Nature Properties and Management of Saline and Alkali Soils

D. G.L. Maliwal saw the light of the day on 16th November, 1942, obtained M.Sc. (Ag.) from Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur in 1965 and Ph.D. Degree from University of Udaipur, Udaipur in 1968. Dr. Maliwal had post doctoral research at Moscow State University, Krasnadar, USSR in 1968-1970. During the last 38 years of active research and education, Dr. Maliwal has made valuable contribution in the field of irrigation water quality, soil salinity, utilization of waste water in Agricultural, water management and dry land farming; and guided several M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D. students. He held responsible position at University of Udaipur, Udaipur (1966-76) and Gujarat Agricultural University (1976-2002). Before retirement, he was principal Investigator of the project on “use of urban and industrial effluents in agriculture”, G.A.U., Anand Centre financed by World Bank. Dr. Maliwal was the active member of different expert committees constituted by state and central government in the field of salinity and pollution. As a devoted researcher, authentic writer and critical reviewer, Dr. Maliwal has 210 original research papers, books, bulletins and popular articles in national and international journals to his credit. He has made more than 80 recommendations for farming community and got “Sardar Patel Agricultural Research Award” for 1998-99 by Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar. Dr. Maliwal’s studies on soil pollution in industrial areas and industrial waste disposal and sewage water irrigation are valuable contribution in the field of environment and pollution management.

Dr. L L Somani (b. 1945) did his graduation and Ph.D. from the University of Udaipur, Udaipur. He had all through a brilliant academic career and also holds Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism. He was awarded Post-Doctoral Commonwealth Fellowship (1975-77) to undertake research at Waite Agricultural Research Institute, Adelaide (Australia). He has also served the Gujarat Agricultural University. He is currently working as Professor at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner. He has been honoured by the 'Dhiru Morarji Memorial Award' (1984) for agricultural Science by the Fertilizer Association of India. He has published over 200 papers and articles in national and international journals of repute. He is associated with several academic societies. Besides being the editor,  compiler of monumental Dictionary of Agricultural and Allied Sciences Series, Dr. Somani has published many other outstanding books.