Sodic Soil Conditions Research Articles

Secondary Metabolite-Induced Osmo-Protection and Host Antioxidant Systems in Banana in Waterlogged Sodic Soils

Banana is a commercially important crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, but its cultivation in the canal command basins is challenged due to the development of waterlogged sodic soils. The present study aimed to induce sodicity tolerance through the integration of secondary metabolites in the plants during the tissue culture organogenesis phase. Secondary-metabolite-treated plants were assessed for their performance in the waterlogged sodic soil areas of Samesee block in Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Metabolite-treated (MT) plants exhibited significantly better growth and yield compared to untreated control (UTC) plants. Key physiological enhancements in MT plants included increased activities of defense-related enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), and proline along with a reduced Na+/K+ ratio. The metabolic profile of MT plants showed higher expression of antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. MT plants exhibited production of the metabolites such as trihydroxy methylene–di-oxyflavone, rush flavanone, rutin, anthocyanins, neodiosmin, arachidonic acid, and trigalloyl-HHDP-glucose, which belongs to the subclasses of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and sugar alcohols. Consequently, MT plants produced a significantly higher yield (20.85 kg per plant) compared to UTC plants (8.35 kg) and greater biomass. These results suggest that treatments using secondary metabolite extracted from salt-tolerant bacteria can be used as an effective strategy for enhancing sodicity tolerance in banana plants, contributing to sustainable production and economic viability in waterlogged sodic soil conditions.

Synergistic Effects of Different Organic Manures Sources on Quality Attributes of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lam.) CV. Apple under Sodic Soil Conditions

The experiment was conducted at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya in 2021-23 using a Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and three replications. The study aimed to evaluate the synergistic impact of different organic manure sources on and quality of ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lam.) cv. Apple under sodic soil conditions. Various organic amendments, including farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, photosynthetic bacteria (PNSB), Jeevamrit, and Amritpani, were applied in different combinations. Observations were recorded on fruit quality parameters such as fruit length, width, weight, pulp/stone ratio, total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid content, and sugar composition. The findings contribute to understanding the role of organic amendments in improving ber production under sodic soil conditions.

Effect of Foliar Application of Micronutrients and PGRs on Quality Attributes of Bael (Aegle marmelos L.) under Sodic Soil Conditions

The present experiment was undertaken at Post Harvest Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with eight treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments were T0 – Control, T1 - CuSO4 0.6%, T2 - Borax 0.6%, T3 - NAA 50 ppm, T4 - CuSO4 0.3% + Borax 0.3%, T5 - CuSO4 0.6% + NAA @ 50ppm, T6 - Borax 0.6% + NAA 50ppm, and T7 - CuSO4 0.3% + Borax 0.3% + NAA 25ppm. From the present investigation it is found that treatment T7 (CuSO4 0.3% + Borax 0.3% + NAA 25ppm) was found superior in respect of chemical attributes of bael i.e, Total Soluble Solids, Acidity, Ascorbic Acid, Reducing Sugar, Non- Reducing Sugar and Total Sugar as well as physical attributes of bael such as Fruit Length and width followed by T6 (Borax 0.6% + NAA 50ppm) and minimum was recorded in treatment T0 in all the parameters.

Elucidating the genetic variability and diversity among Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes for growth and yield-related traits under sodic soil in Tamil Nadu through a multivariate approach

Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) is a commercially important crop cultivated for both vegetable and spice uses. This study aims to explore the genetic diversity of thirty genotypes under sodic soil conditions at HC&RI(W), Tiruchirappalli, over two seasons (Kharif and Rabi) in 2023-2024. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant variability among the genotypes for thirteen different quantitative and qualitative parameters evaluated under sodicity. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient, suggesting minimal environmental influence on the traits. Most parameters exhibited high heritability, with several (e.g., number of days for first picking, seeds per pod and chlorophyll stability index) showing high genetic advance, indicating the potential for improvement through direct selection. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduced the genotypes to thirteen components, with the first four accounting for 73.24% of the variability. The genotypes are divided into five clusters based on the Euclidean distance through Mahalanobsis D2 analysis grouped the genotypes into five clusters, each cluster demonstrating superiority in specific traits suitable for further breeding. Notably, the high inter-cluster distance between clusters IV & V and III & V indicates diverse genetic material that could be valuable for hybridization programs aimed at improving sodic soil tolerance.

