Saline and Alkaline Soils in Latin America

Saline and Alkaline Soils in Latin America
Author: Edith Taleisnik
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 473
Release: 2020-09-26
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 3030525929

This book provides the first comprehensive overview of saline and alkaline soils in Latin America, known for having one of the most extensive surface of salt-affected soils in the world. It is organized along two main axes: soils and vegetation. The book discusses the occurrence of such soils in the region, focusing mainly in management strategies for their sustainable use, and it presents accounts of natural vegetation and crops in the various environments of the region. Social impacts of such conditions and ongoing projects to overcome them are considered. Likewise, the book highlights physiological mechanisms that are responsible for the negative effects these soils exert on crops and forest resources and determine vegetation distribution in them. Plant breeding challenges and new perspectives for such environments are discussed. Technologies such as irrigation and drainage are included. The readership includes soil and plant scientists, as well as policy makers.

Plant Nutrients in Desert Environments

Plant Nutrients in Desert Environments
Author: Arden D. Day
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 113
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642776523

Plant nutrients are found in a relatively thin layer of soil materials that covers all of the continents of the entire world. These plant nutrients provide the necessary food, clothing, and shelter for human existence. As the population of the world increases, the plant nutrients in desert environments become more and more important for the survival of mankind. Plant Nutrients in Desert Environments is a general information book for both professionals and laymen. The common plant nutrients present in deserts are identified, and detailed instructions are given on how to effectively utilize them in commercial agriculture, home gardening, home landscaping, for disturbed land reclamation and for recreational purposes. Outstanding photographs illustrate the topics.

Salt-affected Soils and Marginal Waters

Salt-affected Soils and Marginal Waters
Author: Ranbir Chhabra
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 729
Release: 2022-01-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030784355

This book presents systematic scientific appraisal, classification, genesis and viable technologies for reclamation and management of salt-affected soils and marginal quality waters across India and several other countries. Nature, solubility and geo-chemical mobility of salts have been provided as basis for the development of alkali and saline soils and groundwaters under specific agro-hydro-ecological regions. Chemical amendment (gypsum) based reclamation technology of alkali soils and related pre and post-reclamation water, nutrient and crop management interventions, including re-sodification issues have been comprehensively addressed. Features and operational guidelines of surface, subsurface, vertical and bio-drainage systems have been thoroughly discussed; likewise, amelioration of irrigation induced saline soils in inland and coastal regions and preventive measures for control of salinity and waterlogging along with environmental trade-offs. Practical approaches for amelioration and judicious use of saline, alkali, high SAR- saline and waste waters have been synthesized for different cropping and agro- forestry systems. Emerging issues on use of industrial by-products as amendments for alkali soils, physiological aspects of salt resistance, anatomical and biochemical mechanism of submergence tolerance, specific ion effects of poor quality waters, crop diversification, groundwater recharge, rejuvenation of tsunami affected coastal soils, safety against occurrence of poisonous gas in tube well pits, paddy straw burning and others have been adequately deliberated upon. Combining scientific principles with field experiences, the book is expected to serve as a useful knowledge base for research workers, teachers and students of soil science, agronomy, plant breeding, forestry, irrigation engineering, extension workers, environmentalists and planners associated with reclamation and management of salt affected soils and waters on sustainable basis in developing and developed countries.

Encyclopedia of Agrophysics

Encyclopedia of Agrophysics
Author: Jan Gliński
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 1075
Release: 2011-06-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9048135842

This Encyclopedia of Agrophysics will provide up-to-date information on the physical properties and processes affecting the quality of the environment and plant production. It will be a "first-up" volume which will nicely complement the recently published Encyclopedia of Soil Science, (November 2007) which was published in the same series. In a single authoritative volume a collection of about 250 informative articles and ca 400 glossary terms covering all aspects of agrophysics will be presented. The authors will be renowned specialists in various aspects in agrophysics from a wide variety of countries. Agrophysics is important both for research and practical use not only in agriculture, but also in areas like environmental science, land reclamation, food processing etc. Agrophysics is a relatively new interdisciplinary field closely related to Agrochemistry, Agrobiology, Agroclimatology and Agroecology. Nowadays it has been fully accepted as an agricultural and environmental discipline. As such this Encyclopedia volume will be an indispensable working tool for scientists and practitioners from different disciplines, like agriculture, soil science, geosciences, environmental science, geography, and engineering.

