Biosaline agriculture and efficient management strategies for sustainable agriculture on salt affected Vertisols

Soil salinization is a global and dynamic problem which is predicted to intensify in future under the changing realms of climate. Vertisols are heavy clay soils characterized by low hydraulic conductivity, narrow workable moisture range, deep cracking and very high swelling clay minerals. The effect of soil salinity is therefore more pronounced on Vertisols and poses serious challenges in crop, soil and water management even at low salinity. Biosaline agriculture is the concept of economic utilization of salt affected land by employing salt tolerant crops, economic halophytes and any other alternative crops which has the potential to survive and yield under high salinity. Modern molecular breeding should focus on the identification of salt tolerant genes and quantitative trait loci in a wider range of plants to deliver higher and stable yields for saline areas. Halophilic plant growth promoting microorganisms and their varied bio-formulations are another key option to mitigate salt stress. Moreover, irrigated agriculture on Vertisols is under stress due to associated waterlogging and soil salinity. Selection and management of most suitable location specific drainage option coupled with scientific land and water management is also highly imperative for effective economic utilization of salt affected Vertisols.