Origin,classification and distribution of salt-affected soils;saline soils and their management;sodic soils and their management;salinity problems of the dryland regions;water quality and crop production;socio-economic considerations in reclamation and management of salt-affectedsoils;

This book presents systematic scientific appraisal, classification, genesis and viable technologies for reclamation and management of salt-affected soils and marginal quality waters across India and several other countries. Nature, solubility and geo-chemical mobility of salts have been provided as basis for the development of alkali and saline soils and groundwaters under specific agro-hydro-ecological regions. Chemical amendment (gypsum) based reclamation technology of alkali soils and related pre and post-reclamation water, nutrient and crop management interventions, including re-sodification issues have been comprehensively addressed. Features and operational guidelines of surface, subsurface, vertical and bio-drainage systems have been thoroughly discussed; likewise, amelioration of irrigation induced saline soils in inland and coastal regions and preventive measures for control of salinity and waterlogging along with environmental trade-offs. Practical approaches for amelioration and judicious use of saline, alkali, high SAR- saline and waste waters have been synthesized for different cropping and agro- forestry systems. Emerging issues on use of industrial by-products as amendments for alkali soils, physiological aspects of salt resistance, anatomical and biochemical mechanism of submergence tolerance, specific ion effects of poor quality waters, crop diversification, groundwater recharge, rejuvenation of tsunami affected coastal soils, safety against occurrence of poisonous gas in tube well pits, paddy straw burning and others have been adequately deliberated upon. Combining scientific principles with field experiences, the book is expected to serve as a useful knowledge base for research workers, teachers and students of soil science, agronomy, plant breeding, forestry, irrigation engineering, extension workers, environmentalists and planners associated with reclamation and management of salt affected soils and waters on sustainable basis in developing and developed countries.

With reference to India.

This book will be immensely useful to researchers, teachers and students, officers of command area development authorities, extension workers and above all the farming community of India. Any progress made in land reclamation programs with the help of this book will give us immense satisfaction.

Arranged by author.

This edited volume focuses on the characterization, reclamation, bioremediation, and phytoremediation of salt affected soils and waterlogged sodic soils. Innovative technologies in managing marginal salt affected lands merit immediate attention in the light of climate change and its impact on crop productivity and environment. The decision-making process related to reclamation and management of vast areas of salt affected soils encompasses consideration of economic viability, environmental sustainability, and social acceptability of different approaches. The chapters in this book highlight the significant environmental and social impacts of different ameliorative techniques used to manage salt affected soils. Readers will discover new knowledge on the distribution, reactions, changes in bio-chemical properties and microbial ecology of salt affected soils through case studies exploring Indian soils. The contributions presented by experts shed new light on techniques such as the restoration of degraded lands by growing halophyte plant species, diversification of crops and introduction of microbes for remediation of salt infested soils, and the use of fluorescent pseudomonads for enhancing crop yields.

The papers assembled here cover topics such as technological advances in soil salinity mapping and monitoring, management and reclamation of salt-affected soils, use of marginal quality water for crop production, salt-tolerance mechanisms in plants, biosaline agriculture and agroforestry, microbiological interventions for marginal soils, opportunities and challenges in using marginal waters, and soil and water management in irrigated agriculture.

The purpose of Advances in Soil Science is to provide a forum for leading scientists to analyze and summarize the available scientific information on a subject, assessing its importance and identifying additional research needs. A wide array of subjects has been addressed by authors from many countries in the initial ten volumes of the series. The quick acceptance of the series by both authors and readers has been very gratifying and confirms our perception that a need did exist for a medium to fill the gap between the scientific journals and the comprehensive reference books. This volume is the first of the series devoted entirely to a single topic soil degradation. Future volumes will include both single-topic volumes as well as volumes containing reviews of different topics of soil science, as in the case of the first ten volumes. There are increasing concern and attention about managing natural re sources, particularly soil and water. Soil degradation is clearly one of the most pressing problems facing mankind. Although the spotlight regarding soil degradation in recent years has focused on Africa, concern about the degradation of soil and water resources is worldwide. The widespread con cern about global environmental change is also being linked to severe problems of soil degradation. Therefore, we are indeed pleased that the first volume of the series devoted to a single topic addresses such an impor tant issue. The current volume is also the first of the series involving a guest editor.

The course work for various degree programs are constantly revised and or new courses added so that the future teachers, researches and planners are able to face the new emerging challenges. The environmental concerns of irrigated agriculture in the form of water logging and soil salinity are expanding and impacting food grains production. These challenges are commonly articulated at various forums. Thus, reclamation, management and crop production practices of waterlogged salt affected soils have been introduced as a subject in agricultural and agricultural engineering colleges. Since there is a general lack of a good textbook on this subject, authors have attempted to fill this gap through the current publication titled `Crop Production in Salt Affected Soils´. It comprehensively deals with the fundamentals of land reclamation principles and crop production practices. It has been divided into 16 Chapters. The book begins with general introduction comprising of categorization of salt affected soils, extent and distribution and nature and physical, chemical and biological properties. Other chapters includes basic information on on-farm land development, hydrology, irrigation practices, drainage methods, leaching, soil salinization, chemical amendments, and new innovative techniques including agronomic and cultural practices related to land reclamation. Crop production practices for select cereal, oil seeds, sugar, fiber and forage, green manure crops, grasses and forest plantations are also included. Chapter sixteen covers the economic evaluation and social issues involved in land reclamation programs. A Glossary of terms has been added for quick overview of the terms used in the book. The textbook designed and developed for the undergraduate/post graduate students of agricultural/agricultural engineering has been profusely illustrated so that students are able to visualize the processes and phenomena being dealt with. Besides serving as a text book, it will prove to be a handy resource book to conduct specialized training programs on land reclamation. We believe that the book will find its due place in the shelves of students and teachers, field functionaries and college libraries of state agricultural universities and civil engineering colleges.