Sodic Soils Research Articles

Soil aggregate stability helps construct a stable nitrogen fixation system in lignite-based amendment-driven saline-sodic soil remediation

Lignite−based amendments are promising soil conditioners for improving crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency, but there is limited knowledge regarding the potential effects of lignite−based amendment on nitrogen cycling−related microbial communities and their impacts on NH3 volatilization and crop nitrogen uptake in saline−sodic farmland. Here, we investigated the influences of lignite bioorganic fertilizer (LBF) on NH3 volatilization, nitrogen uptake, and microbial communities containing nifH, amoA, and nirS genes through a two−year field experiment. Three treatments were considered in the experiment, i.e., a control treatment with no organic fertilizer application (CK), a farmyard manure treatment (FYM) involving the application of sheep manure at a rate of 21 t ha−1, and a LBF treatment with optimal application rates of 3.0 and 4.5 t ha−1. Results showed that compared with the control treatment (CK), the LBF treatment reduced the total NH3 volatilization by 22.3% and 13.5% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. In addition, the LBF treatment significantly increased sunflower nitrogen uptake by 52.5% and 114.2% in 2019 and 2020, respectively, in comparison with the CK treatment. Moreover, the LBF treatment not only increased the absolute abundance of the nifH gene by 111.5% and altered the core microbes in the nifH−containing community, but it also enhanced the complexity, stability, and cooperation of co−occurrence network of the nifH−containing community, which were positively related to the sunflower nitrogen uptake. The LBF and FYM treatments reduced NH3 volatilization by improving the soil aggregate stability and saturate hydraulic conductivity. These results indicated that LBF may offer a feasible measure to improve the sunflower nitrogen uptake by constructing a complex, stable, and cooperative nitrogen fixation system, without the risk of NH3 volatilization in saline−sodic farmland.

Can gypsum and organic amendments achieve sustainability, productivity and maintain soil health under soybean-mustard cropping in sodic soils of western India

Soil salinity is a major environment stress impairing crop production and accelerating soil degradation. Use of soil amendments are practical solutions for altering soil quality to enhance crop productivity in these soils. Hence, we systematically evaluated the impact of soil amendments practices on crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency, soil properties, soil quality index, economics and energetics on soybean-mustard cropping system in sodic Vertisol. In this study, eight treatments comprising of various combinations of soil amendments such as gypsum (@2.5 t ha−1), farmyard manure (FYM@10 t ha−1), crop residue (CR@1.5 t ha−1 of soybean residue during rabi and 3 t ha−1 of mustard residue during kharif season) with recommended fertilizer doses (RNPK) was evaluated in randomized block design with three replications for four consecutive years in soybean-mustard cropping sequences (2016–2019). Results demonstrated that application of gypsum with CR and FYM recorded a significant drop in exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) (45–48 %), and bulk density (BD) (3–6 %) than that of control. Organic amendment in conjunction with gypsum and chemical fertilizer significantly improved soil chemical, physical and biological properties than that under control and inorganic fertilizer alone treatments. Based on principal component analysis and correlation matrix, minimum data set identified ESP, pH, BD, organic carbon, available nutrients, biomass carbon, calcium content, dehydrogenase as the most important properties controlling soil quality. Integration of RNPK+Gypsum+CR and RNPK+Gypsum+FYM are found superior leading to higher crop yield in soybean (1.23 and 1.21 Mg ha−1 respectively), mustard (1.43 and 1.39 Mg ha−1 respectively), better nutrient recovery efficiency (77 and 53 % respectively), improved soil quality index (0.90 and 0.93 respectively), and higher economic return (benefit: cost ratio-2.88 and 2.1 respectively).Therefore, this study findings highlighted the conjunctive use of gypsum with organic amendments is effective in reclaiming salt stress, improving soil health and crop productivity under oilseed cropping sequence in degraded soils of semi-arid tropics.

