Sodic Soils Research Articles

Synergistic use of proximally sensed and time series remotely sensed imagery to map soil sodicity

Soil sodicity can cause crusting in the topsoil which impedes water infiltration, and erosion in the subsoil owing to instability. These can impose constraints to sugarcane growth in the form of reduced plant emergence and root extension. To improve soil capability, a map of topsoil (0–0.15 m) exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) can be used to determine the amount of gypsum required to ameliorate soil condition. Herein, a digital soil mapping (DSM) approach was used to map top- and subsoil (0.3–0.45 m) ESP. To do this, we first examined prediction agreement of a calibration model between digital data and ESP, first comparing individual use of remotely sensed time series imagery (i.e., Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8) or proximal sensor (i.e., electromagnetic [EM] induction and gamma-ray [γ-ray]) data. To account for the large amount of remote data we combined them using principal component analysis (PCA). We also investigated combining digital data using a backward feature elimination – BFE), along with minimum calibration sample size (n = 150–10) determined. Prediction agreement (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient – LCCC) and accuracy (ratio of performance to deviation – RPD) were assessed using an independent validation dataset (n = 32). To predict topsoil ESP, PCs from Landsat-8 provided excellent (LCCC = 0.90) agreement and very good (RPD = 2.26) accuracy, followed by Sentintel-2 (0.86, 1.75), γ-ray (0.83, 1.84) and EM (0.78, 1.78), with subsoil ESP also excellent (0.90) and very good (2.51) using Landsat-8, however; Sentintel-2 outperformed the others with even better results (0.95, 3.24), followed by EM (0.78, 1.76) and γ-ray (0.73, 1.54). Moreover, slightly better results were achieved when EM, γ-ray, and PCs of Sentinel-2 were combined, with top- and subsoil ESP agreement (0.93 and 0.94, respectively) and accuracy (2.53 and 3.14, respectively) excellent. A minimum of 40 sampling sites were required (1.2 sites ha−1) for the good prediction agreement and accuracy of top- (0.85, 2.13) and subsoil (0.84, 1.90) ESP. Based on the best results, DSM of ESP was made to recommend gypsum application rates to ameliorate sodic soils according to the Six-Easy-Steps Management Guidelines. The northern fields required variable rates (5, 7.5, and 10 t ha−1) of gypsum, whereas the southern fields would not require gypsum.

Genotypic Variability in Wheat Response to Sodicity: Evaluating Growth and Ion Accumulation in the Root and Shoot

Soil sodicity is a major constraint to seedling emergence and crop production, potentially reducing plant growth due to physical and chemical constraints. Studying responses to ion imbalances may help identify genotypes tolerant to chemical constraints in sodic soils, thereby improving productivity. We evaluated the performance of four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes in solutions with five sodium adsorption ratios (SARs) ranging from 0 to 60. For all four genotypes, seedling emergence and shoot dry matter (DM) decreased significantly with increasing SARs. A significant positive correlation was observed between Ca concentration in roots as well as both root and shoot DM for all genotypes. At SAR values > 20, the more tolerant genotype (EGA Gregory) displayed higher Ca concentrations in root tissues, whereas the more sensitive genotype (Baxter) exhibited Na-induced Ca deficiency. Thus, the selection of genotypes that are able to accumulate Ca in roots in sodic conditions may be a useful trait for selecting genotypes tolerant of soils with high ESP values. However, for soils that restrict plant growth at ESP (SAR) values of 6–10%, it is likely that growth is restricted by physical constraints rather than by a Na-induced Ca deficiency.

