Characterization of Some Salt Affected Soils and Poor Quality Waters of Kaithal District in Central Haryana for Reclamation and Management

摘要

Salt affected soils and poor quality ground waters are primary constraints for sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid climatic zones of central Haryana (Yadav 2003). High evaporation during the dry season and lack of good quality water for irrigation caused salt accumulation in soil profiles. The use of poor quality ground water for irrigation has increased salt build-up in soil profiles and caused reduced productivity. Naturally, salts are drained from the Himalayas and Siwalik through rivers/streams and are accumulated at the alluvial plains (Sidhu et al. 1995). The lack of adequate internal drainage in lower topographic regions prompted soil salinization (Bhargava et al. 1980). Canal irrigation in undrained areas has caused waterlogging, formation of high water table and secondary salinization in soils. Due to dynamic nature, these soils showed variable extent during dry and wet seasons.