Role of Calcium and Vegetation in salinity and desertification (Western India)

Abstract

Excess salinity is one of the main factors for low productivity of land and desertification. To know the effect of salinity and sodicity on vegetation study was taken at Little Rann of Kutch (saline desert). Ca have positive since EC and Na have negative consequence on vegetation. Calcium enhances tolerance capacity for salinity/sodicity and diminishes their adverse effects on vegetation. Species found dominating were capable to tolerate high salinity/sodicity, temperature and low rainfall. 82 species representing 64 genera belonging to 25 families were recorded. Poaceae, Papilionaceae and Cyperaceae were dominant in herbs and Mimosaceae and Salvadoraceae in shrubs and trees. Cyperus rotundus Linn. (4.438 plants/m2) and Aeluropus lagopoides (Linn.) (4.104 plants/m2) were dominating in herbs and Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) (7.109 plants/10m2) in shrubs and trees. Concentration of dominance and diversity indexes were very low. Sustainable management and novel indigenous plantation of species with high tolerance capacity should be made to enhance vegetation which will improve soil structure and help to combat salinity/sodicity and desertification.

Keywords

• Calcium
• Desert
• Salinity
• Sodicity
• Soil
• Vegetation