Combating Soil Salinity in Sugarcane Farming: Integrated Approaches and Bio-saline Agriculture Innovations
Kishore S. M
*
Department of Entomology, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
Bharthisha S.M
Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India.
D. Kavya
Department of Agronomy, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
K. Aruna
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU-500030, Hyderabad, India.
Shalini K. S
Department of Entomology, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
Chethan M. N
Department of Agronomy, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
Yashavanth H.D
Department of Agronomy, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Sugarcane, a vital commercial crop globally, faces significant challenges due to soil salinity, particularly in India where regions such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Rajasthan are notably affected. Salinity impairs sugarcane growth through reduced water uptake, ion toxicity, nutrient imbalance, stunted growth and soil structure degradation. To combat these issues, various strategies have been proposed, including improving drainage, leaching, selecting salt-tolerant varieties, optimizing irrigation, and using soil amendments. Bio-saline agriculture, incorporating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and salt-tolerant plants, offers an innovative approach by enhancing soil fertility and crop resilience under saline conditions. Additionally, research indicates that long-term irrigation practices can exacerbate soil salinity, altering key soil parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity and sodium levels. Studies on spent wash application show variable impacts on sugarcane yield and quality, with optimal results observed at moderate application rates. Effective management of soil salinity through these combined approaches can mitigate adverse effects and improve sugarcane productivity and sustainability.
Keywords: Soil salinity, sugarcane cultivation, saline-sodic soils, soil amendments, bio-saline agriculture, spent wash