Book excerpt: This handbook has been developed to bridge the gap between the advanced salinity literature and practical information on salinity intended for lay audiences. A user-friendly resource for agricultural consultants and advisors, as well as for local, state and federal agricultural and water agency management staff. Includes thirty-eight chapters covering a broad spectrum of salinity and drainiage topics, written so as to be easily understood by anyone with a general agricultural background. Also includes appendices presented as a shorthand guide to assessing soil salinity and to determining the suitability of a given water for irrigation. Illustrated with 27 tables and 44 figures. One of a series of water management handbooks prepared by the UC Irrigation Program.