Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Salt-affected soils in India are classified into saline, sodic (alkali), and saline-sodic soils based on their chemical characteristics, such as Electrical Conductivity (EC), Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP), and pH.
These soils are known by various vernacular or local names across different states.
Detailed Explanation:
In the Indo-Gangetic plains, particularly in the states of Punjab and Haryana, sodic or alkali soils are locally referred to as Kallar.
These soils are characterized by an Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) greater than \( 15\% \), a pH greater than \( 8.5 \), and an Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the saturation extract typically less than \( 4\text{ dS/m} \).
The high exchangeable sodium causes dispersion of clay particles, leading to poor soil structure, low permeability to water, and restricted root aeration.
Other regional names for salt-affected soils include "Usar" in Uttar Pradesh, "Chopan" in Maharashtra, and "Khar" in coastal regions.
Because of the high sodium content, sodic soils are specifically referred to as Kallar or Usar, which limits crop cultivation unless reclaimed using calcium-supplying amendments like gypsum.
Step 2: Final Answer:
Therefore, sodic soils are locally known as Kallar.