Course

Theory

Unit I

Area and distribution of problem soils–acidic, saline, sodic and physically degraded soils; origin and basic concept of problematic soils, and factors responsible.

Unit II

Morphological features of saline, sodic and saline-sodic soils; characterization of salt-affected soils-soluble salts, ESP, pH; physical, chemical and microbiological properties.

Unit III

Management of salt-affected soils; salt tolerance of crops- mechanism and ratings; salt stress meaning and its effect on crop growth, monitoring of soils salinity in the field; management principles for sandy, clayey, red lateritic and dryland soils.

Unit IV

Acid soils-nature of soil acidity, sources of soil acidity; effect on plant growth, lime requirement of acid soils; management of acid soils; biological sickness of soils and its management.

Unit V

Quality of irrigation water; management of brackish water for irrigation; salt balance under irrigation; characterization of brackish waters, area and extent; relationship in water use and quality.

Unit VI

Agronomic practices in relation to problematic soils; cropping pattern for utilizing poor quality groundwaters.

Practical

Characterization of acid, acid sulfate, salt-affected and calcareous soils, Determination of cations (Na+, K+, Ca++ and Mg++) in groundwater and soil samples, Determination of an ions (Cl-, SO₄-, CO₃– and HCO_3-) in ground waters and soil samples, Lime and gypsum requirements of acid and sodic soils.

To educate students about basic concepts of problem soils and brackish water, and their management. Attention will be on management of problem soils and safe use of brackish water in relation to crop production.