Organic Farming (1+1)

Visual Effects of Saline - Alkali Soil

Visual Effects of Saline/Alkali Soils

The Harmful effects of saline water irrigation are mainly associated with accumulation of salts in the soil and are manifested through reduced availability of water to plants, delayed germination and slow growth rate.

• Excessive salts in the soil can induce early wilting and the effects are almost similar to those of drought.
• Some of the visual symptoms are that the plants look stunted; leaves are smaller but thicker and have often dark green colour as compared to plants growing in a salt free area irrigated with good quality water.
• Alkali soils become extremely hard on drying and slushy on wetting. Black incrustation is seen on the surface.
• All useful microbial activity is completely lost making the soil unhealthy for crops.