Which of the following statements with reference to saline soil in India is/are correct?

1. They are rich in nitrogen.

2. They occur in arid and semi-arid regions, and in waterlogged and swampy areas.

Select the answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is 2) 2 only.

Key Points

• Saline soils in India are primarily found in arid and semi-arid regions, as well as in waterlogged and swampy areas.
• These soils are characterized by a high concentration of soluble salts like sodium chloride, magnesium, and calcium.
• The presence of excessive salts negatively impacts soil fertility, making it less suitable for agriculture without treatment or reclamation.
• Saline soils are generally low in nitrogen content, as nitrogen is highly soluble and tends to leach away in saline environments.
• Regions such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and coastal areas of India are known for saline soil prevalence due to poor drainage and high evaporation rates.

Additional Information

• Saline Soil Characteristics:
  • Saline soils have a white crust of salts visible on the surface due to evaporation.
  • They have a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5 and an electrical conductivity of more than 4 dS/m.
  • These soils exhibit poor permeability and water-holding capacity due to excessive salts.
• Causes of Salinity in Soil:
  • High evaporation rates in arid regions lead to salt accumulation on the soil surface.
  • Inadequate drainage systems cause water stagnation and salt deposition in waterlogged areas.
  • Excessive irrigation with saline water contributes to salinity buildup.
• Reclamation of Saline Soils:
  • Application of gypsum (calcium sulfate) helps replace sodium ions with calcium, improving soil structure.
  • Leaching with fresh water can flush out excess salts from the soil profile.
  • Planting salt-tolerant crops like barley and certain grasses can help utilize saline soils efficiently.
• Difference Between Saline and Alkaline Soils:
  • Saline soils have high concentrations of soluble salts, while alkaline soils have high sodium carbonate levels.
  • Alkaline soils usually have a higher pH (above 8.5), whereas saline soils have a slightly lower pH range.