The irrigated leaching potential corrects the intrinsic leaching potential for hydraulic loading due to both rainfall and irrigation. In high rainfall areas, irrigation raises the leaching potential one class above the corresponding nonirrigated rating. In low rainfall areas, irrigation compensates for lack of rainfall, and the irrigated leaching potential is equal to the intrinsic leaching potential. All soils in the database are rated for irrigated leaching potential even though they may not be used for irrigated agriculture. Sorption potential is a relative estimate of a soil's ability to retain contaminants.
Sorption is influenced by soil organic matter and soil texture.
Soils with high organic matter and high clay contents have higher sorption potentials than soils with low organic matter and low clay contents. If you want to print this publication, we recommend downloading the PDF version. We offer discounts on orders of 100 or more copies of a single title. This publication was produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties.