INTERVENTIONS FOR

REHABILITATION / MANAGEMENT
OF SALT AFFECTED SOILS

Dr. Nazir Hussain

Soil & Water Salinity Expert

Dr. Shahzada Munawar Mehdi

Agricultural Chemist

Soil Salinity Research Institute, (SSRI)

Pindi Bhattian (Punjab) Pakistan

April, 2007

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 1 of 14

 INTERVENTIONS FOR REHABILITATION/MANAGEMENT OF
SALT AFFECTED SOILS

Soil salinity, sodicity, waterlogging and safe use of brackish water are the
significant and peculiar problems of present agriculture in Pakistan. The yield of crops
and resultant income of the farmers is cut down in accordance with the degree of these
problems. In severe cases, the lands become barren and the sole source of livelihood of
the poor farmers is snatched, leaving him unemployed. Tackling and management of
such lands need specific awareness, training and implementation of site-specific
interventions.

In order to tackle the problem, two approaches are generally selected, which are as
under: -

1. Rehabilitation of salt affected lands:

U U

In this approach, efforts are made to convert the affected lands to their
original potential. For this purpose, amendments are added to the soil, water is applied
over and above the normal irrigations and specific agronomic practices are adopted.

2. Utilization of salt affected soils at the prevailing status:

U

The soils can also be utilized and managed at their prevailing status
through special farming operations.

The main uses of such lands are: -

1. Growing of salt tolerant crops

2. Growing of salt tolerant fruit plants through special techniques
3. Growing of salt tolerant bushes and trees as forests or agro forestry
4. Growing of salt tolerant fodders and raising of farm animals
5. Fish farming

A specific knowledge and awareness of the subject is required for adopting

any of the above approaches and subsequent management of salt affected lands.

It will be good if the beginner becomes aware of a few technical terms that will
frequently be used in the coming pages.

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 2 of 14

Salinity:
U

In its broader sense, this word is used to cover the soluble salts and sodium
problem of soil or water. But in purely technical terms, it does indicate the problem of
only excess soluble salts from soil and water for the plant growth. It is measured as
Electrical Conductivity (EC) and its general limit for soil is more than 4 dSm-1 while for
P P

water is more than 1.5 dSm-1. P P

Sodicity:
U

It denotes the problem of excessive sodium, (Na+) in soil or water with

P P

reference to plant growth. It is measured through exchangeable sodium percentage

(ESP) but more frequently sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) is used. The general critical
limit for soil is more than 13, while for water it is more than 10. In Pakistani soils mostly
salinity and sodicity coexist.

Water logging:
U

This denotes the problem coming through nearness of water table to the
surface of the soil because presence of excess water can also create problems for normal
plant growth. The general limit adopted is 3 meters (10 feet) water table depth from the
soil surface.

Soil affected soils

U

Soils having problem of salinity or sodicity or both combined so as to

affect plant growth negatively.

Types of salt affected soils

U

On the basis of problem of salinity or sodicity, the soils are classified into
three broad groups.

Saline soils:
U

These are the soils that have ECe more than 4 dSm-1 but SAR is less than
B B P P

13. These soils are very easy to manage if good quality water is available. The physical
condition remains good.

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 3 of 14

Saline sodic soils:
U

These are the soils having ECe more than 4 dSm-1 and SAR more than 13.
B B P P

Such soils need some amendment like gypsum, acids or organic material along with
water for their management and ultimate rehabilitation

Sodic soils:
U

Soil having EC less than 4 dSm-1 but SAR more than 13. These are worst soils to
P P

manage and rehabilitate. Usually, combination of amendments and

agronomic/engineering approaches are used.

Classes of salinity:
U

The classes of salinity with respect to severity are as under: -

Classes Criteria Expected yield losses

Slightly saline EC 4-8 dSm-1 P P 10 – 25%
Moderately saline EC 8-15 dSm-1 P P 25-50%
Strongly saline More than 15 dSm-1 P P More than 50%

Classes of sodicity:
U

Classes Criteria Expected yield losses

Slightly sodic SAR more than 13-25 15 – 30 %
Moderately sodic SAR 25-45 30-60 %
Strongly sodic SAR more than 45 More than 60 %

Note: - 1. Only crops tolerant to salinity/sodicity should be grown.

2. Yield losses will vary in different crops due to their specified
tolerance potential as well as soil texture and structure, quality of
irrigation water and climatic conditions (rainfall and
temperature).