Encyclopedia of Soil Science

Encyclopedia of Soil Science
Author: Ward Chesworth
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 859
Release: 2007-11-22
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1402039948

The Encyclopedia of Soil Science provides a comprehensive, alphabetical treatment of basic soil science in a single volume. It constitutes a wide ranging and authorative collection of some 160 academic articles covering the salient aspects of soil physics, chemistry, biology, fertility, technology, genesis, morphology, classification and geomorphology. With increased usage of soil for world food production, building materials, and waste repositories, demand has grown for a better global understanding of soil and its processes. longer articles by leading authorities from around the world are supplemented by some 430 definitions of common terms in soil sciences.

Genesis and Management of Sodic (Alkali) Soils

Genesis and Management of Sodic (Alkali) Soils
Author: S.K. Gupta
Publisher: Scientific Publishers
Total Pages: 332
Release: 2017-10-01
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9387869644

Land and water, the two crucial natural resources for agriculture, are decreasing as a result of burgeoning population of the country. At the same time, various forms of degradation are taking a toll on the productivity of these resources so much so that large areas have been taken out of plough. Current assessment reveal that already 6.73 million ha area has gone out of cultivation because of excessive salts or high sodicity and this area is likely to expand to 20 million ha by 2050 because of the faulty irrigation and drainage water management practices being adopted in irrigation commands. Of the current affected area, more than 50% is sodic in nature, which requires some kind of chemical amendment for reclamation. While our knowledge and understanding of the causes, nature and harmful effects of sodic soils have tremendously increased, availability of gypsum on account of environmental problems on its mining has caused concerns. Apparently, there is a need to push for other amendments especially the industrial wastes and publish the information in practical terms for various stakeholders. This book is an attempt in this direction. Taking into account the widely varying needs of the clients, the chapters of this book have been organized to include history, origin and genesis of sodic lands, basic principles of diagnosis, nature and properties of sodic lands, amendments, reclamation package and alternate land management. Since sodic water irrigation is one of the factors in the formation of sodic lands, a separate chapter deals with this issue highlighting the extent and distribution, chemical characteristic and management options for the use of sodic water. The economic analysis procedures and socio-economic issues of sodic land reclamation are included in a separate chapter with appropriate case studies. Since latest scientific information on new technologies with case studies is included, we believe that this book is an improvement over the existing books and is a useful addition to the literature on this subject. In our view the information contained in this book would be handy to field practitioners in the Government Departments and NGOs to plan and undertake large sodic land reclamation projects. Since the basic principles and practices have been very well elucidated, the book can be used as a text book in agricultural and engineering colleges. It can also be used as a source material in training programs being organized by various scientific organizations. We believe that the book would prove to be a handy reference resource to all those interested in sustainable irrigated agriculture for the food and nutritional security of the nation.

Bioremediation of Salt Affected Soils: An Indian Perspective

Bioremediation of Salt Affected Soils: An Indian Perspective
Author: Sanjay Arora
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 316
Release: 2017-03-31
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 3319482572

This edited volume focuses on the characterization, reclamation, bioremediation, and phytoremediation of salt affected soils and waterlogged sodic soils. Innovative technologies in managing marginal salt affected lands merit immediate attention in the light of climate change and its impact on crop productivity and environment. The decision-making process related to reclamation and management of vast areas of salt affected soils encompasses consideration of economic viability, environmental sustainability, and social acceptability of different approaches. The chapters in this book highlight the significant environmental and social impacts of different ameliorative techniques used to manage salt affected soils. Readers will discover new knowledge on the distribution, reactions, changes in bio-chemical properties and microbial ecology of salt affected soils through case studies exploring Indian soils. The contributions presented by experts shed new light on techniques such as the restoration of degraded lands by growing halophyte plant species, diversification of crops and introduction of microbes for remediation of salt infested soils, and the use of fluorescent pseudomonads for enhancing crop yields.