Soil is most important natural resource, on whose health, the human endeavour depends. Soils which set a limit to crop production due to mineral stress, drought, acidity, sodicity, waterlogging, etc. could be considered as problem soils. Of the 140 million hectares of net cultivation area in India these problem soils constitute approximately 60 million hectares. Therefore, it is highly imperative to understand the nature and properties and management of these problems soils to achieve food and nutritional security of the nation. It is in this context, the present publication consisting of nature, extent, genesis, properties and management of various physical and chemical problems soils.
This book is intended for use of B.Sc.(Ag.) and M.Sc.(Ag.) students of State Agricultural Universities, Scientists of Crop Production, Extension personnel and progressive farmers. There are some publications on Problem soils are available, which often involve partial, complex information and hence, becomes difficult for comprehend and practice. In this book an attempt has been made to discuss complex theories in an easy self explanatory manner with relevant depictions, which will be very useful and interesting to the readers. The text book consists of twelve chapters. In order to limit the volume of the publication, detailed theoretical aspects have been avoided and instead presented in a short and simple manner.
It is believed that the publication will prove useful for the students and faculty of Central and State Agricultural Universities, scientists, Extension personnel for whom it is intended. The Libraries of Agricultural colleges belong to Central and State Agricultural Universities, Agricultural Research stations, Agricultural Extension units, NGOs working for farmers are suggested to maintain this publication. Students preparing for JRF, SRF and ARS examinations in the field of Soil Science and Agronomy would get much benefit with the information present in the book.
P. Gurumurthy, M.Sc (Ag.) Ph.D., Professor & Head, Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College, Naira, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, had 15 years of teaching experience to B.Sc.(Ag.) and M.Sc.(Ag.) students and 2 years of research experience and 5 years experience in the field of extension as Programme Coordinator of University extension unit. He taught and is teaching soil science courses of Soil Physics; Soil Chemistry, Fertility and Nutrient Management, Manures and Fertilizers, Diagnostic techniques for soil, plant and irrigation waters, Soil Survey; Soil Taxonomy and Remote Sensing Techniques for Undergraduate students and Soil Pollution; Problem Soils and Their Management; Remote Sensing and GIS techniques for soil, water and crop studies for post-graduate students with passion. He published two books, Thirty-nine full length research articles in peered review national and international journals, participated in 12 national/ international symposiums/seminars/workshops. He is recipient of prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru award for outstanding post-graduate research, Indian Society of Soil Science Best Doctoral Research presentation award, prestigious State level Best University Teacher Award and prestigious Ugadi puraskaram awarded by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for his overall contributions in the field of agricultural sciences.