Biennial Report (2008-10): All India Coordinated Research Project on Management of Salt Affected Soils and Use of Saline Water in Agriculture

Abstract

This Biennial report contains the Research results for 2008-2010 at twelve centers including 4 volunteer centers covering arid, semi arid, irrigated rainfed and coastal ecosystems.The eight centres of AICRP located in various agro-ecological settings besides independently working on location specific problems also act as outreach network centres of CSSRI. It is satisfying that soil and ground water characterisation studies being undertaken in different states are being synthesized to produce soil and ground water quality maps and to finalize new criteria and guidelines for their use. Experiments on conjunctive use of alkali and canal waters, use of poor quality waters using FYM and gypsum as amendments, testing and assessment of improved irrigation methods for different crops and cropping systems, management of heavy textured soils under irrigated and rain fed environment, use of agro-chemicals to minimize alkalinity hazards, status of fluoride and nitrate in ground water and impact of saline water on groundwater quality, soil properties and crop performance have given new insights into the problems and led to improved technologies.