Evaluation Of High-Salt-Water Dilution Schedule for Reclamation of Saline-Sodic and Sodic Soils

A laboratory experiment was conducted to select the proper schedule of high-salt-water dilution technique to reclaim saline-sodic and sodic soils from Tujarpur village of Sangli district (Maharashtra). The soils were heavy in texture with high clay content and black in colour.

Three treatments (4, B, C) consisting of successive dilutions of synthetic high-salt-water (similar to sea water) followed by ordinary tap water, were used. The leaching treatment C consisting of three dilutions of the synthetic water (1+1, 1+7 and 1+31) followed by leaching with tap water was found to be effective for reclamation of both the soils. The amount of water and time required to accomplish reclamation were less in ‘C’ treatment as compared to other treatments. For the best treatment (treatment C), 90% of total amount of water used was ordinary tap water. The amount of high-saltwater required for reclamation of both the soils increased with increased dilutions. The average hydraulic conductivity of saline-sodic and sodic soils was the highest with high-salt-water treatment and lowest with ordinary tap water treatment. The ESP and EC values of both the soils decreased coniiderably after treatment.