Synergistic effects of different organic sources on economics feasibility of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana lam.) cv. Apple under sodic soil conditions

Synergistic effects of different organic sources on economics feasibility of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana lam.) cv. Apple under sodic soil conditions

Impact of Halophilic Bioformulations on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Paddy Grown Under Sodic Soils

ABSTRACT Soil degradation through sodicity is a universal concern. Regular biofertilizers are ineffective under sodic soils, owing to the inability of microbes to tolerate salt stress. To overcome this, attempts have been made to develop bioformulation based on halophiles that can replace regular biofertilizer applications in salt-affected soils. Therefore, to study the efficacy of halophilic biofertilizers, i.e. Halo-Azo, Halo-PSB, Halo-Zinc and Halo-Mix, on the growth and productivity of paddy (var. PR-113), a pot-culture experiment was undertaken during the summer season of 2019–2020 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha, India. Application of these bioformulations showed a significant decrease in soil pH, EC and sodium content of sodic soil, with mean values of 8.94, 0.46 dS m−1 and 209.6 mg kg−1, respectively. These halophilic bioformulations showed a significant increase in plant growth, yield and yield attributes in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), leaf area index, number of effective panicles per m2, length of panicle, number of grains per panicle, grain yield, straw yield and 1000-grain weight. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake in rice grain was significantly higher in crops grown with the inoculation of halophilic formulations under sodic soil, which was 40.30 kg ha−1, 8.27 kg ha−1 and 6.41 kg ha−1, respectively, as compared to the corresponding control. Thus, the exploitation of Halo-Azo, Halo-PSB, Halo-Zinc and Halo-Mix as biofertilizers has enormous potential in improving the crop productivity under sodic soil conditions, owing to their cost-effectiveness.

Length – Weight Relationship of Rohu (Labeo rohita) Advanced Fingerlings under Sodic Soil Condition

The present study was conducted at the Instructional Fish Farm, College of Fisheries, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, in earthen ponds (8m×8m×1m). The experiment for 90 days, using Labeo rohita advanced fingerlings (avg. wt. 30.0 ± 0.5g) under sodic soil conditions. Five treatments were taken in triplicate, with 50 fingerlings per pond. T1 served as the control with traditional feed only (MOC+RB in 1:1 ratio, 5% of total fish body weight). T2 and T3 were fertilized with cattle dung (20 and t ha−1 yr−1) respectively. T4 and T5 received poultry droppings (10 and 7.5 t ha−1 yr−1) respectively. Results showed negative allometric growth (b<3), indicating fish becoming slimmer with length increase. Final weight gain was highest in T4 (110.9±0.9 gm) and T2 (108.7±0.88 gm), and lowest in T1 (70.7±0.49 gm).

Response of Micronutrients and GA3 Foliar Feeding on Yield Attributes of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) Fruit cv. Banarasi Karaka, India

The present investigation was conducted on twenty-nine-year-old ber plants grown in sodic soil condition at Main Experimental Station, Department of Fruit Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology Kumarganj Ayodhya (U.P) during the year 2022-23 and 2023-24 to investigate the response of foliar application of micronutrients and GA3 on yield attributes of ber. The experiment comprised of two foliar applications during September and November with five treatments on the cultivar Banarasi karakawith four replication. The data was recorded and analysed by using Randomised block design. Under the investigation, ber plants were studied for the parameter of fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, fruit specific gravity, yield. The maximum fruit weight (21.68 g), fruit length (4.48 cm), fruit width (3.48 cm), fruit specific gravity (0.982), yield (16.81 t/ha) was recorded in plants sprayed with ZnSO4 0.5% + Borax 0.5% + GA3 10 ppm, which was significantly superior over all other treatments. It was followed by T3 (Borax 0.5%), T2 (ZnSO4 0.5%) and T4 (GA3 10 ppm) treatments. The maximum fruit weight (15.86 g), fruit length (3.63 cm), fruit width (2.40 cm), fruit specific gravity (0.973), yield (12.69 t/ha) was recorded in control.

