching crops that grow in saltier, wetter soils. Sorghum is one of these salt-tolerant crops that grows well on the ESVA. Others include rice and quinoa. These crops may help farmers keep farming in fields where saltwater is increasing.
INSTALL SALTWATER FILTERS AT HOME
Residents who are worried about salt in their water supply can install filters on their faucets. Filters may be less expensive than bottled water long term.
CREATING NATURAL BARRIERS
Natural barriers against saltwater flooding include wetlands, dunes, and native vegetation. They absorb wave energy and limit erosion, which keeps saltwater from getting as far into the soil.
Livability Tool research
The science team researched the groundwater depth, chlorination levels, and soil saturation across the Eastern Shore to determine areas that may need extra help to preserve farmland and drinkable water. This data is included in the interactive Livability Tool.
