Describes a streamlined approach to calculating water and salinity balances in three different irrigated areas of Pakistan where salinity is a major problem. Explores the impact of current irrigation and agronomic practices on salinity and suggests corrective measures.

This study assesses the impacts of climate risks and development alternatives on water and agriculture in the Indus basin of Pakistan. It analyzes inter-relationships among the climate, water, and agriculture sectors and provides a systems modeling framework for these purposes.

Acronyms; Glossary; Abstract; Introduction; Problems; Chemical processes involved in salinization; Physical processes involved in salinization; Impact of irrigation-induced salinity on plant growth; Remedial management actions; Farmers response to salinity; Discussion; Conclusions.

Due to inadequate rainfall, groundwater has acquired a vital role in the development of Pakistan's agricultural economy. However, a lack of awareness concerning the use of groundwater, either by itself or combined with canal water, has added large amounts of salt to the soil. As a result, large tracts of irrigated lands are already salinized, while many others are under threat. This report presents the results of a modeling study carried out to evaluate the long-term effects of a different quality of irrigation water on root zone salinity. The simulations were performed for the Rechna Doab (sub basin of the Indus Basin) in Pakistan, by using 15 years of actual rainfall and climatic data.