Management of degradation of sodic lands in arid and semi-arid regions is a global concern. Ameli... more Management of degradation of sodic lands in arid and semi-arid regions is a global concern. Amelioration of these soils through chemical amendments like gypsum or phosphogypsum is a costly affair for resource poor farmers having sodic lands. Combined use of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost with chemical amendments can providea realistic solution for ameliorating sodic soils and sustaining crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted during 2015 to 2016 at Shivri, Lucknow on highly sodic soil [pH 9.8, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) 78, organic carbon (OC) 1.30 g/kg and gypsum requirement (GR) 15.2 t/ha] to evaluate the influence of organic and inorganic amendments on amelioration of sodic soils and sustaining productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system. The treatments consisted of T1: Gypsum (G) @ 50%GR, T2: Phosphogypsum (PG) @ 50%GR, T3: G @25%GR + on-farm MSW compost @10 t/ha, T4: PG @25%GR+ on-farm MSW compost @10 t/ha, T5: G...
Reclamation of alkali soils to harness their productivity potential is more complex due to presen... more Reclamation of alkali soils to harness their productivity potential is more complex due to presence excessive sodium ions, poor hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rate, resulting in poor plant growth and crop productivity. Sodic soil reclamation using inorganic ameliorants like mineral gypsum or phosphogypsum is beyond the reach of small and marginal farmers having alkali soils because of their higher market prices and shortage of availability. Conjoint use of inorganic and organic amendments can be a pragmatic solution for improving soil physico-chemical and biological properties and sustaining crop productivity. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) available in abundant quantity if enriched with efficient halophilic microbial consortium and used in conjunction with reduced dose of gypsum can be a cost effective approach for sustainable reclamation of alkali soils and harnessing their productivity potential. Hence, a field experiment was conducted on a highly alkali soil (pH2 ...
A field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of jatropha based intercropping model as ... more A field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of jatropha based intercropping model as an alternate land use for rehabilitation of degraded sodic lands. Cultivation of Jatropha curcas L. as monocropping has not been proven economically viable because of its late fruiting and poor yield. A small and resource poor farmer having sodic soils can't wait for at least five years to get income. Therefore, the present study was conducted to replace monoculture of jatropha with intercrops in between jatropha plantation in sodic soils to optimize land use efficiency. Study revealed that the plantation of jatropha at 3 m apart and inter- cultivation of sweet basil - matricaria cropping sequence for four years was highly economical than the planting at 3×2m spacing and other tested crop rotations. Soil physicochemical and biological properties in sweet basil - matricaria with jatropha L. as main crop were better than rest of the cropping sequences evaluated. Soil microbial biomass...
The effect of improved practice [IP; gypsum application @ 25% gypsum requirement (GR) +10 t/ha pr... more The effect of improved practice [IP; gypsum application @ 25% gypsum requirement (GR) +10 t/ha press mud] over existing practice (EP; gypsum application @ 50% GR) on rice productivity and profitability in sodic soils (pH 9.2-10.4) was evaluated at farmers' fields for 3 years during 2011-14 in Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, India. All growth parameters were significantly higher for IP than EP, with 36.5 and 39.3% higher straw and grain yield, respectively. Interaction effect between sodicity levels and reclamation practices were significant for grain and straw yields. Use of IP with S1, S2, S3, and S4 sodicity levels reduced reclamation costs by ` 15480, 18540, 22560 and 24780/ha, respectively. The combination of reduced costs and increased yields in the IP reclamation treatment led to higher returns from rice cultivation in sodic soils, because IP effect on rice yield was better at higher sodicity level, whereas under EP, this was achieved only for sodicity levels of S2 and S...
Afforestation with tree species on a highly degraded sodic lands in Lucknow (26° 47’ N; 80°46... more Afforestation with tree species on a highly degraded sodic lands in Lucknow (26° 47’ N; 80°46’ E), Uttar Pradesh, India has improved the provisional biomass production and supportive (nutrient dynamics and soil ameliorative) services during ten years. Of the ten species studied, Prosopis juliflora produced highest (56.5 t/ha) above ground biomass at ten years age. P. juliflora had highest total N P K accumulation followed by Acacia nilotica, Casuarina equisetifolia, Terminalia arjuna, Pithecellobium dulce and Pongamia pinnata whereas, total Ca and Mg contents were relatively high in T. arjuna followed by P. juliflora, A. nilotica and C. equisetifolia. Tree leaves reported the highest nutrient concentration followed by branches and stem. P. juliflora, A. nilotica and P. pinnata were found more efficient in nitrogen recycling compared to other species. Corresponding to biomass production, P. juliflora also dominated in nitrogen uptake. However, nitrogen retranslocation was highe...
