Srimathi Indraratne

Reclamation of Saline-sodic Soils: Gypsum Amended Organic Materials Srimathi Indraratne

Soil salinization and sodification are the major factors that contribute to land degradation and decrease in crop yield. The total global area of salt-affected soils including saline and sodic soils was 831 million hectares extending over all the continents. These soils can be made to yield a good crop through proper management practices. There are different approaches for reclamation of salt affected soils. The Prominent ones are physical, chemical, biological and agronomic. Integration of chemical and organic amendments have been tested and proved better in sodic/saline-sodic soil reclamation and soil physical property improvement. Results from this study it can be concluded that the application of organic and inorganic amendments decreased sodicity to a significant level and improved the physical and chemical properties of the soil, especially when used in combination compared to the control. Based on these results, partially burnt paddy husk and gypsum combination at the rate of 1% by the weight of soil and 100% gypsum requirement could be recommended respectively as appropriate amendment to mitigate salinity/sodicity in soil