Reclamation of Saline and Alkali Soils

Saline and alkali soils in the Punjab State pose a serious problem in raising artificial forest plantations succesfully, Before taking up planting work, the reclamation of such soils becomes necessary. Silvicultural Research Division, Punjab, started some studies at Bhadson (Distt. Patiaia) during the year 1963 on saline and alkali soils under the scheme 'Research in Pasture Development" where a number of perennial grasses and fodder crops was tried. Rhodes and Para grasses established successfully. Later on during the year 1967, studies were under-taken at Rakh Sarai Amant Khan (Distt.Amristar) in highly alkaline soils where the grasses, which had shown success already, along with salt tolerant agricultural crops and forest plants were tried in different blocks to assess comparative performance for reclamation of soils. Results obtained are discussed and future projects to be taken for study are indicated.