Investigation of the Surface and Tunnel Runoff and Sediment Production in Saline-Sodic Soil under Different Slopes

Investigation of the Surface and Tunnel Runoff and Sediment Production in Saline-Sodic Soil under Different Slopes

Effect of Aluminum Sulfate and Cover Crops on Some Chemical and Physical Properties of Degraded Soil

Prevalence of saline and sodic soils has been increased in arid and semi-arid regions which are often depend on irrigated agriculture, and this has led to a major threat to the agricultural sustainable production and environment. An alum has been used as chemical amendments in reclamation of degraded and dispersive soils which are affected by higher sodium concentration. A field experiment was carried out during the fall season in July, 2022 at Karma District - Anbar Governorate to study the effects of aluminum sulfate (alum) and cover crops on some soil physical and chemical properties and crop indicators in silty clay degraded soil due to salinization and high sodicity. The experimental design for the study site was a split-plot design arrangement with a randomized completely plot design (RCBD. The whole plot factor included cover crops which included no cover crops (NCC), sesbania (CC1) and millet crop (Panicum miliceum L.) (CC2), and alum levels were a split-plot factor which included A0 (0 mg ha-1), A1 (1.8 mg ha-1), A2 (3.6 mg ha-1) and A3 (7.2 mg ha-1). Three replications within each treatment were used in this study design, and the total experimental treatments were 36 treatments. Sorghum was planted as main crop in this study. The results showed that the concentration of A3 has decreased adsorption sodium percentage (ESP), pH, soil bulk density and carbonate minerals by 64, 20, 21 and 35%, respectively as compared with A0. Also, the alum level of A3 had greater aggregate stability, total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) by 100, 29 and 145%, respectively. Cover crops were roughly decreased by 10, 3 and 8% for ESP, soil bulk density and carbonate minerals, respectively. The water-stable aggregates and Kat were increased by averaging 8-12% and averaging 8-29 mm hr-1, respectively for cover crop systems as compared to NCC management. The treatment of CC2A3 had the highest values for all measured soil properties as compared with the control treatment of NCCA0. In conclusion, adding alum and planting cover crops have been contributed to improved overall soil chemical and physical properties in degraded soil.

Linkages of Enzymatic Activity and Stoichiometry with Soil Physical-Chemical Properties under Long-Term Manure Application to Saline-Sodic Soil on the Songnen Plain

Excess Na+ and high pH result in poor structures in Saline-Sodic soils, which reduces extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) and causes nutrient limitations. The application of manure improved the Physical-Chemical properties of soil and balanced the soil nutrient supply, which was reflected in the soil EEAs and stoichiometry. Five experimental treatments were designed according to the manure application duration as follows: manure application for 11 years (11a), 16 years (16a), 22 years (22a), and 27 years (27a) and a control treatment with no manure application (CK). The results of the redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that physical properties (mean weight diameter (MWD)) and EEA (β–glucosidase (BG)) significantly increased and bulk density (ρb) significantly decreased when the nutrient content increased. Additionally, soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) significantly decreased after manure application. Based on stepwise multiple linear regression models (SMLR), total nitrogen (TN) was the dominant variable that significantly increased EEA, and the Mantel test showed that soil C:N significantly influenced enzyme stoichiometry. Furthermore, RDA showed that pH, soil C:N and TN were the main factors influencing EEAs and enzyme stoichiometry. Soil EEAs significantly increased with TN and decreased with pH and soil C:N, which affected enzyme stoichiometry. The enzyme stoichiometry increased from 1:2.1:1.2 and 1:2.7:1.5 to 1:1.7:1.2, and the vector angle (vector A) increased, which showed that the N limitation was relieved after the application of manure. The vector length (vector L) showed no significant difference in the C limitation at depths of 0–20 cm and significantly increased at depths of 20–40 cm. In conclusion, soil EEAs and stoichiometry improved with changes in TN and soil C:N, and pH decreased with changes in the soil structure after the application of manure, which accelerated the soil nutrient cycle and balanced the soil nutrient supply.

