Amelioration of calcareous saline sodic soils through phytoremediation and chemical strategies

Abstract. The worldwide occurrence of saline sodic and sodic soils on more than half a billion hectares warrants attention for their efficient, inexpensive and environmentally acceptable management. These soils can be ameliorated by providing a source of calcium (Ca 2+ ) to replace excess sodium (Na + ) from the cation exchange sites. Although chemical amendments have long been used to ameliorate such soils, the chemical process has become …