Contents: 1. Historical developments. 2. Nature and properties. 3. Land development and leaching. 4. Drainage methods. 5. Reclamation. 6. Agronomic and cultural practices. 7. Irrigation practices. 8. Alkali tolerance of plants. 9. Crop production practices. 10. Post reclamation behaviour. 11. Alternate land use. 12. Socio-economic criteria.

"By the end of the twentieth century, population of India accelerating at a fast rate is expected to shootup to more than 1000 million and the food grain requirement to about 225 million tones. To cope up with the rising requirement of food, fiber, fuel and fodder crops, the so called wastelands occupying about 100 million hectares area have to be managed. The wastelands include about 12 million hectares of salt affected soils. Alkali (sodic) soil conditions occurring in irrigated areas of arid and semi-arid zones of the world, reduce the value and productivity of about 4 million hectares alone in India.

"The book is a critical evaluation of the latest knowledge on the utilization and management of alkali wastelands. It is hoped that bringing information together in one volume will not only contribute to the advancement of knowledge on the subject but also help to solve the food problem of the country as also the other parts of the world affected adversely with the similar type of problem lands.

"The book will be immensely useful to post-graduate students, teachers, researchers, extension personnel and planners entrusted with the development of wastelands." (jacket) No. 9983

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