Straw return with nitrogen fertilizer promotes rice yield through change in nutrient dynamics within soil aggregates in saline sodic soils

Straw return with nitrogen fertilizer promotes rice yield through change in nutrient dynamics within soil aggregates in saline sodic soils

Crop response to fertiliser nitrogen on a sodic soil in the Central Region

Crop response to fertiliser nitrogen on a sodic soil in the Central Region

Potential Nitrogen Mineralization of Agricultural Wastes in Typic Natraqualfs: Implications for Jasmine Rice

ABSTRACT Problems of salt-affected soils can be alleviated by organic amendments, but their nitrogen (N) mineralization pattern, crucial to providing proper N synchronization with crop demand, can differently be influenced by salinity and sodicity. An incubation study was carried out objectively to investigate the mineralization and kinetic release of N in three organic wastes (OWs) – rice husk (RH), rice straw (RS), burnt rice husk (BRH) in saline-sodic (SS) and sodic (Sod) soils. The OWs were mixed into the soils and inorganic N was measured under aerobic condition (field capacity) for 28 days followed by waterlogged condition until day-112. The mineral N mineralized from all OWs was, on average, <20% of N input released into the mineral N pool with RS mineralized the highest. Mineralization occurred less in SS than in Sod soil. Nitrogen mineralization peaked at 28 days with net immobilization observed after 21-day of waterlogged condition. The mineralization rate and mineralizable N pool of these OWs had a better fit to two-pool than first-order model, showing the highest quantities in respective RS, RH and BRH and fast N pools constant rate greater in SS than in Sod soils. Net N mineralization differed among OWs, soils and incubation times. The N mineralization pattern of OWs was a function of both N sources and soil salinity. The pool and rate of mineralizable N were predicted from the initial material’s total N. The findings can lead to proper N management for jasmine rice in salt-affected soils using inorganic wastes to partially supply N.

Screening of Soil Ameliorants to Enhance the Productivity of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) under Sodic Soil in Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu

Background: In India, about 6.75 million ha, which is around 2.3% of the country’s geographical area is salt affected of which 3.79 million ha is sodic soil. Total sodic soil area in Tamil Nadu is around 0.36 million ha, accounting for 9.5% of total sodic soil area in India. Reclamation of salt-affected soil using drainage is expensive and leaching with good quality water is uneconomical in shallow water table areas. Addition of organic amendments performs a dual role in these situations by enhancing gypsum solubility and improving soil physico-chemical characteristics. Methods: In this context a field experiment was conducted at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli during summer season of 2021 and 2022 to study the reclamation potential of ameliorants under sodic soil. The experiments were laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised of different soil amendments in main plot and foliar nutrition in sub plot. Result: The results showed that, gypsum @ 50% GR+CSR GROMOR @ 25 kg ha-1 registered significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (53.5 and 58.4 cm), no. of branches plant-1 (7.27 and 6.75), DMP (2791 and 2801 kg ha-1), physiological characters viz.,CGR (4.12 and 4.46 g m-2 day-1), SPAD value (27.70 and 29.96), RWC (64.10 and 56.15%) and soluble protein (74.60 and 69.72 mg g-1) at harvest. It also increased grain yield of 834 and 875 kg ha-1 with higher exchangeable Ca and Mg with lower Na content during 2021 and 2022 year of experiments.

Can Plant Nutrient Dynamics and Indian Mustard Yield Be Influenced by Addition of Organic Amendments Under Saline Sodic Soils?

ABSTRACT Arid and semi-arid regions are having huge potential for agricultural production but also have limitations of salinity and alkalinity. By mediating rhizospheric environment with the application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, Indian mustard yield could be enhanced in these areas. For this, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic (FarmYard Manure and vermicompost) and inorganic (urea) amendments with irrigation water of different sodium absorption ratios (SAR; 6, 10, 20 and 30). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design (SPD) with 24 treatment combinations keeping different SAR in main plots and organic and inorganic nitrogen sources in sub plots. Experiment results revealed that increasing SAR levels reduced the availability of major plant nutrients, i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The soil organic carbon mineralization rate and Indian mustard seed yield were also deceased with increasing levels of SAR. Application of nitrogen through farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost decreased the electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and enhanced the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil solution. Application of 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through urea and 75% through vermicompost produced maximum seed and stover yield of Indian mustard. Thus, supply of recommended dose of nitrogen as inorganic (50%) and organic (75%) sources improved the soil health and Indian mustard yield of arid lands with sodic irrigation water. The use of organic sources in place of sole application of N fertilizer may be a potential management option in sodic groundwater irrigated areas for enhancing mustard crop yield.

