Reclamation of saline sediments deposited during a flash flood on agricultural lands in the Indian arid zone

Abstract

Studies on the amelioration of agricultural lands turned saline due to the deposition of flood sediments in the Indian arid zone indicated that gypsum application at 100% gypsum requirement followed by leaching with well water (3.1–5.5 dS m^‐1) was effective in reducing salinity in the surface soil. A higher level of gypsum was more effective in lowering the SAR, but the SAR values of 25–45 could not be lowered because of high sodium content in the leaching water. Increased infiltration due to elevated doses of gypsum further helped in lowering the salinity. Following reclamation, the land could be brought to a near normal situation.

Key words:

• saline flood sediments
• gypsum requirement
• leaching with saline water
• sodium adsorption ratio
• infiltration characteristics

Notes

Present address: Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre, Jodhpur, India.