Table 2 : CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF THE SOIL ALONG THE KRISHNA RIVER IN THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA, SEPTEMBER 1980.

Sr.No.	Name of sampling site	Distance from the source of the river	PH	Con-ductivity uS at 25°C	Organic matter, %	Alka-linity*	Chlo-rides*	Sulphates*	Na*	K*	Ca*	SPCxlOorga-nism/g of soil
1.	Dhom	20	6.5	210	0.015	23.0	26.3	4.9	6.0	9.0	2.0	56
2.	Mahuli	45	6.5	220	0.013	27.5	23.4	9.6	14.0	3.6	1.0	230
3.	Rahimatpur	60	7.0	240	0.009	40.0	27.0	17.1	10.6	1.0	1.0	222
4.	Umbraj	80	7.5	240	0.009	32.0	23.4	26.8	14.5	2.5	1.0	252
5.	Karad	100	7.5	260	0.008	41.0	15.5	29.2	19.0	4.5	5.5	164
6.	Takari	125	7.9	340	0.065	28.0	27.3	41.0	12.0	1.5	3.0	124
7.	Bbilawadi	170	8.6	600	0.050	70.0	75.5	87.7	36.0	1.0	2.0	91
8.	Sangli	214	7.0	390	0.012	49.5	15.5	51.2	24.5	3.0	2.0	198
9.	Gbalwad	244	8.5	410	0.020	53.0	77.0	90.2	55.0	2.0	3.0	52
10.	Narsinhawadi	261	7.5	340	0.060	45.0	27.3	34.1	19.5	3.0	4.5	107

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Study indicated that there is an increasing trend of salinity with increasing down stream distance and it is typically higher in deep black soils with distnict patches of salt affected land. A wide range of variations in the chemical constituents of the soil within a short distance indicate human factor responsible upto quite extent for increased salinity. Charles (1971) reported that salinity problems usually emanate as a result of climatic and topographic conditions, water quality, subsoil characteristics, irrigation techniques and drainage facilities. Though, the role of natural factors can not be underestimated nevertheless it could be largely due to faulty irrigation practices and excessive use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture. Increasing trend of salt build-up in the Krishna river water needs special attention in this respect (Boralkar et al.,1981).

Already several hundred hectares of fertile land has been affected due to salt build-up in this area which is one of best in this nation. As the irrigation and use of synthetic chemicals is on an increase, there is an overall threat to the soils. An immediate action for the better management of the soils and systematic irrigation practices can alone reduce the gravity of the problem.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Authors are thankful to UGC for financial assistance and Prof. R.M. Raverkar and Prof. B. G. Dhavale for cooperation.

REFERENCES

• Boralkar, D.B., R. K. Trivedy and A. Y. Kulkarni : Studies on salt build-up in Krishna river, Maharastra State. Acta Limnol. Indica 1(1), 5-9 (1981).
• Charles, E. : Irrigation and salt problems in Denmark, South Australia Geogr. Rev. 61(3) 355-369(1971).
• I. S. : 3025-1964 : Indian Standard Methods of Sampling and Test (Physical and Chemical) for Water Used in Industry. ISI, New Delhi (1974).
• Kovda, V. A. : Problems of world's soil resources and proposals for a long term UNEP. Programme in Glimpses of Ecology (J. S. Singh and B. Gopal) 551-539 Intl. Sc. Publ; Jaipur 1978).
• Masters, G. M. Introduction to Environmental Science and Technology. John Wiley and sons Inc. (1974).
• Misra, R. : Ecology Workbook. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co; New Delhi (1968).

SOIL POLLUTION ALONG THE KRISHNA RIVER

• Naik, G. R. : Salinity problems along the Krishna river, in 'Discovering Krisbna'.Report of the Krishna expedition, S. P. Gurjer (ed), 14-30 (1975).
• Paliwal, K. M. : Quality of irrigation waters and their effects on soil properties in Rajasthan. Ann. Arid Zone, 18(4), 266-278 (1971).
• Pringle, W. L., R. R. Cairns, A. M. F. Hinninge and B. Siemens : Salt status of some soils of the Slave river, low lands in Canada's North-West Tenatorious. Can. J. Soil Sci, 55(4), 399-406 (1975).
• Skogerboe, G. V. and J. P. Law, (Jr.) : Research needs for irrigation return flow quality control. U. S. E. P. A. Project Report No. 13030 (1975).