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 4 of 14

Salt Tolerant Crops:
U

The selection of appropriate crops is very important when the soils are slat
affected. Matching of salt tolerant limits of the crops with the prevailing status of soil
with respect to salinity/sodicity is of prime importance otherwise chances of failure
increase. The following guidelines are presented in this regard.

Crops Soil EC (dSm-1) for expected yield of

P P

100% 75% 50% 0%

Barley 8.0 13.0 18.0 28.0
Cotton 7.7 13.0 17.0 18.0
Sugarbeet 7.0 11.0 15.0 16.0
Sorghum 6.8 8.4 9.9 13.0
Wheat 6.0 9.5 13.0 20.0
Rice 3.0 5.1 7.2 11.0
Sugarcane 1.7 5.9 10.0 10.0
Maize 1.7 3.8 5.9 10.0
Tomato 2.5 5.0 7.6 13.0
Spinach 2.0 5.3 8.6 15.0
Cabbage 1.8 4.4 7.0 12.0
Potato 1.7 3.8 5.9 10.0
Jantar 2.3 5.9 9.4 17.0
Alfalfa 2.0 5.4 8.8 16.0
Berseem 1.5 5.9 10.0 19.0

Different Interventions:
U

Selection of appropriate intervention to be employed by the owner of salt affected land

will depend upon the farmer’s interest, soil salinity/sodicity status, quality of ground
water and quantity of canal water related available facilities of the farmer and crops or
plants to be grown. For successfulness of the intervention, it is highly important to
select one that matches with all the factors.

1. GROWING TOLERANT CROPS IN SLIGHTLY TO

MODERATELY SALT AFFECTED LANDS

Tolerant crops can be grown in slightly to moderately salt affected lands with
special managements practices. These soils can easily be managed for not only growing
of specific crops but it is also possible to revert these towards their original potential.
However, appropriate operations and activities will direly be needed. The slightly

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 5 of 14

affected soils are those that have either ECe 4-8 dSm-1 or SAR 13-25 or both within these
B B P P

ranges. The expected yield losses will depend upon the severity of the problem, texture
of soil and the crop being grown. However, these may be from 10-25 %, if a sensitive
crop is not being grown.

Moderately affected soils will have ECe 8-15 dSm-1 or SAR 25-45 or both these
B B P P

parameters within these ranges. The yield losses may be 25-50 %, depending upon
various factors mentioned above.

Land preparation and cultural practices:

U

Land levelling is a basic requirement. The field boundaries should be

strengthened. The soil and tubewell water should be got tested. Deep ploughing or
chiseling once is often recommended before levelling. Use of disc plough or rotavator is
useful, especially after harvesting of crops so that crop residues are incorporated and
mixed well in the soil.

Leaching and application of amendments:

U

If the soils are only saline (have EC > 4 dSm-1), these can be used for growing of
P P

crops after 2-4 deep irrigations (12 cm) of good quality water or water of lesser EC than
the soil in order to bring it within the tolerance limit of the crops to be grown.

If the SAR of the soil is more than the critical limit (less than 13), then some
amendment has also to be applied. This may be 20-40 bags of gypsum, 4-6 tons of farm
yard manure, green manure (especially Jantar), pressmud, crop residues (rice or wheat
straw, grasses) or compost or 50-100 kg of sulphuric acid or any other liquid
amendment like fluvic acid etc. Of course 2-4 deep irrigations will follow. Puddling is
totally prohibited in case of growing rice is these soils.

Selection of crops and crop rotations:

U

Selection of crops in the appropriate sequence is very important otherwise there

are chances of failure and there is loss of income to the farmers if sensitive crops are
grown. The tolerance of crops must match the salinity/sodicity status of the soil. The
suitable crop rotations well fitting the situation are as under:-

Rice - Wheat/Barley
Rice (Coarse) - Rice (Fine) - Wheat/Barley
Rice - Berseem
Cotton - Wheat
Wheat - Sorghum/Pearl millet

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 6 of 14

Sowing of crops:
U

One of major problems for growing of crops in salt affected soils is obtaining
appropriate plant population and its sustainability during later stages of growth.
Hence, such methods and measures are devised that help in germination, establishing
seedlings and maintaining the desired plant population to the end of cropping season.
Mortality is many times more than the normal soil. To obtain this objective, 10-20 %
higher seed rate is recommended. Two or more seedlings of rice per hill (hole) should
be transplanted. Sowing of wheat and cotton on ridges (shoulder) is useful. The soil
moisture content should be more than the normal soil at the time of seed sowing. Seed
is also spread is the standing water if the soils are saline or have good drainage and
water does not stand on the surface for many days, as in case of sodic soil or often in
saline sodic conditions.

