Assessment of Salinity Dynamics of Irrigated and Rain-Fed Soils
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This research discusses the salinity cycle of irrigated and rain-fed soils in the Integral University Agricultural Farm, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Sustainable agriculture is a significant challenge facing soil salinization especially in arid and semi-arid areas where irrigation activities, climatic fluctuations and poor drainage further leads to the soil piling up the soluble salts in the soil profile. The research will be used to compare the main salinity parameters in two opposite land-use systems, irrigation and rain-fed, in the same agroecological environment. A comparative cross-sectional design was used and systematic sampling of soils was done on the surface layer (0 15 cm). Laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with the standard procedures to establish physicochemical parameters, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride (Cl -), carbonate (CO 3 2-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-). The values were compared to the internationally accepted FAO salinity classification standards. The results show that there is a significant variation in the salinity levels of rain-fed and irrigated soils. Irrigated soils have a greater salt content as a result of continuous irrigation with groundwater, high evapotranspiration and low drainage. In comparison, rain-fed soils are less salty, and this is affected by seasonal rainfall and natural processes of leaching. The findings indicate the importance of irrigation activities and water quality in influencing the dynamics of soil salinity. This work presents a scientific background of the salinity changes in alluvial soils of the Indo-Gangetic Plains and highlights the fact that site-specific management measures, such as better irrigation, drainage and constant monitoring of the soils are necessary. The results are useful to sustainable land and water management and policy implementation designed to reduce soil erosion and guarantee agricultural productivity in the long term.
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