Effects of Groundwater with Various Salinities on Evaporation and Redistribution of Water and Salt in Saline-sodic Soils in Songnen Plain, Northeast China

Effects of Groundwater with Various Salinities on Evaporation and Redistribution of Water and Salt in Saline-sodic Soils in Songnen Plain, Northeast China

Investigation of interaction effects of biochars and silicon on growth and chemical composition of Zea mays L. in a Ni-polluted calcareous soil

Biochars are cost effective, carbonaceous amendments that can immobilize potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils. Application of silicon (Si) has been shown to mitigate the effect of soil PTEs on plants. Studies on the interaction effects of Si and biochars in PTE-contaminated soils are limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the interaction effects of biochars, from sheep manure (SMB) and rice husk (RHB) produced at 300 and 500 °C, and 2 levels of Si (as sodium (Na) metasilicate), on growth and chemical composition of corn (Zea mays) in a nickel (Ni)-polluted calcareous soil. The combined application of Si and biochars significantly reduced soil available Ni (17–32%) and the corn shoot Ni concentrations (29–58%), associated with soil pH increase (r = 0.56–0.60, P < 0.01). Application of SMB resulted in greater soil pH increases compared to RHB, and increased soil electrical conductivity (EC) to saline levels, attributed to its higher ash content. Increasing Si application levels also increased soil pH and EC values. Application of all the biochars resulted in significant biomass increases, with RHB having the most positive effect. Despite the positive effect on soil Ni immobilization, the combined application of Si and biochars generally resulted in a decrease in corn shoot biomass yields compared to biochars alone. The biomass decrease was attributed to the significantly higher soil sodicity and pH in the combined treatments which resulted in suppression of macro and micronutrient uptake by the corn. Although the combination of biochar and Na metasilicate was effective at immobilizing soil Ni, future studies should rather employ other essential basic cation metasilicates.

Characterization of flue gas desulphurized (FGD) gypsum of a coal-fired plant and its relevant risk of associated potential toxic elements in sodic soil reclamation.

Thermal Power Plant generates FGD gypsum as by-product during coal combustion. This study evaluates the characterization (spectroscopic and elemental), potentially toxic elements (PTEs) distribution, and environmental risk assessment of FGD gypsum for safe and sustainable use in agriculture. The XRD and SEM analysis confirmed the dominance of crystalline CaSO4·2H2O in FGD gypsum. The order of concentrations of PTEs in FGD gypsum was Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > Ni > Co. The residual fraction was the dominant pool, sharing 80-90% of the total PTEs. The heavy metals (HMs) were below the toxic range in the leachates. The Co, Ni, Al, Fe Mn, Zn had low (< 10%) risk assessment code and the ecotoxicity was in the range of 0.0-7.46%. The contamination factor was also low (0.0-0.16) at the normal recommended doses of FGD gypsum application for sodicity reclamation. The enrichment factor was in the order of Al < Mn < Co < Zn < Ni. Mn [enrichment factor (Ef) 1.2-2.0] and Co (Ef 1.7-2.8) showed negligible enrichment of metals, whereas Ni (Ef 4.3-5.2) and Zn (Ef 4.5-5.6) reported moderate accumulation in soil. The application of FGD gypsum @ 10 t ha-1 for sodicity reclamation will develop a geo-accumulation index below the critical values indicating its safe and sustainable use to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN) and UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Conducting a Comprehensive Physical Investigation on Uncontrolled Internal Soil Erosion Leading to Sinkholes in Anambra State, Nigeria

