This book explores into the complex challenges and potential solutions for achieving sustainable agriculture on saline soils. It provides a comprehensive understanding of soil salinity, exploring its causes, impacts, and the implications for agricultural productivity. The book highlights the importance of adopting innovative approaches to enhance crop resilience, focusing on both natural plant adaptations and advanced agricultural practices. By integrating scientific research with practical applications, the book offers a holistic perspective on managing the adverse effects of salinity. With a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, the book presents strategies to optimize soil health and boost crop performance. It explores the critical role of effective irrigation and nutrient management in mitigating salinity, while also introducing cutting-edge techniques for soil remediation. The role of beneficial microorganisms in restoring soil fertility is examined alongside practical methods for managing pests and diseases in salt-affected areas. These solutions are designed to provide actionable insights for improving agricultural productivity in saline environments. The book further addresses the economic and technological dimensions of saline soil management, offering cost-effective solutions and showcasing innovative tools and techniques. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable land use planning to ensure long-term soil health and productivity. Recognizing the growing threat of climate change, the book also provides forward-thinking strategies to adapt and thrive under changing environmental conditions. This resource is invaluable for researchers, agricultural professionals, and policy makers seeking to transform the challenges of saline soils into opportunities for sustainable agricultural development.
Dr. R. Krishna Murthy presently working as a Professor and Scheme Head, All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Soil Test Crop Response, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka. He has passed his M.Sc. (Agri.) in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry in 2001, he was awarded Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry in 2006 by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. He started his service career in 2007 as an Assistant Professor at the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. For the last 15 years, he has been actively engaged in teaching, research and extension activities. He has guided 5 Ph.D. and 12 M.Sc. (Agri.) students in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry and he has acted as an advisory committee member for 45 students. He has published 109 full-length papers, 3 books, 18 book chapters, 88 abstracts in national and international journals, 289 popular articles in newspapers and agriculture-related monthly magazines and 26 folders. He has participated and presented papers in 7 international conferences/symposia and 19 national conferences /symposia. He is a member of the Editorial Board of National /International Journals like Canadian Journal of Agricultural Science, Soil Science Research, Agricultural Science Research, An Asian Journal of Soil Science, Research and Reviews – Journal of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, Journal of Plant Science and Journal Global Journal of Bio-Science and Biotechnology. He has been awarded a Fellow of Hind Agri-horticultural Society (FHAS) on 28th December 2010. In the year 2015, his Soil and Water Management Centre was recognized as the best AICRP centre by the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad for the outstanding contribution of his research on soil and water management in rice.
Dr. Pushpa Krishna’s profile showcases her extensive academic background and contributions to the field of agronomy. Her journey, from earning two gold medals during her M.Sc. to completing her Ph.D. and contributing significantly to teaching and research, highlights her expertise and commitment to the agricultural community. Her role as an Assistant Professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and involvement in guiding M.Sc. students, along with serving as an advisory committee member for many post-graduate students, demonstrates her mentorship and leadership in academic settings. Furthermore, Dr. Pushpa’s prolific publishing record over 60 research papers and more than 100 articles reflects her dedication to advancing agricultural knowledge and sharing it with students and farmers. Her active participation in international and national conferences, along with her editorial roles in respected journals, further underscores her reputation as a thought leader in the field. Dr. Pushpa Krishna’s professional accomplishments highlight her as a highly distinguished personage in agronomy.
1 Introduction to Saline Soils: Challenges and Opportunities ...................1
2 Understanding Soil Salinity: Causes and Impacts ................................11
3 Soil Salinity Assessment Techniques ....................................................21
4 Plant Adaptations to Saline Environments ............................................33
5 Genetic Approaches to Developing Salt-Tolerant Crops ......................51
6 Agronomic Practices for Managing Saline Soils ..................................77
7 Irrigation Management in Saline Environments ...................................97
8 Nutrient Management Strategies for Saline Soils ...............................115
9 Bioremediation and Phytoremediation of Saline Soils .......................135
10 Role of Soil Microorganisms in Saline Soil Management ..................153
11 Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Salt-Affected Areas .............................................................................169
12 Sustainable Land Use Planning on Saline Soils ..................................185
13 Economic Considerations and Cost-Effective Solutions .....................203
14 Technological Innovations in Saline Soil Management ......................219
15 Climate Change and Saline Soil Management Strategies ...................237
