ABSTRACT
Plants which are able to colonize problem soil sites caused by excess or deficiency of soil elements are important in stabilizing and reclaiming such lands. The ability of Sesbania species to grow in a wide range of soil conditions has resulted in an expanded range of adaptability and utility compared to many other legumes. Sesbania species are recognized as tolerating soil salinity and alkalinity, flooding, and soil waterlogging; there are indications that some species grow well in acid soil conditions. Relatively less is known about the climatic tolerances of Sesbania species than about their edaphic tolerances. Sesbania species have been used for the reclamation of problem soils containing excessive levels of soluble salts and exchangeable sodium, or their combinations, such that growth of most crops is inhibited. Alkali soil reclamation in India involves chemical and physical soil amendments and the growth of salt tolerant crops.
