Abstract
The ability of the following four organic amendments to ameliorate saline soil in coastal northern China was investigated from April 2010 to October 2012 in a field experiment: green waste compost (GWC), sedge peat (SP), furfural residue (FR), and a mixture of GWC, SP and FR (1∶1∶1 by volume) (GSF). Compared to a non-amended control (CK), the amendments, which were applied at 4.5 kg organic matter m−3, dramatically promoted plant growth; improved soil structure; increased the cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon, and available nutrients; and reduced the salt content, electrical conductivity (EC), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). At the end of the experiment in soil amended with GSF, bulk density, EC, and ESP had decreased by 11, 87, and 71%, respectively, and total porosity and organic carbon had increased by 25 and 96% respectively, relative to the CK. The GSF treatment resulted in a significantly lower Na++K+ content than the other treatments. CEC and the contents of available N, P, and K were significantly higher in the GSF-treated soil than in the CK and were the highest in all treatments. The FR treatment resulted in the lowest pH value and Ca2+ concentration, which decreased by 8% and 39%, respectively, relative to the CK. Overall, the results indicate that a combination of green waste compost, sedge peat and furfural residue (GSF treatment) has substantial potential for ameliorating saline soils in the coastal areas of northern China, and it works better than each amendment alone. Utilization of GWC and FR can be an alternative organic amendment to substitute the nonrenewable SP in saline soil amelioration.
Highlights
Soil salinization is a major obstacle to the optimal utilization of land resources
In October 2011, bulk density was significantly lower in all amended plots than in the control (CK)
In October 2012, bulk density was significantly lower in sedge peat (SP) and GSF plots than in the control
Summary
Soil salinization is a major obstacle to the optimal utilization of land resources. Salt-affected soils are widely distributed throughout the world, and about 20% of the world’s cultivated land is saltaffected [1]. The salt-affected soils in the coastal areas of northern China have several unique characteristics including a high water table (saline groundwater is 0.5–1.0 m below the soil surface), a high groundwater mineralization degree (7–10 g?L21), serious secondary salinization, and a low nutrient content [2]. The changes in the proportions of exchangeable ions in the soil solution have osmotic and ion-specific effects that can produce imbalances in plant nutrients, including deficiencies of several nutrients or excessive levels of Na+ [4]. Reclaiming these salt-affected soils will require new amelioration methods and improved management practices [10]
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