The presence of salts in soil is a common phenomenon. However, the extent of salts in a soil is determined by soil type and the prevailing regional climate. The seasonal rainfall and irrigation practices will alter the salt dynamics. A study was conducted in a small area of the country’s largest micro-irrigation project – Ramthal Micro Irrigation Project of UKP command. About 500 ha of the project area with about 25 m elevation was covered and assessed for sodification risks. The sodicity indices viz. SAR, RSC, SSP and alkalinity fraction were evaluated and compared with their elevation and slope factors. The soils existing on flat and slope lands of high elevated areas were found prone for sodification with higher sodicity indices. Contrastingly, the soil at lower elevation recorded lesser sodicity. Solubility and precipitation reactions of different salts in the region might have caused variation in sodicity indices. Though, the extent of soil salinity appears to be low, there is risk of sodicity in the region. Thus, the selection of sodicity tolerant crops remains crucial to make the project more successful. | Evaluation of sodicity indices for non-saline sodic soils of Ramthal micro irrigation project area of UKP and their associated risks for horticultural crops