Uncontrolled infiltration of water poses a significant environmental threat, capable of causing severe damage to structures and farmland if left unaddressed. In the context of Anambra state, Nigeria, uncontrolled infiltration has emerged as the primary cause of internal erosion, leading to the formation of numerous sinkholes scattered throughout the region. Consequently, this study aimed to analyse the physical dynamics of the soils surrounding these sinkholes within the state. The investigation was conducted across three distinct locations: Awka site 1 (6.2232°N and 7.0824°E), Awka site 2 (6.2220°N and 7.0819°E), and Agulu (6.3401°N and 7.1233°E). A total of 24 soil samples were collected and analysed, comprising of 15 samples from the immediate vicinity of the sinkholes and 9 samples obtained from areas located at least 2Km or more from the sinkholes. The parameters examined included pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Organic Carbon (OC), Organic Matter (OM), erodibility Factor (K), Moisture Content (MC), Bulk Density, Total Porosity and soil texture. The results revealed a range of pH values, with the piping zone exhibiting a pH of 5 and below, while the non-piping zone predominantly displayed a pH of 6 and above. This discrepancy indicates soil sodicity, suggesting potential challenges in terms of soil quality. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity values varied from 2.21 to 7.21 \(\mu\)S/cm, signifying differing levels of ion concentration within the examined areas. Additionally, the analyses indicated a substantial depletion of organic content, with the piping zone registering a meager organic content value of 2.43. Investigations of soil texture within the piping regions highlighted a notably low clay content, ranging from 2.5% to 6.7%. This finding suggested that significant drainage of the soil has potentially influenced the overall soil stability and the observations underscoring the presence of dispersive processes within the soil, further contribute to the prevailing conditions.

Properties of cellulolytic Streptomyces strains from saline-sodic soil and their effects on rice growth under saline conditions

Properties of cellulolytic Streptomyces strains from saline-sodic soil and their effects on rice growth under saline conditions

Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry of Saline Groundwater Seepage Zones in Wadi Bani Malik Basin, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Impacts on Soil and Water Resources

The water seepage zone affects dryland salinity, soil sodicity, land degradation, waterlogging, and rainfall pollution. The priority in terms of the remediation measures was determining the cause of the seepages. Nine water and six soil samples were collected from the Al Tayseer area of the Wadi Bani Malik, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). The water samples were analyzed for major and toxic metals. For the soil samples, granulometric analysis and infiltration rate analysis were performed. The total dissolved solids (TDS) in water seepages ranged from 1880 to 54,499, whereas boron (B) and iron (Fe) values ranged from 1.9 to 38 mg/L and 0.02 and 0.47 mg/L, respectively. These concentrations were the same for the aquifer in Lake Al Misk, confirming that groundwater infiltration from the lake area was the main reason for the water seepage. The concentrations of silica (Si), aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were low, indicating that there was no contamination. The nitrate (NO32−) value ranged from 2.2 to 35 mg/L, indicating agricultural wastewater contribution. According to the granulometric examination, most sediment was sand, followed by gravel, with few fine-grain particles. The infiltration rate ranged from 85 to 864 cm/d, indicating significant leakage. The percentage of ferrugination, ferromagnesian, OH-bearing, and carbonate (CO₃2−) minerals is determined by the 4/2, 5/6, and 6/7 band ratios.

Evaluation of Physiological and Biochemical Traits in Relation to Sodicity Tolerance in Selected Rice Genotypes under Different Sodicity Levels

Background: Soil sodicity is becoming a serious problem which is increasing every year has a negative impact the physical and nutritional qualities of the soil and plant which has an immense adverse effect on crop growth. Sodicity tolerance includes the manifestation of biochemical and physiological variations. Understanding these physiological and biochemical mechanism in rice is one of the biological solution for increasing the yield of crops through increased tolerance mechanism. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu to evaluate the performance of different rice varieties i.e., TRY 1, CO 43, TRY 2, CSR 27, TRY 3, white ponni (WP) with particular reference to Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) at various levels viz., ESP 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 and 48 and its impact on physiological and biochemical components. Plant samples were collected at flowering stage was analyzed for chlorophyll, sugars and proline content. Grain and straw yield of the crop was recorded. Result: The Chlorophyll and non-reducing sugars showed decreasing trend with increasing ESP levels but proline, reducing sugar and total sugar showed an increasing trend with increasing sodicity levels. The variation in biochemical and physiological components had significantly affected the growth and yield of rice crop. Among different rice varieties TRY 3 was found to be superior at increasing sodicity levels..

