Taxonomy of Saline, Alkali and Saline-Alkali Soils

In the light of a discussion on the applicability of American “Soil Taxonomy” to some representative soils of Karnal district, new taxa proposed for consideration for achieving a satisfactory classification of saline-alkali soils in particular comprise: Episalic, Natric and Halic subgroups in the Alfisols. Diagnostic criteria for the use of these subgroups are presented. The classification of some other salt affected soils is also touched upon including suggestions for recognising Salic, Halic and Natric subgroups in Vertisols, and Vertic and Stratic subgroups in Salorthids.