Tuning mono-divalent cation water composition by the capacitive ion-exchange mechanism

Soil salinization poses a significant challenge to agricultural activities. To address this, the agricultural industry seeks an irrigation water solution that reduces both ionic conductivity and sodium adsorption rate (SAR), thereby diminishing the risks of soil sodification and fostering sustainable crop production. Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an attractive electrochemical technology to advance this search. Recently, a one-dimensional transient CDI model unveiled a capacitive ion-exchange mechanism presenting the potential to adjust the treated water composition by modifying monovalent and divalent cation concentrations, thereby influencing the SAR index. This behavior would be achieved by using electrodes rich in surface functional groups able to efficiently capture divalent cations during conditioning and releasing them during charging while capturing monovalent ions. Beyond the theoretical modelling, the current experimental research demonstrates, for the first time, the effectiveness of the capacitive ion-exchange mechanism in a CDI pilot plant using real water samples spiked with solutions containing specific mono and divalent ions. Electrosorption experiments and computational modeling, specifically Density-Functional Theory (DFT), were used along with the analysis of the surface functional groups present in the electrodes to describe the capacitive ion-exchange phenomenon and validate the steps involved on it, highlighting the conditioning as a critical step. Various operational and flow modes confirm the versatility of CDI technology, achieving separation factors (RMg/Na) of 5–6 in batch, raising production from 0.5 to 0.8 L m−2 h−1 (batch) to 8.0–8.1 L m−2 h−1 when using single pass although reducing RMg/Na to 2. The reliability of the CDI technology in reducing SAR was also successfully tested with different influent compositions, including magnesium and calcium. Finally, the robustness of the capacitive ion-exchange mechanism was validated by a second CDI laboratory 9-cell stack cycled over 350 cycles. Our results confirm the reported theoretical model and expands the conclusions through the experiments in a pilot plant showing direct implications for employing CDI in agricultural applications.

Remediation of soda-saline-alkali soil through soil amendments: Microbially mediated carbon and nitrogen cycles and remediation mechanisms

Due to the high salt content and pH value, the structure of saline-sodic soil was deteriorated, resulting in decreased soil fertility and inhibited soil element cycling. This, in turn, caused significant negative impacts on crop growth, posing a major challenge to global agriculture and food security. Despite numerous studies aimed at reducing the loss of plant productivity in saline-sodic soils, the knowledge regarding shifts in soil microbial communities and carbon/nitrogen cycling during saline-sodic soil improvement remains incomplete. Consequently, we developed a composite soil amendment to explore its potential to alleviate salt stress and enhance soil quality. Our findings demonstrated that the application of this composite soil amendment effectively enhanced microbial salinity resistance, promotes soil carbon fixation and nitrogen cycling, thereby reducing HCO3− concentration and greenhouse gas emissions while improving physicochemical properties and enzyme activity in the soil. Additionally, the presence of CaSO4 contributed to a decrease in water-soluble Na+ content, resulting in reduced soil ESP and pH by 14.64 % and 7.42, respectively. Our research presents an innovative approach to rehabilitate saline-sodic soil and promote ecological restoration through the perspective of elements cycles.

Diversity and Biotechnological Potential of Cultivable Halophilic and Halotolerant Bacteria from the "Los Negritos" Geothermal Area.

Soil salinization is negatively affecting soils globally, and the spread of this problem is of great concern due to the loss of functions and benefits offered by the soil resource. In the present study, we explored the diversity of halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms in the arable fraction of a sodic-saline soil without agricultural practices and two soils with agricultural practices (one sodic and one saline) near the geothermal area "Los Negritos" in Villamar, Michoacán state. This was achieved through their isolation and molecular identification, as well as the characterization of their potential for the production of metabolites and enzymes of biotechnological interest under saline conditions. Using culture-dependent techniques, 62 halotolerant and moderately halophilic strains belonging to the genera Bacillus, Brachybacterium, Gracilibacillus, Halobacillus, Halomonas, Kocuria, Marinococcus, Nesterenkonia, Oceanobacillus, Planococcus, Priestia, Salibactetium, Salimicrobium, Salinicoccus, Staphylococcus, Terribacillus, and Virgibacillus were isolated. The different strains synthesized hydrolytic enzymes under 15% (w/v) of salts, as well as metabolites with plant-growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics, such as indole acetic acid (IAA), under saline conditions. Furthermore, the production of biopolymers was detected among the strains; members of Bacillus, Halomonas, Staphylococcus, and Salinicoccus showed extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, and the strain Halomonas sp. LNSP3E3-1.2 produced polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) under 10% (w/v) of total salts.