Evaluation of Different Varieties and Genotypes of Aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) under Sodic Soil Condition of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

The purpose of this study was to assess the aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) varieties and genotypes for their growth and development of fruits (flowering and fruiting), physical attributes and yield under the sodic soil condition of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The evaluated varieties and genotypes had a significant variation for the recorded parameters. The maximum flowering duration among the varieties was recorded in BSR-1 (27 days) whereas, the minimum duration of flowering was observed in NA-6 (23 days) and Chakaiya (23 days). Among the selected varieties and genotypes, fruit weight, fruit length, and diameter were recorded maximum in genotype NA-25, and the maximum fruit drop at the maturity stage was found in BSR-1 (80.60%). The maximum yield (kg/plant) was recorded in NA-26 (80.35 kg/plant). The maximum fruit volume was recorded in NA-25 (54.2) with the maximum pulp weight (55.02g) and the pulp: stone ratio was recorded highest in NA-25 (28.10). The maximum specific gravity was recorded in Anand-1 (1.07).

Studied the effect of physical and yield attributes on bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) fruits in sodic soil condition

Studied the effect of physical and yield attributes on bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) fruits in sodic soil condition

IMPACT OF ADVERSE SUGARCANE PRODUCTION CONDITIONS ON MINERAL COMPOSITION AND MICROBIAL LOAD IN JAGGERY

Minerals are most important components of jaggery compared to centrifugal sugar which is nothing but sucrose. Jaggery rich in iron along with other minerals like calcium, phosphorus and zinc can be formidable source in the diet. However, the cane quality used for jaggery making makes it more tenable to embed the nutrients in it as a source of minerals. The poor-quality cane makes it deprived of the vital minerals in jaggery. An experiment conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C.Farm, Mandya has revealed that higher total salts of 3.16 g 100g-1 was recorded in cane of saline soil and cane of sodic soil (3.08 g 100g-1) conditions compared to cane from normal soils. Higher calcium content was recorded in cane of moisture stress condition (83.77 mg 100g-1) followed by cane of normal soil on research station (82.80 mg 100g-1). lowest magnesium content was recorded in lodged cane conditions (58.00 mg 100g-1). The higher iron content was recorded in cane of shaded area (11.46 mg 100g-1) followed by cane of normal soil on research station (11.26 mg 100g-1). The higher sodium content was recorded in cane of sodic soil (97.47 mg 100g-1). The higher ash content was recorded in cane of shaded area (3.63 %) which is a negative factor. However, the phenolic content of jaggery was not influenced by production conditions. The higher bacterial count (7.47 CFU 10-5 g-1) and fungal count (7.36 CFU 10-4 g-1) was recorded in lodged cane compared to normal soils. Jaggery from cane of normal soil on farmer’s field (129 days) could be stored for longer period over lodged cane (34.67 days) and cane of saline soil (32.67 days) conditions.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators and Micro Nutrient on Quality of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) cv. Gola

The present experiment was carried out on twenty eight year old ber orchard planted under sodic soil condition, which is located at the Main Experiment Station Horticulture, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya. The objective of experiment was to assess the effect of Plant growth regulators and micro nutrient on quality of ber.The application of different growth regulators affected different characters of ber significantly i.e., fruit weight, fruit size, TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and Total sugar. The maximum fruit size, length (3.87 and 3.92 cm) and breadth (3.38 and 3.41 cm) was recorded under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5% Borax, which was statistically at par with T10-15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5 % Borax (3.79 and 3.84 cm) and (3.33 and 3.36 cm) during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. The maximum fruit weight was noted (27.69g and 28.89g) under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5% Borax, which was statistically similar with T10-15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5% Borax (26.30 g). The higher TSS (19.42 and 19.49) 0Brix was recorded under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax, which was statistically at par with T10-15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5 % Borax (19.02 and 19.09) 0Brix. The minimum Acidity (0.24% and 0.23 %) was recorded under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax, which was statistically at par with T10- 15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5 % Borax. The maximum ascorbic acid (85.33 and 86.02) was recorded under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax, which was statistically at par with T10- 15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5 % Borax (84.71 and 84.62). The maximum reducing sugar (6.23 and 6.25) was recorded under the treatment of T7- 0.13 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax. The maximum non-reducing sugar (7.92 and 7.95) was recorded under the treatment of T7- 0.13% Promalin + 0.5 % Borax. The maximum Total sugar (14.15 and 14.20 %) was recorded under the treatment of T7- 0.13 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Sodic Soil-grown Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link) Germplasm

