Reclamation of saline-sodic heavy-textured soils using a novel electro-reclamation method

Abstract Conventional reclamation of saline-sodic heavy-textured soils faces serious economic and environmental barriers, including the need for closely spaced drainage systems (5–36 m), high implementation costs (US$30,000–35,000 per ha), and ecological risks associated with acid ameliorants. Electro-reclamation, although promising, has been largely dismissed for such soils due to excessive unproductive energy losses. This study aimed to identify economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional reclamation techniques by evaluating the potential of localized electro-reclamation. The proposed method targets small, specific micro-areas (1.0 × 1.0 m 2 ) directly beneath orchard trees irrigated via drip systems. By reducing electrode spacing to 2 cm and lowering the required electric current voltage to 5–6 V, this approach substantially reduces energy consumption and capital costs. Laboratory lysimetric experiments demonstrated that using mineralized groundwater (4 g·L −1 ) in combination with electro-reclamation significantly accelerates desalination and dealkalization, increasing soil filtration rates by 7.5 times compared to fresh water. The proposed method requires an investment of approximately US$5,365, which is 5.6 to 6.5 times lower than the cost of traditional reclamation methods with expected payback within 1.5 years under fruit production, or 2.8 years with agro-amelioration and subsequent cultivation. This precision-based approach offers a scalable, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable solution for reclaiming saline-alkaline soils in arid and semi-arid regions. The findings present a viable pathway for transforming marginal lands into productive orchards and provide land managers and policymakers with a cost-effective tool to improve soil health, optimize water use, and enhance agricultural sustainability.