Preface : Soil and water managementTBhattacharyyaauthorS PWaniauthorK LSahrawatauthorD KPalauthorSoil and water form the basis of all terrestrial life. Their resources vary widely and are affected by natural and anthropogenic perturbations. Ancient civilizations and cultures emerged and sustained on good soils; and some of them went into oblivion when soil and water resources were degraded irreversibly. Even during the contemporary period, good-quality soil and water resources form a powerful engine of economic development and ensured food security. The impact of degradation of these two natural resources in terms of impairment in their physical, chemical and biological properties has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. It is observed that the major soil types in the Indian semi-arid environment with mean annual rainfall of < 1000 mm are becoming calcareous with concomitant development of sodicity. Use of poorquality irrigation water further aggravates these problems, resulting in reduced soil productivity. Both natural and human-induced degradation ultimately modifies the physical and chemical properties of soils that restrict the entry of rainwater and reduce the storage and release of soil water. Under the changing scenario, potable water is becoming scarce, forcing hydrologists to develop methods to filter sewage water...SoilWater Resources2016-05-10Indian Academy of SciencesArticle