The Synergistic Impact of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Compost Tea to Enhance Bacterial Community and Improve Crop Productivity under Saline-Sodic Condition.

Soil salinity has a negative impact on the biochemical properties of soil and on plant growth, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus versiform) and foliar spray from compost tea as alleviating treatments, this study aimed to investigate the effects of alleviating salt stress on the growth and development of maize and wheat grown on a saline-sodic soil during the period of 2022/2023. Six treatments were used in the completely randomized factorial design experiment. The treatments included Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF0, AMF1) and varied concentrations of compost tea (CT0, CT50, and CT100). AMF colonization, the bacterial community and endosphere in the rhizosphere, respiration rate, growth parameters, and the productivity were all evaluated. The application of AMF and CT, either separately or in combination, effectively mitigated the detrimental effects caused by soil salinity. The combination of AMF and CT proved to be highly efficient in improving the infection rate of AMF, the bacterial community in the rhizosphere and endosphere, growth parameters, and grain yield of maize and wheat. Therefore, it can be proposed that the inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi with compost tea in saline soils is an important strategy for enhancing salt tolerance in maize and wheat plants through improving microbial activity, the infection rate of AMF, and overall maize and wheat productivity.

Identifying biochar production variables to maximise exchangeable cations and increase nutrient availability in soils

Biochar is a product of the thermal treatment of sustainably sourced organics or waste biomass, which enhances nutrient availability and exchangeable cations after soil application. Biochar feedstock is one of the primary factors influencing the availability of exchangeable cations in biochar and soil-biochar mix. However, this influence is not satisfactorily understood due to contrasting data among literature for the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the lack of standard analysis methods for CEC of biochar and soil-biochar mixtures. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess cation exchange in contrasting soil-biochar mixes, where CEC is measured as (1) the sum of base cations (Na+, K+, Mg 2+, and Ca2+) displaced by ammonium acetate (CEC-BC) and (2) NH4+ displaced by potassium chloride (CEC-NH4+). For the first time, we have evaluated CEC-BC and CEC-NH4+ in 21 different biochar samples using a modified method. We then used 12 representative biochars with 3 soil types (2% w/w biochar) and provided insights on relative changes in CEC-BC and individual base cations. Some previous studies have indicated a relationship between CEC and surface area and a degree of additivity in the resulting CEC of soil-biochar mixes. However, our study demonstrates an absence of these correlations and a lack of additivity in the representative biochar products. We found that biochar prepared from mixed garden wastes can increase K+ or Ca2+ in loamy or sandy soils and mitigate potential soil sodicity problems in loamy soils. However, a clayey soil may or may not need biochar for the specific purpose of increasing exchangeable cations. Our results revealed that biochar prepared from hardwood or mixed garden waste can retain NH4+ and deliver it to soil acting as a sink and source for soil nutrients.

Fusing Genotype and Soil Organic/Inorganic Amendment to Improve Saline-sodic Properties and Rice Productivity

