The Soil Science Society of Ghana is urging the government to subsidise irrigated water supply in saline soil areas.
President, Dr. Francis Tetteh believes the move will be crucial in improving agricultural productivity.
“Use of quality water is costly. When they want to irrigate it comes at a cost, if that water can be subsidized it will go a long way to improve crop production in these areas,” he said.
He made these revelations at the Annual general meeting of the society of Ghana as part of activities to mark this year's World Soil Day.
According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nation, over 833 million hectares of soils are affected globally by salt.
The figure represents 9 percent of the world's total land surface area.
An estimated 200,000 ha of salt-affected soils in Ghana are saline, with 36,790 ha located within the Lower Volta Basin.
Coastal areas like Ada, Anloga, Afife and in some irrigated sites contain, and are affected by salt-affected soils.
Salt affected soil contain saline, sodic and saline-sodic
These substances contain excessive amounts of soluble salt that affect plants' water absorptions from the soil. Thereby affecting agricultural production and food security.
The phenomenon also causes insufficient annual rainfall.
Sodic soil weakens soil structure and reduces hydraulic conductivity.
The celebration themed “Halt Soil Salinization, Boost soil productivity”, aims to create awareness of ecosystem importance.
The campaign encourages societies to Improve soil health.
AG Director of Soil Research Institute (CSIR –SRI), Dr. Edward Yeboah encouraged the society to collaborate with relevant institutions for national development.
“As a society, we can be more impactful if we link up with relevant stakeholders and institutions.
“That way, the SSSG can have some degree of influence on policies, programmes and projects of national importance,” he said.
He also advised them to “author soil tailored textbooks and other educational materials for students to inspire soil science education, research and outreach in Ghana.”
Latest Stories
-
Sony Music slams tech giants for unauthorised use of stars’ songs
27 mins -
Check out the nominees list for the 2024 BET Awards
1 hour -
TVET sector stresses need for industry collaboration for skills development
2 hours -
Algerian man found alive in cellar after 26 years
2 hours -
South Africa seeks halt to Israel’s Gaza offensive
2 hours -
Cement price increment worst I have seen in recent times – Executive Secretary, GREDA
3 hours -
Family in shock as missing 12-year-old found dead in Korle Lagoon after Monday’s downpour
4 hours -
Samira Bawumia highlights Ghana’s strides in clean cooking solutions at UNESCO summit in France
4 hours -
US-funded Power Africa Program expands access to clean and affordable energy for Ghanaians
4 hours -
Asantehene’s daughter talks marriage, royal dynamics and cultural understanding
4 hours -
Encroachers on Ghana-Burkina Faso boundary line defy May 5 deadline to relocate
5 hours -
Government must invest in ECG to resolve revenue leakages – IES
5 hours -
The Right Turn: A Conclusive Guide to Road Safety
5 hours -
My father loves education – Asantehene’s daughter
6 hours -
EC insists IMANI got it wrong on SALL exclusion claims
7 hours