Species Diversity on Salt Affected Soils under Canal Command Areas and in Bhal Region in Gujarat State

The salt affected soils which are widespread in inland and coastal areas of Gujarat State, either remain barren or serve as poor grazing grounds. A survey was undertaken to catalogue the native species growing on saline soils and to evaluate their economic importance with a view to identify species suitable for further exploitation. The study indicated that only very few species like Salvodora persica, Prosopsis juliflora, Tamarix ericoides, Kochia prostrata and Cressa cretica exist on very highly saline soils having EC₂ values in the order of 25.0-38.0 dS m^-1. The number of species increased several fold with decreasing salinity. Based on the soil salinity status, some salt tolerant species which are economically useful have been suggested for further introduction on the saline soils. The plant species catalogued at different salinity levels are proposed for growing on different saline soils.