Soil salinization and sodification have become a considerable threat to sustainable crop production for food security. The efficient biological practice in rice cropping systems, besides modulating saline-sodic soil properties using different amendments, is a necessary tactic to accelerate reclamation. This research aimed to evaluate the potential ameliorative effect of seven organic/inorganic amendments addition on soil properties and the differential responses of three rice genotypes under saline-sodic soil conditions at north of Egypt. A 2-year (2019 and 2020) field experiment was conducted with three rice genotypes, viz., Sakha 106, Giza 179, and Egyptian hybrid rice 1 (EHR1) cultivated in saline-sodic-affected soil amended with seven organic/inorganic amendments, i.e., gypsum, rice straw compost (RSC), farmyard manure (FYM), sulfur, sulfuric acid, calcium superphosphate, and rice husk beside control (unamended soil). This experimental design was a two-factor strip plot with randomized complete blocks with four replications. The morpho-physiological (SPADchlorophyll, water content, leaf area index, and shoot dry weight) and biochemical (catalase (CAT) activity, proline content, carbohydrates, leaf sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+), and Na+/K+ ratio) responses, the associated soil physico-chemical and microbial properties, yield, and its components were determined. RSC, gypsum, or sulfur were the most effective amendments in ameliorating saline-sodic soil properties by significantly reducing electrical conductivity, bulk density, and pH compared to the control and initial soil. Gypsum, RSC, FYM, or sulfur amendments significantly decreased the soil Na+ by 14.2, 11.7, 9.1, and 8.3%; sodium adsorption ratio by 14.9, 12.6, 10.4, and 8.7%; and exchangeable sodium percentage by 13.5, 11.5, 9.3, and 8.2%, respectively, over both seasons compared with control. The organic amendments surpassed inorganic regarding microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration rate, and dehydrogenase activity with the superiority of RSC, FYM, and rice husk over the control treatment. These soil restorations were favorably reflected in morpho-physio-biochemical parameters, yield, and its components for all the tested rice genotypes. The EHR1 is the superior genotype in terms of ion (Na+ and K+) selectivity, CAT activity, possessing lower proline and higher morpho-physiological responses, and productivity. The EHR1 had a considerable physiological effect on saline-sodic soil stress, producing higher yield (7.70 and 7.50 t ha−1) after treating with RSC or gypsum. This indicates that RSC outperforms other amendments in improving saline-sodic soils and enhancing rice productivity. Overall, a single application of rice straw compost (organic amendment) and gypsum or sulfur (inorganic amendment) is a viable sustainable approach for modulating saline-sodic soil’s physico-chemical and microbial properties and for boosting rice’s agronomic and physiological responses in an arid environment.

Comparative analysis of the growth, yield attributes and grain yield of kharif maize (Zea mays) under varying doses of biochar, fertility levels, and biofertilizer treatments

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2021 and 2022 at the research farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya, Uttar Pardesh, to evaluate the effect of graded doses of biochar and fertility levels with and without biofertilizer under partially reclaimed sodic soils on maize (Zea mays L.) performance. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) which with 3 replications. Experiment comprised of 8 treatments, viz. T1 , Control; T2 , 100% RDF 100 : 60 : 40 N, P2 O5 and K2 O; T3 , 50% RDF + 2.5 t/ha biochar; T4 , 50% RDF + 2.5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer; T5 , 50% RDF + 2.5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer + Zn; T6 , 100% RDF + 5 t/ha biochar; T7 , 100% RDF + 5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer; T8 , 100% RDF + 5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer + Zn. The study’s comparative analysis revealed the positive effects of applying biochar, optimal fertility levels, and biofertilizers on the yield attributes and grain yield of kharif maize. Notably, treatment T8 showed significant improvements, with a 53% increase in cob length, 34% increase in cob girth, 83% increase in the number of grains per row, 138.4% increase in grain yield, and 134% increase in stover yield compared to the control treatment. These findings demonstrate the successful impact of application of 100% RDF + 5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer + Zn in enhancing various aspects of maize growth and yield, surpassing the outcomes achieved with the control treatment and may be recommended for achieving high-quality maize production in partially reclaimed sodic soils of eastern Uttar Pradesh and comparable agro-ecoregions.

Germination Capacity of Different Wheat Genotypes Under Salt Stress

Salinity stress can negatively impact the growth and productivity of young wheat seedlings, leading to diminished grain yield and quality. Poor salinity management can cause soil sodicity in farming soils, where sodium (Na) binds to negatively charged clay, causing clay swelling and dispersal, subsequently decreasing the crop yield. Thus, the use of salinity tolerant varieties can be a plausible solution. This article investigates the effects of salinity stress on the germination and early seedling growth of 15 wheat genotypes in Bangladesh. The seeds were exposed to four levels of salinity (0, 6, 9, and 12 dS/m) and various germination parameters were measured, such as water imbibition, germination rate, seedling tissue water content, and seedling vigour index. The results showed significant differences among the genotypes and the salinity levels for all the parameters. BARI Gom 25 was found to be the most tolerant genotype, followed by BARI Gom 24, BARI Gom 29, and Binagom-1. The article also discussed the implications of these findings for saline soil remediation and wheat production in coastal areas of Bangladesh

Reuse of Treated Wastewater for Crop Irrigation: Water Suitability, Fertilization Potential, and Impact on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties

