Impact of different forest plantations and cropping systems on reclamation of Sodic soils

Abstract

Transformation of barren lands into productive ecosystems needs an intensive effort to develop desired land use systems, corresponding to degree of soil deterioration. In highly sodic soils, several constraints viz. high pH and ESP, low carbon and nitrogen, poor water permeability, a low microbial diversity, crusting, hard setting of Kankar pan (Ca CO3 layer) in sub-soil, interfere to the root penetration and plants growth and unless the soil is locally amended to some extent, cropping is difficult. Chemical treatment of soils with gypsum or pyrite is usually in practice for cropping which does not lead to a stable reclamation and quite a few instances are available for resodification when the cultivation is dropped for a few years. Such threats can be countered with raising the perennial plantations. Monoculture and agroforestry raising crops for commercial interest and mixed forest for environmental conservation are the two available options for adopting in balance proportions. Reclamation of sodic soil is a slow process and it cannot offset the adverse soil conditions completely even in last 4-5 decades. However some invasive species were found to be relatively more efficient in a speedy recovery such as Prosopis juliflora and Leucaena leucocephalla. Although annual cropping and afforestation both reclaim the soil but in different ways. Forests provide a reconstructed community habitat for several biotas, whereas cultivations accomplish the societal demand. It would be useful to undergo for a better proportion after due consideration of site conditions, deterioration status, drainage, water logging management, and salt tolerance potentials of the crops/plants to be considered.