Agro-techniques for Localised Reclamation of Solonetz-Solonchak (Sodic-Saline) Soils for Plantation of Grapes and Other Fruits

Experiments for the evaluation of various agro-techniques of reclamation in relation to the performance of 30 varieties of grapes and 50 varieties of 12 other species of fruits in saline-sodic soils with shallow water-table, were conducted from 1954 to 1980. Replacement of saline-sodic soil with normal one in trenches and pits was found to be very effective. Provision of 20 cm thick layer of gravel at the bottom of trenches, frequent irrigation and mulching with alfalfa also helped in maintaining negative salt balance even where less saline soil from deeper layer nay used as filling material. Secondary salinization in subsequent years could also be prevented by adding small doses of waste sulphuric acid and iron sulphate. Locally commercialized grape varieties were more tolerant. Among the other 12 fruit species, tolerance was highest in deep rooted ones like eleagnus, pomegranate and quince. Seedlings were more tolerant as compared to grafts. As the seedlings grew older, their tolerance also increased because of penetration of their roots into deeper and comparatively less hostile environment.