This study evaluates the suitability of treated wastewater (TWW: secondary effluent and membrane effluent) for crop irrigation and the resultant impact on crop growth and soil physicochemical characteristics. Carrot seeds (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) were grown on loam soil and irrigated with tap water (Tap), secondary effluent (SE), and membrane effluent (ME) until maturity. Bacteriological analyses showed four log counts of E. coli and thermotolerant coliforms for secondary effluent, making it unsafe for the irrigation of carrots. Tap water and membrane effluent fulfilled the microbial limit for water reuse and were suitable for irrigation. The sodium absorption ratio, Kelly index, and magnesium hazard assessments indicated that all three irrigation water streams were suitable for irrigation. The average mass of carrot fruits for Tap, SE, and ME was 2.14 g, 3.96 g, and 3.03 g, respectively. A similar trend was observed for the dry matter composition: Tap had 15.9%, SE had 18.3%, and ME had 16.6%. The soil pH increased from 7.08 to 7.26, 7.39, and 7.33 for tap water-, secondary effluent-, and membrane effluent-irrigated soils, respectively. Nitrate-nitrogen and potassium levels increased in the TWW-irrigated soil, while that of the tap water-irrigated soil decreased. Sodium levels in the TWW-irrigated soil increased significantly but did not induce soil sodicity. The application of the TWW enhanced the growth of the carrot plants and increased the soil nutrient levels. Hence, using TWW in agricultural irrigation could promote food production and also limit the overdependency on freshwater resources. However, TWW should be disinfected by using UV disinfection and ozonation to reduce the risk of microbial contamination. Such disinfection methods may not lead to the formation of toxic byproducts, and therefore secondary pollution to crops is not anticipated.

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).

Spatial assessment and chemical characterization of degraded (salt-affected) soils at post-reclamation stage of the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Haryana State.

Dynamics of soil salinity and sodicity is a common feature driven by anthropogenic causes such as soil reclamation, the effect of extreme climate events, disturbed salt, and water balance in irrigated areas that are devoid of any good quality groundwater source and adequate natural surface drainage condition in a semiarid climatic region. Periodic soil salinity assessment is therefore vital to know the current soil salinity status, plan reclamation, and/or management strategies for sustained agricultural growth and livelihood security. Temporal studies using Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) LISS III data, at pre- (1997) and post-reclamation (2017) stages have indicated spatial changes as reclaimed areas (~ 35%) and dynamics of soil salinity as increased areas (~ 61%) under irrigation across the Gangetic plain of Haryana State. The prominent areas of reclaimed sodic soil soils were located in the old alluvial plain which covered Panipat (12.32%), Karnal (6.01%), and Jind (5.9%) districts. Based on pH, ECe, and ESP values, these were classified as slight (Sso1, 8.75%), moderate (Sso2, 24.73%), and strong (Sso3, 18.20%) sodic soils, respectively. Significant salinity-inflictions (emerging areas) were identified at low-lying, poorly drained, irrigated soils in south and central Haryana that cover Jhajjar (13.99%), Sirsa (11.06%), Hisar (10.15%), Rohtak (8.73%), Bhiwani (6.43%), Palwal (4.31%), and Rewari (3.01%) districts. Slight (Ssa1, 16.82%), and moderate (Ssa2, 22.13%), categories are dominant soils, respectively. Among the landforms, significant areas (28.24%) were identified in the old alluvial plain with sand dunes (OAPSD), aeo-fluvial plain (AFP, 8.6%), and fluvio-aeolian plain (FAP, 6.0%), respectively. Dominant areas of reclaimed soils (14.4%) were identified in OAPSD. The soil analysis data indicated that these soil are moderate to strongly sodic (pH 8.7-11.0) and saline (ECe 4-26 dS m-1). The reclaimed sodic soils showed prominent improvement in soil pH and sodicity levels (pH 8.3-9.2) at 0-15cm depth and are commonly located in the Ghaggar and Yamuna river plains. Poor quality groundwater with high Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) was dominant at selected locations under the arid and semiarid climate. The database can also be used as a reference database for further monitoring of soil salinity status particularly in the irrigated regions. Currently, it is also used as a primary database for harmonization, monitoring, and reconciling of similar soils of the world under the Global Soil Partnership projects.

