Abstract: Determining soil electromagnetic induction conductivity (EM) in situ with EM38 is a new and convenient method for rapid determination of soil salt content. Deposing EM38 horizontally at different heights above the ground, the variation of EMreadings has a relation to the salt contents in different depths of soil layer. Electric conductivity (EC) is also determined by electric conduction method in laboratory with soil water extracts (water: soil=5: 1). Correlation analysis shows that EMreadings at different heights above the ground have a significant correlation to ECreading at different depths of soil layer. Regression equations for ECare established based on EMvalues, and inserting corresponding EMvalues, the ECvalues and salt contents in different depths of soil layer can be solved.

Key words: Electromagnetic induction conductivity (EM), Electric conductivity (EC), Salt content