The present population of about 900 million of India, accelerating at a fast rate is expected to shoot up to more than 1000 million, and against the present food grain production of 192 million tonnes, the requirement is likely to increase to 240 million tonnes by the end of the twentieth century. To crope up with the rising requirements of food, fibre, fuel and fodder crops, the so called wastelands covering about 100 million hectares need to be reclaimed and managed scientifically. The wastelands comprise about 12 mha of salt affected lands out of which 8 mha lands are saline. Saline conditions reduce the value and productivity of land and cost to Indian agriculture has been estimated as Rs. 10,000 million per annum. Reclamation and management of saline soils is essential as not only do these soils occupy vast and significant areas but because these lands are potentially fertile. Experience acquired through research and experimentation in laboratories and fields in the reclamation and management of saline soils shows that a major part of these soils can be utilised for growing several selected crops and varieties. The book is a critical evaluation of the latest relevant knowledge on the reclamation and management of saline wastelands. It is hoped that bringing information together in one volume will not only contribute to the advancement of knowledge on the subject but also help solve the food problem of the country as also other countries of the world affected adversely with the global problem of salinity.
There are no reviews yet.