Utilization of Subsurface Drainage to Reduce Salinity under Different Saline Soil Mixture Ratios and Their Effects on the Growth of Red Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor)

Soil salinity is a significant limiting factor in plant growth, particularly in areas affected by salt accumulation. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of underground drainage in reducing soil salinity through the leaching method and its impact on the growth of spinach (Amaranthus tricolor). The experiment involved applying saline soil mixtures at ratios of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% alongside non-saline soil while utilizing underground drainage to expedite the salt leaching process. The parameters observed included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na) content, and plant growth. Observations were conducted at 1, 10, 20, and 30 days, with three replications for each treatment. The results indicated that underground drainage significantly reduced soil salinity levels in a relatively short period. The decrease in salt concentration positively influenced spinach growth, particularly in treatments with lower saline soil mixture ratios. These findings suggest that underground drainage can serve as an effective solution to mitigate agricultural land salinity, thereby enhancing plant productivity.