Validation of SaltMod for a semi-arid part of northwest India and some options for control of waterlogging

Irrigated agriculture faces serious threats of waterlogging and soil salinisation in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. To evaluate different options to solve the problem, the computer based simulation model, SaltMod was applied in a waterlogged area of Haryana State in India. After successful calibration (10 years) and validation (10 years), several alternative water management scenarios were studied for their long-term (15 years) impacts on groundwater levels and salinities. The alternative scenarios revealed that the groundwater levels would continue to rise in the long-run under the existing cropping patterns. Thus, suitable water management strategies such as reduction in rice area by 5–9%, reduction in canal water use by 7–10%, and increase in groundwater use by 6–8%, are suggested to bring the groundwater level down to a safe depth and to prevent further rising of the groundwater level.

► SaltMod model can be used as a useful tool for managing salinities and waterlogging.
► Rice should be replaced with low water requiring crops for managing waterlogging.
► Surface flooding method is to be replaced with efficient irrigation methods.
► Reduced canal water use and increased groundwater use is recommended.