The Tidal Garden
Making farming possible in salty soils.
Making farming possible in salty soils.
We conducted a study of soil salinization in the Venetian Lagoon that would serve as a foundation for The Tidal Garden's long-term efforts to promote cultivation of edible halophytes.
Characterize the current state of soil salinity in selected areas of the Venetian Lagoon.
Analyze patterns and trends using mapping and data analysis.
Recommend suitable halophytes for cultivation in areas of interest.
Soil salinization poses a threat to agriculture globally, leading to decreased crop yields. Salt-tolerant plants, or halophytes, have emerged as a tool to adapt to salinization. We collaborated with The Tidal Garden to gain insight into the soil salinity levels across various areas of the lagoon in Venice, Italy. Through soil collection at varying depths and analysis of these samples, we determined soil salinity at seven locations and mapped the results. Soil salinity varied considerably, ranging from non-saline to extremely saline, with most locations demonstrating a pattern of salinity increasing with soil depth and decreasing salinity with increasing distance from water. From these patterns, we recommended applicable halophytes to be cultivated by The Tidal Garden in select areas.