Talinum fruticosum: A Potential Multi-value Plant: A Review

Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss. is an underutilized plant which is distributed across world. It survives under varying soil types such as deep fertile soil, shallow rocky soil, salt affected soils, etc. Waterleaf occurs from sea level to 1000 m above MSL. Tolerance to drought is added advantage but, yield decreases with increasing water stress. It moderately tolerates salinity and sodicity of both soil and water. This plant can be exploited as plant for phytoremediation as it is capable to accumulate heavy metals, pollutants and minerals. It has significant potential to use it as fodder for cattle considering green biomass and nutritional composition. This plant can also be used as feed to chickens, rabbits and cattle. It is considered as palatable, leafy vegetable owing to nutritional and medicinal properties though it possess lesser amount of anti-nutritious components such saponin, oxalates and tannins. In view of above facts, waterleaf have the potential to be utilized as leafy vegetable for semiarid and humid conditions, quality green fodder for cattle, feed for rabbits and chicken, remediating polluted soils, reclamation and sustainable utilization of salt affected lands, tolerant plant for poor quality water, suitable to shallow soils besides using it as ornamental plant.

Nitrogen fertilization effects on forage production and nutritive value of 4 tropical grasses on alkaline soils in Argentina

This study evaluated effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization and gypsum application and their interactions on total pasture forage production and nutritive values of Chloris gayana cultivars ‘Santana’ and ‘Finecut’ and Panicum coloratum cultivars ‘Klein’ and ‘Bambatsi’ growing in a moderately sodic soil (Typic Natracualf) in northcentral Santa Fe Province of Argentina over 3 years. Sown pasture forage production differed among cultivars. C. gayana cultivar ‘Finecut’ produced more forage biomass than the other 3 cultivars. P. coloratum cultivars were superior to C. gayana cultivars for nutritive value, showing lower NDF and ADF. N fertilization strongly increased forage production, total biomass and sown pasture biomass with improved crude protein content and improvement in plant N status. Addition of gypsum did not affect forage production and nutritive value. This research showed the feasibility to improve production and nutritive value of tropical pastures in subtropical areas by species/cultivar selection and N fertilization.

Effects of zinc-enriched amino acids on rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) for adaptation in saline-sodic soil conditions: Growth, nutrient uptake and biofortification of zinc

Soil salinization and its associated problems are becoming a potential threat to the sustainability of agriculture. Deficiency of micronutrients like zinc (Zn) is a common growth limiting factor in salt-affected soils. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of Zn enriched amino acids (ZnAAC) on the growth, nutrient uptake, and Zn fortification in rice plants under salt stress. Different ZnAAC including Zn glycine (ZnGly), Zn methionine (ZnMet), Zn tryptophan (ZnTrp) and conventional ZnSO4 were applied at the rates of 8, 10, and 12 mg/kg with three replicates. The results of the current experiment revealed that ZnTrp applied at 12 mg/kg showed the maximum increase in root, shoot, and paddy weight (g/pot), which remained 12.9, 49.0, and 33.9, respectively. Maximum chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and sub-stomatal carbon dioxide were with the application of ZnTrp to rice grown on salt affected soil. Maximum increase in Zn concentration in soil (391.3 %), roots (251.8 %), shoots (232.9 %), and paddy (287.8 %) were increased with the application of ZnTrp at 12 mg/kg compared to that with control. Maximum decrease in phytic acid in rice paddy was observed with the application of ZnTrp at higher application rate. It is concluded that the application of ZnTrp is an effective remedy to enhance the growth response and Zn fortification in rice grown on salt affected soil.