Abstract
Soil salinity and sodicity are among the main problems for optimum crop production in areas where rainfall is not enough for leaching of salts out of the rooting zone. Application of organic and Ca-based amendments have the potential to increase crop yield and productivity under saline–alkaline soil environments. Based on this hypothesis, the present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of compost, Ca-based fertilizer industry waste (Ca-FW), and Ca-fortified compost (Ca-FC) to increase growth and yield of maize under saline–sodic soil conditions. Saline–sodic soil conditions with electrical conductivity (EC) levels (1.6, 5, and 10 dS m−1) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 15, were developed by spiking soil with a solution containing NaCl, Na2SO4, MgSO4, and CaCl2. Results showed that soil salinity and sodicity significantly reduced plant growth, yield, physiological, and nutrient uptake parameters. However, the application of Ca-FC caused a remarkable increase in the studied parameters of maize at EC levels of 1.6, 5, and 10 dS m−1 as compared to the control. In addition, Ca-FC caused the maximum decrease in Na+/K+ ratio in shoot up to 85.1%, 71.79%, and 70.37% at EC levels of 1.6, 5, and 10 dS m−1, respectively as compared to the control treatment. Moreover, nutrient uptake (NPK) was also significantly increased with the application of Ca-FC under normal as well as saline–sodic soil conditions. It is thus inferred that the application of Ca-FC could be an effective amendment to enhance growth, yield, physiology, and nutrient uptake in maize under saline–sodic soil conditions constituting the novelty of this work.
Highlights
Soil salinization and sodication have been regarded as leading abiotic ecological constraints limiting the sustainable production of crops
The present study was conducted using Ca sourced from a Ca-based fertilizer industry waste (Ca-FW) and mixing it with organic wastes and composting both for seven days
The observed growth and yield parameters like plant height, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, cob dry weight, and 1000-grains weight were significantly improved by the application of Ca-fortified compost (Ca-FC) at all electrical conductivity (EC) levels (i.e., 1.6, 5, and 10 dS m−1 ) in comparison to the control treatment
Summary
Soil salinization and sodication have been regarded as leading abiotic ecological constraints limiting the sustainable production of crops. Under arid to semi-arid climatic conditions, salinization is caused by an increased accumulation of soluble salts in soil solution due to low rainfall and high temperatures [3]. In arid or semi-arid climates, extreme evaporation results in the accumulation of salts in the upper soil layer, due to capillary action. This situation in surface soils severely affects soil structure and its hydraulic conductivity [3]. It is essential to determine economical, efficient, and sustainable management practices in order to lessen root zone salt damage caused by Na+ build up under saline–sodic soil conditions [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