Fertilizer application:
U

Care has to be taken for fertilizer use in salt-affected soils. Ideally, ammonium
sulphate, single super phosphate (SSP) and potassium sulphate are the better sources of
nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium respectively. However, in case of non-availability
of these fertilizers, urea and triple super phosphate (TSP) / mono ammonium
phosphate (MAP) can also be used. The recommended doses of fertilizer for different
crops are presented in Table-1.

Table-1: Recommended fertilizer for different crops in salt affected

soils:

Sr. No. Crops Recommended fertilizer (kg/acre)

N P K
1 Wheat 55 50 25
2 Rice 45 20 20
3 Cotton 35 35 -
4 Barley 55 50 25
5 Berseem 10 70 25
6 Sorghum/Pearl millet 30 15 -

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 7 of 14

 Irrigation:
U

If both types of water (canal and tubewell) are available, these should be used in
a cyclic manner. If the water is saline (having EC 1.5 – 3.0 dSm-1) with less SAR or RSC,
P P

then it should be used for wheat or cotton in the rotation. If it has high SAR (10-20) or
RSC (1.5 to 3.0 m eq L-1), then it should be used for rice in the crop sequence. The other
P P

crop should be irrigated with canal water. If there is no canal water supply, then 10 –
15% more water (L.F) should be used coupled with gypsum application (as
recommended after water test) in case of high SAR/RSC water.

2. REHABILITATION OF STRONGLY SALT AFFECTED LANDS

AND SUBSEQUENT PLANT GROWTH

Strongly affected soils are those that have either EC more than 15 dS m-1 or SAR
P P

more than 45 or both of them combined. The yield losses of even salt tolerant crops are
more than 50% but most often these lands are not being cultivated because there is very
less germination and subsequent crop growth. Therefore, such soils are most often
barren and rehabilitation is a must before these are brought under plough again.

Preliminary steps:
U

The soils should be levelled and boundaries be strengthened. Deep ploughing

normally helps a lot. The soils should be got tested alongwith the tubewell water. For
this purpose, the nearest District Soil and Water Testing Laboratory should be
approached or services of Soil Salinity Research Institute (SSRI), Pindi Bhattian can be
obtained. The reports of district laboratories can be submitted to SSRI for getting
specific recommendations to manage salinity/sodicity of soil and water. Of course,
additional information on soil texture, adopted crop rotation, availability of canal
water, drainage, water table depth and the facilities of the farmer will be required for
making appropriate recommendations.

Reclamation process:
U

Reclamation process will be different for saline and saline-sodic soils. The test
report will indicate whether the soil in saline, sodic or saline-sodic and in case of latter
two categories, what will be the quantities of gypsum required for that particular soil.
Proper land rehabilitation method will be selected accordingly.

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 8 of 14

 i. Saline soils:
U

If the soils are saline, their reclamation is comparatively easier.

Application of farm yard manure, pressmud, compost or green manure
((4-6 t/acre) is recommended. The good quality water (or water having
lesser EC than the soil) should be applied. Normally 3-5 deep irrigations
will be required, depending upon the level of soil salinity. Then, the crops
can be utilized for growing of crops. The preferable first crop is rice and
good time is April – June, so that benefits of subsequent monsoon rains
can also be obtained.

ii. Saline sodic or sodic soils:

U

After levelling and deep ploughing, gypsum (of good quality) should be
applied in the quantities recommended by the laboratory through soil test.
Two-third or three-fourth of this quantity should be uniformly spread on
the surface and mixed well through ploughing twice. Remaining one third
or one fourth should again be spread on the surface. Then the irrigation
water (may be tubewell water but of less EC and SAR than the soil) should
be enough to bring the soil EC and SAR favourable for rice. Leaching of
rest of the salts will be obtained during subsequent rice growth because
rice is the only preferred crop after amendment application. It must be
remembered that purity of gypsum (At least more than 70% and 60%
should pass through 30 mesh), application of gypsum in exact quantity,
thoroughly mixing and subsequent irrigations are the key factors of
gypsum technology. Missing any one may lead to failure or slow the
rehabilitation process and yield losses of initial crops.

