Soil Related Issues of South Gujarat, India

The soil related issues have been ever since farming on soils initiated. But, it is critically intensified in recent decades because of growing population which posing serious threat to the sustained agricultural production and food security. South Gujarat faces formidable challenge with its lengthy coastal line, salt affected soils, high rainfall areas, hilly undulated territory, irrigated plains and highly industrialize. These challenges will be much severe in the next decades due to issues related to land resources and declining water availability. The South Gujarat has 21.01 lakh ha total geographical area (10.75% of state TGA) which sustains 122.90 lakh populations i.e. 20.36% of the Gujarat state. More than 25 per cent land of total geographical area of south Gujarat is affected with various soil issues which are comparatively much higher than the state (15.95%). The issues are related to soil degradation mainly by soil erosion through water, followed by exclusive salinity, decline in the above ground biomass resulted from deforestation/overgrazing and human interventions that include mining, industrial activities and urbanization. The present paper delivers a brief account of soil issues and causes with special reference to the South Gujarat.