Abstract
A field experiment was conducted in Raya Alamata district, northern Ethiopia to investigate the effect of sole and combined application of FYM and gypsum on saline sodic soils on yield of sorghum by supplying different rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and/or gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) application alone or both mixtures using a randomized complete block design for three consecutive years. The treatment used included: control, three FYM rates alone, two gypsum rates alone and six combination of FYM and gypsum with a total of 12 treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times to yield 36 experimental plots. The result indicated that, there was no significant difference between treatments in the first and second year of cropping season. However, the effect the amendments were shown in the third year of the cropping season, and hence, the treatment effect of the combined application of FYM and gypsum were more effective and improved soil properties and increased the yield of sorghum. In addition, compared to all other treatments, the combined application of 4 tha -1 FYM + 100% GR followed by 8 tha -1 FYM + 100% GR resulted the highest grain yield of sorghum and reduced the sodium induced hazards than all other treatments. Hence, it is recommended as the best treatment in the improvement of saline sodic soils of the district. Keywords: Gypsum; Farmyard manure; Sorghum; Soil amendment; Soil properties DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-22-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2021
Highlights
Salt affected soils are characterized by excessively high levels of water-soluble salts, including sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride (Suriyan etal.,2011)
If attempts are made to leach out the soluble salts of salinesodic soils with good quality irrigation water, the exchangeable Na levels and pH would increase and, the soil would change to adverse characteristics of sodic soils
The experimental site was classified as saline sodic soil
Summary
Salt affected soils are characterized by excessively high levels of water-soluble salts, including sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride (Suriyan etal.,2011). Saline sodic soils are containing both excessive quantities of soluble salts and exchangeable Na and interfere with the growth and production of most crop plants (USSLS, 1954). These soils form as a result of the combined processes of salinization and alkalization. Such accumulation of salts in the soils may alter its physical and chemical properties, including soil structure and hydraulic conductivity (Birhane, 2018; Mullins et al, 1990). If attempts are made to leach out the soluble salts of salinesodic soils with good quality irrigation water, the exchangeable Na levels and pH would increase and, the soil would change to adverse characteristics of sodic soils. Attention must first be given to reducing the levels of exchangeable Na and to the problem of excess soluble salts (Cheraghi et al, 2006)
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