Aims: Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) is a significant tiny millet crop characterized by because of its high nutritional value, exceptional ability to withstand extremes of climate, and short duration. Globally, the area under salt affected soil is expanding. Therefore, genetic diversity analysis was conducted to identify genetically diverse genotypes for yield improvement under sodic condition.
 Study Design: Randomised block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was carried under sodic soil condition at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Trichy, Tamil Nadu.
 Methodology: Ninety two genotypes of barnyard millet, including two commercial check varieties, MDU1 and CO (KV) 2. Plant height (cm), inflorescence length (cm), inflorescence width (cm), lower raceme length (cm), flag leaf length (cm), flag leaf width (cm), number of leaves on main tiller, number of productive tillers per plant, and grain yield per plant (g) were the nine quantitative traits that were recorded. GENRES software version 3.11 was used for analysing the data.
 Results: For all of the analysed attributes, the genotypes showed significant differences based on the analysis of variance. Ninety two genotypes were divided into nine groups according to nine quantitative features using Mahalanobis D2-Statistics. Cluster II was the one with the greatest number with 25 genotypes, followed by cluster V with 22 genotypes, Cluster VI with 17 genotypes, Cluster IV with 11 genotypes, Cluster I with 8 genotypes, Cluster VIII with 4 genotypes, Cluster III and VII with only 2 genotypes per cluster, and Cluster IX with just 1 genotype. Cluster IV was second in terms of intra-cluster distance, after Cluster VIII. The largest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters I (TNAUF01000021 - EF 37, TNAUF01000022 - EF 38, TNAUF01000022 - EF 39, etc.) and IX (MDU1).
 Conclusion: Choosing these genotypes as parents from genetically diverse clusters for breeding programmes might produce heterotic hybrids that produce enough genetic diversity in barnyard millet genotypes under sodic soil conditions.

Estimates of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Sodic Soil

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in rice under the sodic soil condition. Results revealed highly significant variations within parents and hybrids. The five characters viz., number of spikelet’s per panicle, grain per panicle, amylose content, flag leaf area and 1000-grain weight showed high estimates of heritability coupled with high estimates of genetic advance as well as less than one average degree of dominance and predictability ratio nearly one in F1 ’s. This indicated that the inheritance of these five characters was governed by additive gene action and the direct selection for these characters would be rewarding

Impact of alternate wetting and drying irrigation and brown manuring on water use, weed control and yield of drum seeded rice

Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of crop establishment. Weed menaces in DSR considerably reduce the yield potential, which can be addressed by effective irrigation and weed management practices. Information on the impact of various water-saving irrigations and brown manure (BM) on water use, weed studies, and the yield of drum-sown rice is very limited. A field investigation was conducted to determine the effects of alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWDI) methods (10 cm, 15 cm dropped from FWT and farmers practices) and BM (Sesbania at 15, 20 and 25 kg ha-1, Pretilachlor 0.45 kg ha-1 as PE fbBispyribac Na 25 g ha-1 as PoE + hand weeding (HW) on 45 DAS, HW at 20 and 45 DAS, and weedy check. The results revealed that AWDI at 15 cm depletion of FWT with HW on 20 and 45 DAS increased the water use efficiency (5.3 kg ha mm-1), water productivity (0.53 kg m-3), water saving percentage (35.83%), and reduced the water consumption (770 mm). Continuous submergence with HW at 20 and 45 DAS significantly increased grain (4.4 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.5 t ha-1). At the same time, it reduced the grasses (53.3 and 58.4%) and sedges (76 and 75%), density and dry weight, respectively, over AWDI at 10 cm dropped from FWT. Thus, irrigation at 10 cm below FWT with sesbania BM at 20 kg ha-1 could be recommended for higher productivity of drum-sown rice under sodic soil conditions.

Screening of Rice Genotypes against Sodicity in Relation to Physiological and Biological Traits

