Characteristics and Potential of Inland Saline Soil and Water

Background

Salt-affected soils in India currently constitute 6.74 million ha in different agro-ecological regions, the area is likely to increase to 15.5 million ha by 2030 and 16.2 million ha by 2050 (CSSRI, 2011, 2015). Recently, ICAR-CSSRI estimated the national losses of annual crop production and monetary as 5.66 million tonnes and Rs. 8,000 crores, respectively, due to soil salinity in the country. The worst affected states are located in the north-western parts, covering the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The increasing salinity in inland waters has major economic, social and environmental consequences, threatening the viability of numerous rural communities.

Key Activityies

Key Activities

Remote sensing and GIS based mapping

GIS and Remote Sensing based mapping of extent and spatial distribution of inland saline water/ waterlogged saline lands.

Knowledge Resource Mapping & Water and Soil Analysis

Mapping of potential areas for inland saline aquaculture farms through Decision Support Systems in Arc GIS using spatial and temporal variation data.
Collection of soil and water samples along with temporal variation data with GPS coordinates (pre and post monsoon).
Analysis of soil and water samples for physical and chemical parameters.

Conducting feasibility studies

Conducting feasibility studies on integration of aquaculture with Sub Surface Drainage (SSD) technology.

Preparation of regional GIS-based thematic maps

Preparation of regional GIS-based thematic maps on distribution of salt affected areas aquaculture farms and farmers knowledge.

Mapping and Distribution of ISA

Mapping

Soil samples location map has been prepared for Rohtak centre and Fazilka districts while as water sample location map has been prepared for Fazilka district. Satellite imagery was procured and thematic layers and compilation map has been also prepared

Spatial Distribution of ISA

Spatial distribution map of various physicochemical parameter (pH, EC, Soil texture, Organic carbon, Chloride, CO3, HCO3, Na, K, Ca, Mg) have prepared, with soil samples collected from Rohtak & Fazilka districts.

Knowledge Mapping & Water/Soil Analysis

Knowledge Resource

Mapping

A baseline survey for knowledge mapping was conducted with a total of 175 and 173 respondents in Punjab and Haryana respectively. Areas having potential for saline aquaculture have been identified.

Analysis of Water and Soil Samples

Water and soil samples from different locations with GPS coordinates were collected and analysed for various quality parameters. A total of 157 soil & 141 water samples from Punjab; 121 soil & 40 water samples of Haryana; 168 soil & 120 water samples from Uttar Pradesh have been analysed.