Rehabilitation of dense soils and salt affected clayey soils:

U

Some times salt affected soils have hard layer in its profile or the texture of the
soil is clayey. Reclamation of these soils is most difficult and needs some special
operations. At the first step, breaking of hard layer is essential for which chisel/sub-
soiler or ripper is to be used, depending upon the depth of the hard layer. The passage
of water through soil (hydraulic conductivity) has to be increased in clayey soil by
combining 50-100 Kg of sulphuric acid with recommended quantity of gypsum.
Similarly, application of farm yard manure, green manure, and press mud or compost
at the rate of 4 – 6 tons/acre will be helpful greatly. Horizontal flushing is also
recommended. In this technique, water is applied, kept in the field for 18 – 24 hours
and flushed out of the field into a side channel or a pit in order to remove the salts that
otherwise cannot move into deeper depths.

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 9 of 14

 Cultural practices and fertilizer:
U

All the cultural practices, sowing methods, seed rate, fertilizer and irrigation will
be those that have already been presented for slightly to moderately affected soils.
However, it should be kept in mind that the reclamation procedure detailed above
should be completed at least 15 days before sowing of crops.

3. ADDRESSING PATCHY SALINITY:

Salinity/sodicity found in smaller or bigger salt affected patches of various

number within almost normal field is called patchy salinity. Yields are reduced
significantly in these soils, in spite of application of all the inputs with full doses. Hence,
many times the income is cut short to the level (sometimes 50%) at which growing of
crops becomes uneconomical. Therefore, addressing these patches is very important to
obtain full potential of such lands. Reclamation activities should be restricted only to
remove these patches.

Appropriate technique for removal of salt affected patches:

U

The patches should be identified and marked. These patches are, generally, at the
higher level than the other whole field and are very high in degree of salinity/sodicity.
One option is to scrap and remove 5-6 cm surface layer and pile the salty soil in some
depression or pits.

Use of Acids:
U

Best addressing is possible when rice or any other crop is growing. Sulphuric
acid is normally recommended but any other acid based liquid amendment can also be
used. Acid is diluted 20-25 times. Acid is poured in water, taken in a plastic bucket or
tub. After half an hour, the reaction completes and dilute acid is ready for use. The
diluted acid is sprayed with plastic shower on the patches (which are normally devoid
of any crop) in standing water. Acid when diluted according to method recommended
does not remain harmful to the body. The quantity of acid to be applied will depend
upon the severity of the problem. Generally, 1-2 kg for patch of one Marla (0.006 acre) is
recommended.

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 10 of 14

Use of gypsum:
U

Gypsum can also be used for addressing patchy salinity. Gypsum can be applied
before sowing of crops or while crops other than rice are growing. The generally
recommended rate of gypsum is one bag per Marla of the patchy area. The required
quantity is applied and mixed through hoeing or ploughing (in case of bigger patches)
and water is applied or the irrigations given to the other field will suffice the purpose.

Fertilizer and cultural practices:

U

All the cultural practices, fertilizer, seed rate and sowing methods of normal soils
can be adopted but it will be preferable if the production technology given for slightly
affected soils is employed. Seed rate should be increased by 10-15% on the patches, if
identified already and being addressed. Levelling of land, of course, will be of great
help to avoid the emergence of patches as well as dealing with the patches.

4. GROWING OF FOREST/FRUIT PLANTS IN SALT AFFECTED

SOILS

The salt tolerant bushes forest trees and fruit plants can also be grown in salt
affected soils, if the farmer has the interest. However, for successful plantations
improved transplantation techniques have to be adopted for this purpose. It may be
pointed out that fruit plants become permanent source of income for the farmers from
marginal lands. Similarly, forest plants and bushes may also be permanent source of
fodder, fuel, timber and shade. These can also bring lump sum income for the farmers.

Land preparation and transplantation of plants:

The levelling of land is a pre-requisite. If the soil is clayey or has hard layer, deep
ploughing, chiseling or ripping, only in the planting lines will be needed. Cultivation of
the whole field will also be required to remove the weeds and keep the field clean, so
that plants may not suffer from diseases and pest attack. The channels of 90 cm deep
and 60 cm width are made. The pits of 60 cm long, 60 cm wide and 60 cm deep are dug
on the shoulders of channel at the distance that will depend upon the plant itself. The
pits are filled with mixture of silt + gypsum or silt + compost or silt + farmyard manure
in 20:1 ratio. The plants are transplanted in these pits. The plastic bags around the
saplings are removed or cut from the base. Subsequent irrigation is provided through
the channels.

