This book provides a comprehensive understanding of problematic soils and their sustainable management practices. It delves into the characteristics, classification, and remediation techniques of various challenging soil types such as salt-affected soils, acid soils, calcareous soils, and waterlogged soils. The chapters also cover broader environmental concerns including soil, water, and air pollution, and introduce readers to modern tools like Remote Sensing and GIS for soil assessment and wasteland management. With a strong focus on agroforestry systems, multipurpose trees, and land suitability classifications, this book serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, agricultural scientists, and land-use planners involved in soil conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Mahendru Kumar Gautam received his B.Sc. Agriculture degree at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, and M.Sc. Agriculture at department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and Ph.D. Agriculture at department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Gautam is Presently working as Assistant professor (Soil Science), School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh.

Mahendra Singh began his journey in Soil Science during his postgraduate studies (2003–2005) at G.B. Pant University, focusing on the impact of AM fungi and Bradyrhizobium on soybean. His PhD (2005–2008) further explored the effects of manures, fertilizers, and micronutrients on soybean growth and yield. He gained industry experience from 2008 to 2012, which shaped his approach to agricultural education and research. In 2012, he joined BAU, Sabour as an Assistant Professor, guiding Master's and Doctoral students and leading research in soil microbiology. Currently, he is an Associate Professor at ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya. Dr. Singh has published 68 research papers, 12 book chapters, and developed three commercialized liquid biofertilizer formulations recommended for farmers.

Dharmendra Kumar currently pursuing Ph.D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry from Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya. He has received his Master’s in Soil Science and Agricultural chemistry and B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture from Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). He has qualified UGC NET-2023. He has published 15 research papers in different reputed journals. He has written several book chapters, Articles and a book entitled “Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition”. He is member of different journals and reviewed many papers.

Hemant Jayant received his B.Sc. (Ag.), M.Sc. (Ag.), and Ph.D. degrees from the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chem istry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi. He conducted research on remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil during his master programe and during his doctoral studies, he conducted research on remote sensing and GIS mapping of soils. He has published 10 research papers in different reputed journals. He has written several book chapters, and articles. He is member of different journals and reviewed many papers. Dr. Jayant is currently serving as an Assistant Field Officer at the Soil and Land Use Survey of India, Nagpur, Maharashtra.

1     Introduction: Historical Perspectives

2     Soil Quality and Soil Health

3     Salt Affected Soil and Reclamation

4     Acid Soils and Their Management

5     Acid Sulphate Soils

6     Calcareous Soils and Their Management

7     Waterlogged Soil Challenges and Strategies

8     Soil Crusting and Their Management

9     Soil Erosion

10   Quality of Irrigation Water

11   Soil Pollution and Its Control

12   Water Pollution and Its Management

13   Air Pollution and Its Management

14   Land Capability and Land Suitability Classification

15   Remote Sensing and GIS in Assessment, Monitoring and  Management of Wastelands and Problem Soils

16   Multipurpose Trees: Their Selection and Role in Land-Use Systems

17   Potential of Agro Forestry Systems in Management of Problem Soils