Analysis of Soil Salinization Characteristics in Coastal Area of Panjin City, Liaoning Province

Soil salinization is one of the major geological environmental issues in the coastal area of Panjin City, Liaoning Province. By collecting soil samples from the upper 0–40 cm and conducting total salt content tests, this study summarizes the statistical characteristics of soil salinity content, analyzes the correlations between soil salinity ions and total salt content, explores the spatial distribution characteristics of soil salinization in the study area, evaluates soil salinization, and identifies the driving factors of soil salinization in the region. The results show that the total salt content in the study area ranges from 1.3 to 9.0 g kg−1, with Na+, Cl−, and SO42− being the dominant ions. Total salt content is positively correlated with Mg2+, Na+, Cl−, and SO42−, indicating that the main forms of salinity are sulfates and chlorides. The degree of soil salinization is classified as mild to moderate. The types of soil salinization change from the center to the sides in the following order: sulfate type → chloride–sulfate type → sulfate–chloride type. The degree of soil salinization shows distinct zonality, gradually decreasing from the coastal area to the inland. The main driving factor of soil salinization is the groundwater level, while the evapotranspiration ratio and groundwater salinity are secondary factors that jointly control the process.