Genesis And Management Of Sodic Alkali Soils

Land and water, the two crucial natural resources for agriculture, are decreasing as a result of burgeoning population of the country. At the same time, various forms of degradation are taking a toll on the productivity of these resources so much so that large areas have been taken out of plough. Current assessment reveal that already 6.73 million ha area has gone out of cultivation because of excessive salts or high sodicity and this area is likely to expand to 20 million ha by 2050 because of the faulty irrigation and drainage water management practices being adopted in irrigation commands. Of the current affected area, more than 50% is sodic in nature, which requires some kind of chemical amendment for reclamation. While our knowledge and understanding of the causes, nature and harmful effects of sodic soils have tremendously increased, availability of gypsum on account of environmental problems on its mining has caused concerns. Apparently, there is a need to push for other amendments especially the industrial wastes and publish the information in practical terms for various stakeholders. This book is an attempt in this direction. Taking into account the widely varying needs of the clients, the chapters of this book have been organized to include history, origin and genesis of sodic lands, basic principles of diagnosis, nature and properties of sodic lands, amendments, reclamation package and alternate land management. Since sodic water irrigation is one of the factors in the formation of sodic lands, a separate chapter deals with this issue highlighting the extent and distribution, chemical characteristic and management options for the use of sodic water. The economic analysis procedures and socio-economic issues of sodic land reclamation are included in a separate chapter with appropriate case studies. Since latest scientific information on new technologies with case studies is included, we believe that this book is an improvement over the existing books and is a useful addition to the literature on this subject. In our view the information contained in this book would be handy to field practitioners in the Government Departments and NGOs to plan and undertake large sodic land reclamation projects. Since the basic principles and practices have been very well elucidated, the book can be used as a text book in agricultural and engineering colleges. It can also be used as a source material in training programs being organized by various scientific organizations. We believe that the book would prove to be a handy reference resource to all those interested in sustainable irrigated agriculture for the food and nutritional security of the nation.

Abiotic stresses are known to adversely impact agricultural productivity on millions of hectares globally, and it is projected that these problems are likely to increase, primarily due to anthropogenic interventions as well as climatic changes. Understanding abiotic stresses—especially salt stress on soil—calls for an interdisciplinary approach because salt-stressed soils need hydro-technical, chemical, and agronomic interventions as well as an understanding of plant response when exposed to these stresses. This volume explores and conveys the latest information on emerging technologies in the management of abiotic salt stress and their field applications. It brings together experts from various fields (academia, technology, and engineering) to provide the latest information and knowledge on this important challenge.

Soil science is a specialized branch of agriculture which associated with the different areas of soil pedology, soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology, soil fertility, plant nutrition etc. It is, therefore, worthwhile to understand the nature and behavior of natural resources for sustainable agricultural production. Fundamentals of Soil Science assembles and summatizes pertinent available information for the students of agriculture in general and soil science in particular. This text book is a comprehensive more and will meet the growing need of soil science of graduate and post graduate students at university level agricultural education. This book covers the course contents of competitive examinations like IAS, IFS, PCS, ARS, banking services, B.Sc./M.Sc./Ph D. (Ag) admission, states and national levels of different competitive examinations in agriculture. The entire book is prepared in most simple, clear, talking language, comprehensive and short descriptive type of questions so that the concept could be easily understand by the readers in short times.

The book reviews on methods and techniques which have been treated and found useful in semi-arid regions and which might be suitable for use in other condition also. The objective is to make the book relevant for anywhere; where the rainfall is a big problem because of its quantity, distribution or unreliability. It outlines the scale and importance of the problem, difficulties and possibilities for the improvement. It strongly argues and presents evidences that drought is part of the natural order in semi-arid areas and that the recent disasters of degradation and famine in Africa result from misuse and mismanagement of the natural resources which reduced the region's ability to cope with the additional stress of drought.

Traditionally the study of chemical principles as they relate to soil has been limited to the field of agronomics. Soil and Water Chemistry: An Integrative Approach, stands alone because it balances agricultural and environmental perspectives in its analysis of the chemical properties and processes that affect organic and inorganic soil subs

The term "alkali soil"is employed to refer to soils that have a high exchangeable-sodium-percentage; and "saline soil" is used in connection with soils having a high value for the electrical conductivity of the saturation extract. This handbook was first issued in multilithed form in 1947, and it has been widely distributed in this country and abroad. The handbook is intended primarily as a practical guide for those who are confroted with soil, plant, and water problems involving salinity and alkali The first five chapters provide a basis for the evaluation and interpretaion of measure-ments The procedures and measuring methods given in chapters 6,7, and 8 are those with which the Laboratory has had experience, and they are believed to have general applicability in the diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils. This handbook is the result of the combined efforts of the entire staff of the salinity Laboratry.

Rapidly shrinking biodiversity resources now have vital linkages to sustainability of climate and habitable environment; unsustainability of agriculture and decline in socio-economics of human values. This book considers the history of Planet Earth, formation of the continents, origin, and evolution of Life from the beginning till the present. The present status of management of agricultural production systems, Integrated Pest Management, genetically modified crops and organic agriculture besides the future role of pesticide industry in promoting holistic agriculture and conservation of natural biodiversity resources have also been discussed. Social impact of shrinkage of biodiversity resources beyond the biological means of their renewal together with the neglect of basic human rights to food, nutrition and health security have been discussed. A new beginning and agenda for future development of biodiversity resources have been proposed.