Nature, Properties and Management of Problems Soils

Contents: 1. Introduction. 2. Soil physical problems. 3. Acid soils. 4. Acid sulphate soils. 5. Salt affected soils. 6. Calcareous soils. 7. Taxonomic classification, land capability classification and land suitability classification of problem soils. 8. Bio-remediation of problem soils through multipurpose tree species. 9. Land degradation. 10. Soil pollution. 11. Soil quality and soil health. 12. Remote sensing and gis for mapping and delineation of soils degradation. 13. Quality of irrigation water. 14. References. 15. Glossary. Soil is most important natural resource, on whose health, the human endeavour depends. Soils which set a limit to crop production due to mineral stress, drought, acidity, sodicity waterlogging, etc. could be considered as problem soils. Of the 140 million hectares of net cultivation area in India these problem soils constitute approximately 60 million hectares. Therefore, it is highly imperative to understand the nature and properties and management of these problems soils to achieve food and nutritional security of the nation. It is in this context, the present publication consisting of nature, extent, genesis, properties and management of various physical and chemical problems soils. This book is intended for use of B.Sc.(Ag.) and M.Sc.(Ag.) students of State Agricultural Universities, Scientists of Crop Production, Extension personnel and progressive farmers. There are some publications on Problem soils are available, which often involve partial, complex information and hence, becomes difficult for comprehend and practice. In this book an attempt has been made to discuss complex theories in an easy self explanatory manner with relevant depictions, which will be very useful and interesting to the readers. The text book consists of twelve chapters. In order to limit the volume of the publication, detailed theoretical aspects have been avoided and instead presented in a short and simple manner. It is believed that the publication will prove useful for the students and faculty of Central and State Agricultural Universities, scientists, Extension personnel for whom it is intended. The Libraries of Agricultural colleges belong to Central and State Agricultural Universities, Agricultural Research stations, Agricultural Extension units, NGOs working for farmers are suggested to maintain this publication. Students preparing for JRF, SRF and ARS examinations in the field of Soil Science and Agronomy would get much benefit with the information present in the book.…