The study aimed to screen the rice genotypes against sodicity in relation to physiological and biological traits to identify the tolerant and susceptible genotypes. The field experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra prasad central agricultural university, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar during Kharif season of 2019-2020. The experiment was based on randomized block design with 30 plots in each of 3 replications where each replication consists of 30 rice genotypes. A total of 30 rice genotypes were screened of which 25 are exotic and 5 are indigenous. The exotic genotypes are GPV 1, GPV 2, GPV 3, RMS 1, RMS 2, RMS 3, RMS 4, RMS 5, RMS 6, RMS 7, RMS 8, SRL 1, SRL 2, SRL 3, CNN 1, CNN 2, KRH 4, PVP 221, MTU 1010, VR 181, PS 344, MTP 1, Vardhan, Rasi, CSR 23 (Check) while Prabhat, R. Sweta, R. Bhagwati, R. Mahsuri and Rajshree are the indigenous ones. The physiological and biological traits were evaluated at tillering and pre-flowering stages and their inter-relationship among various physiological parameters are established. The genotypes such as SRL 1, GPV 1, GPV 2, GPV 3, and Rajendra Mahsuri show the highest chlorophyll content, SPAD value, peroxidase and catalase activity, proline content, RLWC content, and MSI percentage, and the lowest was found in Prabhat, Rasi, and Rajendra Bhagwati. Based on response with regard to SPAD value, RLWC, and MSI the genotypes such as SRL 1, GPV 1, GPV 2, GPV 3, and Rajendra Mahsuri show positive increase compared to CSR 23 (Check). The inter-relationship concerning to various physiological parameters shows a strong significant and positive correlation among each other at tillering and pre-flowering stages. However, Total chlorophyll at the tillering stage was found to bear a highly significant correlation with all the physiological parameters except relative water content and membrane stability index. The genotypes such as SRL 1, GPV 1, GPV 2, and GPV 3, Rajendra Mahsuri possess better potential in sodic soil than the rest of the genotypes taken in the experiment with regard to various physiological parameters (taken as salt indices) by counteracting or minimizing the sodicity effect of sodium ion. The greater synthesis of antioxidant enzymes like catalase and peroxidase plays an important role in plant adaptation which effectively support to withstand and perform well in sodicity conditions hence SRL 1, GPV 1, GPV 2, GPV 3, and Rajendra Mahsuri categorized as salt tolerant genotypes which have great potential to boost up the rice production in sodic soil condition while Prabhat, Rasi and Rajendra Bhagwati categorized as salt susceptible genotypes. Thus, this study will be helpful for the identification of tolerant and susceptible genotypes through screening and pave way for the development of stable and high-yielding genotypes for the improvement of rice production under sodic soil.

Effects of irrigation regimes and brown manuring on physiological parameters and yield of direct seeded rice (TRY 3) under sodic soil condition

Direct seeded rice (DSR) production has been recognised as a more efficient way for conserving both labour and water. However, in regards to irrigation and brown manuring (BM), DSR has gotten relatively little attention. Hence, a field study was conducted to findout the effect of irrigation and brown manuring on physiological characters and yield of DSR (TRY 3) under sodic soil condition. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design and each replicated thrice. The main plots consist of irrigation after 10 cm (M1) and 15 cm (M2) depletion of field water tube and irrigation after the disappearance of ponded water (M3). The sub plots consist of sesbania BM at 15 (S1), 20 (S2) and 25 kg ha-1 (S3), PE Pretilachlor at 0.45 kg ha-1 fb PoE Bispyribac sodium at 25 g ha-1 + hand weeding (HW) on 45 DAS (S4), HW (S5) and weedy check (S6). Results revealed that higher SPAD value was recorded under M3 which was on par with M1. Among sub plots maximum SPAD value was recorded with S5 followed by S4 and S2. Treatment M2 recorded maximum proline content. There is no significant difference found in relative water content (RWC). However, higher RWC content was observed in M3. At the same time, higher grain and straw yield were recorded under M3 with S5, followed by M1 with S5. However, due to a large amount of water required and the higher labour costs associated with hand weeding, M1 with S2 was the best choice for increasing DSR productivity.

Correlation of soil physico chemical properties with a yield of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) by soil amendments and foliar nutrition under sodic soil condition