Pyrolysis of different organic feedstock combinations as soil amendments enhances the reclamation of saline-sodic soil

Utilizing agricultural wastes (e.g., straw, bagasse, manure) as amendments to remediate saline-sodic soils can be beneficial for improving soil quality and better waste management. In this study, we investigated the impact of raw and pyrolyzed feedstocks on salt leaching potential and physical and chemical properties in a saline-sodic silt loam soil. Utilizing a column experiment within a completely randomized design, we evaluated five feedstock combinations (i.e., rice husk, pine wood, cow manure, sugarcane bagasse) as amendments (69 Mg ha–1), including variations of raw feedstock and feedstock pyrolyzed at 300 and 500 °C, alongside a control (CT). For both the amended soil and the leachate, we measured electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), pH and cations. Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS) and bulk density (BD) were also measured. The BWR treatment (i.e., sugarcane bagasse, pine wood, and rice husk) exhibited notable improvements in soil physical quality (i.e., decreased BD and enhanced KS). Raw feedstock significantly (p < 0.01) increased soil leachate EC SAR, except for WM (i.e., pine wood and cow manure). The BWR treatments expedited the reduction of soil salinity and sodicity, evident in lower SAR/SARmax and EC/ECmax ratios, indicative of increased leaching potential. The amendments consistently demonstrated a trend of reducing soil SAR compared to the control, with raw feedstock exhibiting a more pronounced effect. Soil ECe decreased after amending with feedstock pyrolyzed at 500 °C compared to raw feedstock and pyrolyzed at 300 °C. Feedstock pyrolyzed at 300 °C did not significantly alter soil pH after leaching, and there was a decrease in the soil Na+/K+ ratio, especially with pyrolyzed feedstock. After leaching, the pyrolyzed feedstock treatments showed better soil aggregate stability (Mg2+/Ca2+<1) compared to raw feedstock. Based on the aggregated amelioration score for each amendment combination, BWR treatments consistently outperformed other combinations, with BWR300 being the most favorable option due to its lower production cost compared to BWR500. This study highlights BWR pyrolyzed at 300 °C as a suitable amendment for improving soil conditions, reducing salinity and sodicity, and increasing leaching potential.

Evaluating the Enzyme Activities and Soil Physicochemical Properties of Four Typical Halophytic Communities in Saline-Sodic Soil

Four typical halophytic communities found in saline-sodic soil, including Phragmites australis, Suaeda glauca, Leymus chinensis, and Puccinellia parl, were investigated in this study. A comparison was made among the electrical conductivity (EC) value, pH value, soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil enzyme activity across various soil depths. The findings of this study indicate that the EC and pH levels of the soil at the 0–40 cm depth vary among the four communities, with Suaeda glauca having the highest values, followed by Puccinellia parl, Phragmites australis, and Leymus chinensis. The highest value of SOC among the four communities was observed in the Leymus chinensis community (0.85–0.94 g/kg), followed by the Phragmites australis community (0.50–0.77 g/kg), and the lowest levels were observed in the Puccinellia parl community (0.37–0.78 g/kg). As the soil depth increases, there is a decline in the amount of SOC. With an increase in soil depth, the content of SOC in the soil decreased, and the content of total nitrogen (TN) and the activity of six enzymes in the soil of each community increased. Furthermore, at the soil layer of 0–20 cm, the TN content in the soils was negatively correlated with pH and EC (p &lt; 0.01), and so was the total phosphorus (TP). Additionally, the TP content is considerably positively connected with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, whereas the TN content is significantly positively correlated with Soil Urease (S-UE) activity. Within the soil depth of 20–40 cm, the levels of TN, TP, and SOC exhibit a negative association with pH and EC. However, this link is weaker compared to that observed in the surface soil. A strong inverse correlation (p &lt; 0.05) exists between the TP concentration and the ALP activity. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of halophytes in various saline-sodic soils for diverse avenues of restoration, and to establish a database on the role and efficacy of plant roots in enhancing saline-sodic soil.

Evaluate the chemical characteristics of bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) genotypes under sodic soil

Evaluate the chemical characteristics of bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) genotypes under sodic soil

Response of nutrients on fruit cracking in different cultivars of Bael (Aegle marmelos L.) under sodic soil

Response of nutrients on fruit cracking in different cultivars of Bael (Aegle marmelos L.) under sodic soil

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

Diversity and distribution of planktonic population in sodic soil conditional pond of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Diversity and distribution of planktonic population in sodic soil conditional pond of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

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.