Ground-water investigations in a saline area of the Red River Valley, North Dakota

Investigations in a saline area of the Red River Valley in North Dakota indicate that salt-affected soils are caused by high water tables, poor drainage conditions, and saline artesian waters. A 3-year study conducted in a 200-square-mile area shows that rainfall was a major contributor to the high and fluctuating water table. Chemical composition of the ground waters indicate that the Dakota sandstone artesian waters are the most likely source of salt.