Abstract
The study focused on investigating the contribution of reclamation strategies of saline-sodic soils and their impacts on soil fertility characteristics. In this study, the soil treatments were denoted as: SG1 and SG2 (23.8 and 47.7 ton/ha of spent grain); TC1 and TC2 (23.8 and 47.6 ton/ha of compost); Azospirillium in inoculation with seed and soil (Az); Az + SG1 (Az+SG1); Az + TC1 (Az+TC1); mineral fertilizers (NPK); and control (CK). All treatments were mixed in pots with 30 kg soil. The results showed that reclamation with Az and SG2 treatments significantly affected soil pH, EC, and macronutrients. In contrast, no significant (P > 0.05) effects were found with the two compost levels and NPK treatments. The salt contents were maximal in the control treatment, while decreased with Az, SG2, and Az+SG treatments. However, SG2 application decreased the soluble Na+ concentrations in soil solution. The effect of organic and biological reclamations on chemical properties was in the following order: Az+SG > SG2 > Az > TC2 > Az+M > SG1 > TC1 > NPK > CK. Moreover, it positively impacted the salt contents, which improved soil chemical properties in the saline-sodic soil after three months of seed sowing in the greenhouse.
Highlights
The amelioration and management of salt-affected soils will go a long way to meet the desired 57 % increase in global food production by 2050[1]
Soil samples were collected from the study site after removing visible roots and fresh litter material; the composite samples were sieved (< 2 mm)
The results revealed that the application of compost, spent grain (SG) and the combination with Azospirillum increased macronutrients concentrations, calcium and magnesium after four months application as follow: Az + SG1 (Az+SG1) ≥ TC2 > TC1 > Az + TC1 (Az+TC1) > Az > SG2 > SG1 > CK > NPK, respectively
Summary
The amelioration and management of salt-affected soils will go a long way to meet the desired 57 % increase in global food production by 2050[1]. The salts excess from soil profile may adversely influence biological, physical, and chemical soil properties. In these soils, the exchangeable Na+ is bound to the negatively charged clays, causing the deflocculation of clay particles. As [3, 4] found that the high exch-Na+ percentage can lead to clay swelling and dispersion of clay, as well as soil aggregates breaking. As a consequence, both the water-holding capacity and water infiltration rate could be reduced by this process. SG is the beer industry organic wastes primary product, representing 85% of the total products generated [5]
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