Effect of Saline Water Irrigation through Drip System on the Salt Build-Up in Soil Profile around Tree Trunk of Kinnow (Citrus reticulata)

A field experiment was set up on fine loamy Typic Haplustalf soil to evaluate salt build-up effect of different RSC, 2.1 (control), 8.45 and 12.45 mmol L⁻¹, waters through drip system in soil profile around tree trunk of kinnow (Citrus reticulata). RSC of water increased ECe, cr, pHs, SAR and CO_3² + HCO_3⁻ in the root zone before the arrival of monsoon during two observation years of 1986 and 1987. Build-up of ECe and Cl⁻ was more under 8.45 RSC whereas that of pHs, SAR and CO_3² + HCO_3⁻ under 12.45 RSC. All these parameters, however, remained below soil critical levels. Distribution of ECe and cr was effective up to 0.90 m horizontal (X) and vertical (Z) distances but pHs, CO_3² + HCO_3⁻ and SAR were mainly distributed up to 0.45 m horizontal (X) and 0.60 m vertical (Z) distances only.