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 11 of 14

Suitable plants:
U U

The salt tolerant fruit plants of economic importance are date palm, guava and
Jamin while bushes and forest plants are Desi Kikar, Australian Kikar (Acacia
ampliceps), Neem and Ipil Ipil.

Cultural practices, irrigation and fertilizer:

U

The fields should be kept clean by frequent ploughing. Plants should be irrigated
depending upon the season, nature of plants and stage of growth. Normally, weekly
irrigation in early stage and fortnightly on later stages during summer season and after
2-3 weeks during the winter season is recommended. Fertilizer should be applied twice
a year during February-March and September-October. The recommended dose is one
Kg of Urea /plant in two splits during early stages. Phosphorus and potassium
additions should be started when the plants reach the age of two years.

Sowing of crops within the plant lines:

U

Crops can also be grown within plant lines for initial two years so that the
farmers can get some income until the plants are grown up. The production technology
already described in detail in previous pages for slightly to moderately salt affected
lands can be used for the purpose.

5. GROWING EUCALYPTUS PLANTS IN WATER LOGGED

LANDS

Water logged lands are having high water table that can be a big constraint for
growing of normal crops. Eucalyptus plants can successfully be grown on such lands
which can not only lower the water-table but can also bring some income to the owners
of these lands.

Land preparation, cultural practices and transplantation:

U

Land leveling, cultural practices and fertilizer application will be the same as
have already been described under the previous topic, “Growing of forest and fruit
plants”.

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 12 of 14

6. GROWING OF GRASSES AND FODDERS IN SLIGHTLY TO
MODERATELY SALT AFFECTED LANDS.

Salt affected soils with slight to moderate salinity can also be brought under
production of annual and perennial fodders (bushes and grasses). Fodders like Kallar
Grass, Ipil Ipil, Barley, Oats, Berseem, Lucern, Sorghum and Pearl Millets can be
successful on such lands. The land should be levelled and the field boundaries should
be strengthened. Two to three tons/acre (40-60 bags) of gypsum should be applied and
mixed or 4 -6 tones of FYM/press-mud should be added and well mixed in the soil.
Seed bed preparation, cultural practices, irrigations and fertilizer application will
remain the same as described under intervention No.1.

7. FISH FARMING:

The water logged and salt affected lands can also be used for establishing fish
farms that may become a permanent source of income for the owners. Talapia breed of
fish is well suited for saline conditions.

Preparation of fish pond and related operation

U

The soil should be got tested and the report consulted with the Fisheries
Department. In case of suitability, the soil should be excavated and piled up on all the
four sides. The soil should not be sandy. The depth of the tank should be 5-6 feet (Two
meters). The boundaries should be made strong and pressed well. The available water
should also be got tested. If it is too sodic (high SAR or RSC) it will not be fit for fish
pond because most often turbidity problem in water of the tank arises. The two feet
water depth has to be kept clear from suspended soil for light penetration and normal
fish growth. This problem can be managed by application of 20-30 bags for tank of one
acre. It must be remembered that instead of Urea, ammonium sulphate must be
applied. Similarly, DAP must not be added but instead single super phosphate (SSP) or
triple super phosphate (TSP) or mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) be added.
Similarly, lime should not be added at any cost but gypsum should be used as alternate
source of Ca that will also control sodicity/turbidity problem. Urea, DAP and lime
increases the pH of the water tank, which is the most detrimental for living and growth
of fish. The ideal pH should remain between 6.5 – 7.5. Well-decomposed farmyard
manure may be added for source of energy and organic carbon until plants grow
within the tank.

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 13 of 14

Ways to Contact:
U

Dr. Nazir Hussain

T

T Soil & Water Salinity Expert

Soil Salinity Research Institute,

T

Pindi Bhattian Hafizabad - 52180 - (Punjab) Pakistan

T

Ph: 03018655485, +92-547-531573, +92-547-531376

T

Fax: +92-547-531576
T

Email: dr_nazir66agssri@yahoo.com /dr_nazir66ag@yahoo.co.uk

T HT TH HT TH

Hussian. N and S. M. Mehdi 9/16/2007 Page 14 of 14