Alleviation of degradation of soil physical properties in arid and semi-arid zones of Haryana, India
Goel, A.C.; Vijay Kumar
International Journal of Tropical Agriculture 17(1/4): 209-215
1999
Document Number: 300501
The degradation of the soil physical conditions prevailing in Haryana and the measures to overcome these problems are reviewed. The development and exploitation of the irrigation potential (which led to the rise in water table and soil salinization), the abundant use of chemical fertilizers, the reduction in the use of organic manures, the increase in cropping intensity and the practice of monoculture, the enhancement in farm mechanization, and the presence of sand dunes and caliche horizons have contributed to the degradation of soil physical conditions in the State. The continuous cultivation of rice has led to the compaction of the subsoil layer of heavy soils which ultimately affects the cultivation of the subsequent wheat crop. Hard pan formation in the subsoil also affects the development of the rooting system of the crops. In some soils, the crust formation on the soil surface due to heavy irrigation and rains hampers the germination. The improvement in the physical conditions of the soils can be brought out by adding the soil amendments viz., FYM , organic residues, gypsum and green manuring, by improving the soil conditions mechanically by using the subsoiler or chiseller after every 3-4 years to break the hard pan, by diversifying the cropping system and by providing adequate drainage for avoiding waterlogging and salinity.