Abstract
Initial land reclamation of the saline soils often requires higher drainage intensity for quick leaching of salts from the soil profile; however, drainage pipes placed at closer spacing may result in higher cost. Seeking an inexpensive degradable organic subsurface drainage material may satisfy such needs of initial drainage, low investment and a heathy soil environment. Crop straws are porous organic materials that have certain strength and endurance. In this research, we explored the potential of using bundled maize stalks and rice straws as subsurface drainage material in place of plastic pipes. Through an experimental study in large lysimeters that were filled with saline coastal soil and planted with maize, we examined the drainage performance of the two organic materials by comparing with the conventional plastic drainage pipes; soil moisture distribution, soil salinity changed with depth, and the crop information were monitored in the lysimeters during the maize growing period. The results showed that maize stalk drainage and the rice straw drainage were significantly (p < 0.05) more efficient in removing salt and water from the crop root zone than the plastic drainage pipes; they excelled in drainage rate, leaching fraction, and lowering water table; and their efficient drainage processes lowered salt stress in the crop root zone and resulted in a slightly higher level of biomass. The experimental results suggest that crop straws may be used as a good organic substitute for the plastic drainage pipes in the initial stage land reclamation of the saline coastal soils.
Highlights
Development of the coastal mudflat area for agricultural use has been a continuing effort in easternChina
We explored the potential of using crop straw as subsurface drainage material
Through parallel experiment in lysimeters, this study examined the potential of using crop straws as subsurface drainage material in the initial land reclamation of the saline coastal soils
Summary
Development of the coastal mudflat area for agricultural use has been a continuing effort in easternChina. The newly reclaimed coastal mudflat areas generally have brackish shallow groundwater table and high content of salt in the soils, which impede the growth of plants [4]. To make the soils suitable for crop production, land drainage is required to lower the water table and leach the soluble salts from the soil profile. Subsurface drainage with perforated plastic pipes has been a common practice worldwide to control groundwater table or to remove salts from soil profile through leaching irrigation and drainage [5,6,7]. Subsurface drainage improves soil aeration at sub-layers and promotes water infiltration, leading to improved development of crop roots and higher crop yields [8,9]
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