In India, about 3.77 million ha of the country's geographical area is affected by sodicity. There is an urgent need to minimize further land degradation and restore the fertility of degraded soils to meet the growing demand for food. The most effective way to overcome salt stress is by applying nutrients through soil and foliar. In this context, a field experiment was conducted at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute (ADAC & RI), Tiruchirappalli, in the summer of 2022 to study the reclamation potential of soil amendments and foliar nutrition in sodic soil. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The treatment comprised of soil amendments viz., M1- Pongamia green leaf manure (GLM) @ 6.25 t ha-1, M2- Pressmud @ 10 t ha-1, M3-CSR GROMOR @ 25 kg ha-1, M4-Gypsum @ 50 % GR, M5-Gypsum @ 50 % gypsum requirement (GR) + Pongamia GLM @ 6.25 t ha-1, M6-Gypsum @ 50 % GR + Pressmud @ 10 t ha-1, M7-Gypsum @ 50 % GR + CSR GROMOR @ 25 kg ha-1 and M8- Farmers practice, in main plots and foliar nutrition viz., S1- Foliar spray (FS) of CSR GROMOR @ 3% @ 30 DAS, S2-FS of Brassinosteroid (BRs) 0.2 ppm @ 30 DAS and S3-FS of Melatonin 60 ppm @ 30 DAS in sub plots. The results showed that gypsum @ 50 % GR + Pressmud @ 10 t ha-1+ FS of Brassinosteroid 0.2 ppm @ 30 DAS(M6S2) registered significantly (P=0.05%) lowest pH (8.07), ESP (11.62%), exchangeable Na+ (2.93 c mol (p+) kg-1) with higher exchangeable Ca2+(11.23 c mol (p+) kg-1), Mg2+ (8.09 c mol (p+) kg-1) and K+(0.82 c mol (p+) kg-1). It also increased soil available nutrients (235.6, 24.57 & 309.6 kg NPK ha-1) and grain yield (1110 kg ha-1) of green gram. However, it was on par with gypsum @ 50 % GR + CSR GROMOR @ 25 kg ha-1 + FS of Brassinosteroid 0.2 ppm @ 30 DAS(M7S2). Hence it was concluded that the application of gypsum along with pressmud or CSR GROMOR combined with FS of brassinostroid had a remarkable effect in reducing soil sodicity and increasing the productivity of green gram.

Impact of Gypsum and Bio-Priming of Maize Grains on Soil Properties, Physiological Attributes and Yield under Saline–Sodic Soil Conditions

In order to enhance soil qualities and boost crop output, gypsum, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and chitosan are all viable solutions. This study’s goal was to find out how different amounts of chitosan—0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L−1—in combination with gypsum and PGPR inoculation (Azospirillum lipoferum + Bacillus subtilis), affected the yield of maize plants growing in saline–sodic soil. Field tests were carried out in triplicate across two growing seasons, 2020 and 2021, using a split plot design. According to the findings, applying the gypsum + PGPR + 50 mg L−1 chitosan treatment (T8) considerably improved plant physiology (chlorophyll, carotenoids, and proline levels), nutrient indicators (N, K+ and K+/Na+ ratio), soil enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, urease, amylase, and invertase), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and porosity. On the other hand, we revealed positive effects on Na+, bulk density (BD), electrical conductivity (EC), and the proportion of exchangeable sodium (ESP), thus, enhancing the productivity compared to the alternative treatment. Therefore, it might be inferred that using gypsum, microbial inoculation, and 50 mg L−1 chitosan may be a key strategy for reducing the detrimental effects of salinity on maize plants.

Line x tester analysis for yield and yield attributing traits of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes under sodic soil conditions

A hybridization program was carried out employing Line x Tester mating design in 15 rice genotypes which included: long grained-(LG); saline soil tolerant-(ST) and alkaline soil tolerant- (AT). Among the chosen genotypes, 12 genotypes (LG, ST and AT) were selected as lines and crossed with three tester (ST and AT) genotypes to obtain 36 F1s. A total of 10 yield attributing traits were studied on 36 F1s along with parents to assess the combining ability effect and type of gene action present in the experimental material. Among lines: NDRK 50024, NDRK 50012, NDRK 50035, IR61920-3B-22-2-1, IR 71895-3R-26-2-1-B; and among testers: AGAMI MI were identified as good general combiners for yield and other yield attributing traits. Percent contribution to genetic variance of lines was more than testers for all the traits studied in the experiment. 36 F1s obtained from the hybridization program was divided into six distinct types to facilitate in comprehensive study of the genetic behavior of ST and AT parental genotypes crosses sown in sodic soil conditions. Based on types of crosses, we observed AT x ST, ST x AT and LG x ST type of crosses showed positive significant SCA effects for GYPP some other yield attributing traits. High mid-parent heterosis of more than 100% was observed in five crosses out of 36; which were AT x ST and ST x AT type, for yield traits All the traits showed medium to high heritability for all the traits, among which highest heritability was exhibited for flag leaf area (60.34) followed by plant height (42.53) and spiklets per plant (40.18).