Integrated effect of nano-Zn, nano-Si, and drainage using crop straw–filled ditches on saline sodic soil properties and rice productivity

Abstract

Soil salinity and sodicity issues due to limited water resources and arid climate are the main sources of land degradation in the North Nile delta. Moreover, burning rice and cotton straw is a very common practice in this region contributing to global warming and further polluting the environment. Improving saline sodic properties by biological drainage has received less attention so far. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of burying some crop residuals in field ditches and foliar application of nanoparticles on salt affected soil properties and rice productivity. The obtained results revealed that burying rice or cotton straw in field ditches prior to rice planting resulted in significant increase in rice yield and its components with superiority of cotton stalk–filled ditches to that filled by rice straw especially in the second season. Likewise, the incorporation of crop residual improved soil properties including soil fertility. The decomposition of rice straw or cotton stalk obviously decreased soil electric conductivity and soil compaction and slightly decreased bulk density. Also, soil hydraulic conductivity and organic matter content were positively responded to incorporation of crop residues. In addition, the availability of N and Zn in soil was increased due to the application of crop residues. The yield and yield components of rice were significantly affected by the foliar application of nano-Si and Zn with superiority of nano-Zn. Also, soil properties such as soil salinity, bulk density, soil compaction, hydraulic conductivity, organic matter, and available nitrogen were slightly affected by these nanoparticles while the available Zn was clearly increased.