Improvement of Saline Alkali Soils through Biological Methods

The paper deals with the various biological methods adopted in the reclamation and utilisation of saline alkali soils. The relative performance of various forest trees, grasses and agricultural crops has been described and data on the changes in the properties of saline alkali soils brought about as a result of the vegetative growth have been presented. The role of green manuring, algal growth and addition of other organic materials in the improvement of saline alkali soils has also been discussed. The data reveal that adoption of suitable biological methods helps in hastening and intensifying the process of improvement of saline alkali soils and this may prove economical within the available means of the individual cultivators. Since the scientific data regarding the effect of these methods on the soil properties are limited, there is need to conduct more detailed and well planned studies under different conditions of soil and climate, so that practical methods of wider applicability can be evolved in order to put the hitherto unutilised extensive areas of saline and alkali soils of the country to agricultural production.