Utilization of Solar Radiation in Desalinization of Ridged Plantbeds on Saline Soils

Abstract

THERE are several million acres of saline soils in the Indo-Ganges plain which are characterized by a high ground water table which fluctuates between 1 and 5 ft. during the year. After the summer rains the ground water moves up through capillaries under the influence of a suction gradient caused by evaporation at the soil surface and this brings about salinization of the top soil. Crop growth and agricultural production on such soils suffer a serious setback on account of the deleterious effects of salts on germination, crop stand, and availability of water and nutrients¹.