Problem Soil: Types, Causes, and Reclamation Strategies

1. Shrashti Saxena
   Laboratory of Biotechnology, Alpine Institute of Management and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
   *Corresponding author: srishtisaxena0407@gmail.com
2. Sneha Kelkar
   Laboratory of Biotechnology, Alpine Institute of Management and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
3. Meghna Banerjee
   Laboratory of Biotechnology, Alpine Institute of Management and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Problem soils have caused ample land destruction leading to its abandonment and reduction, further resulting in serious environmental issues. Owing to this, soil reclamation has become an important integrant in sustainable development strategies in India. According to estimates by ICAR (Indian Council of Agriculture), an area under problem soils has increased from 220 lakh ha (2005) to 243 lakh ha (2010). In this light, the chapter is designed to explore the types, causes, and effects of problems associated with soil along with the possible reclamation strategies. Soil reclamation has become a requisite for the restoration of the balance in these soils as well as to support the sustainability of an ecosystem. Emphasis has also been given to non-conventional methods such as the use of biopolymers like wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse ash, etc. to restore the structure of the soil. This chapter analyses various aspects of organic amendments in soil along with their significant role and describes further strategies that should be trailed to use specific biology for challenging pollutants to achieve the best results. Conclusively, this study is intended to provide both guidance and reference for cost-effective and ecofriendly reclamation strategies for problem soil.

Keywords: Biopolymer, Wheatgrass, Anthropology, Soil enzymes, Soil crusting, Fluffy paddy soils, Earthworm, Bagasse ash, Argillipedoturbation, Montmorillonite.