A field experiment was conducted during 2013-14 to 2015-16 at Central Soil Salinity Research Inst... more A field experiment was conducted during 2013-14 to 2015-16 at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Lucknow to find out the alternate to rice (Oryza sativa L.)- wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system under partially reclaimed sodic soils. Four cropping systems, viz. rice (Oryza sativa L.)- wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)-berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), sweet basil (tulsi) (Ocimum basilicum L.)-matricaria (Matricaria chamomilla) and chilli (Capsicum spp.)-garlic (Allium sativum) were evaluated in the light of sustainability, potentiality and profitability. Maximum rice equivalent yield (14.21 t/ha) and production efficiency (61.25 kg/ha/day) were recorded with sweet basil-matricaria cropping system whereas, highest land use efficiency (78.35%) was observed under sorghum-berseem fodder based cropping system. Highest water use efficiency (150.72 kg/ha cm) was recorded with chilli-garlic cropping system followed by sweet bas...
Municipal solid waste management and poor fertility status of sodic soils are two important issue... more Municipal solid waste management and poor fertility status of sodic soils are two important issues experienced by all developing nations including India. Disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) being produced in huge amounts is a challenging task for researchers and policy makers. Reclamation of salt affected soils with chemical amendments is a costly affair for resource-poor farmers. Composting of MSW and its enrichment with microbes is one of the options for its recycling and utilization for the reclamation of salt-affected soils. A field experiment was conducted in sodic soil to study the performance of microbial enriched municipal solid waste compost (EMSWC) alone and in combination with a reduced dose of gypsum on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and grain quality of rice and wheat. The experiment was conducted for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2019 and 2020 to 2021 at ICAR Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Research farm, Shivri, Lucknow, India, in sodic soil havi...
Objectives: A field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014−2015–2016 at Central Soil Salinity ... more Objectives: A field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014−2015–2016 at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, experimental farm, Shivri, Lucknow to find out the alternate options to rice (Oryza sativa L.) – wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system in partially reclaimed sodic soils. Methods: Four cropping systems, namely, rice (O. sativa L.) – Wheat (T. aestivum L.) (Cereal-based), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) – berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) (Fodder-based), sweet basil (tulsi) (Ocimum basilicum L.) – matricaria (Matricaria chamomilla) (medicinal and aromatic crop-based), and chilli (Capsicum spp.) – garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) (spices-based) were evaluated in the light of sustainability, potentiality, and profitability. Results and Discussion: Maximum rice equivalent yield (14.21 t/ha) and production efficiency (61.25 kg/ha/day) were recorded with sweet basil– matricaria cropping system, whereas highest land use efficiency (78.35%) was observe...
The impact of land reclamation has been explored on productivity, income and food security in the... more The impact of land reclamation has been explored on productivity, income and food security in the saltaffected regions of Uttar Pradesh. The study has revealed substantial farm-level benefits to the farmers due to sodic land reclamation. The cropping intensity has increased by 9.39 per cent during post- vis-àvis pre-reclamation period. The gross cultivated area increased by 13.65 per cent after land reclamation. Paddy and wheat yields have increased by 95 per cent and 194 per cent, respectively after reclamation. Better farm income has influenced household expenditure and standard of living which has ultimately enhanced food security of the resource-poor farmers. The majority of farmers opined that purchasing of foodgrains especially of rice and wheat, has declined and expenditure on fruits and vegetables has increased. There is a rise in the expenditure on house construction and children education after reclamation due to increase in farm income. The land reclamation programme has ...
In the present study, a total of 53 promising salt-tolerant genotypes were tested across 18 salt-... more In the present study, a total of 53 promising salt-tolerant genotypes were tested across 18 salt-affected diverse locations for three years. An attempt was made to identify ideal test locations and mega-environments using GGE biplot analysis. The CSSRI sodic environment was the most discriminating location in individual years as well as over the years and could be used to screen out unstable and salt-sensitive genotypes. Genotypes CSR36, CSR-2K-219, and CSR-2K-262 were found ideal across years. Overall, Genotypes CSR-2K-219, CSR-2K-262, and CSR-2K-242 were found superior and stable among all genotypes with higher mean yields. Different sets of genotypes emerged as winners in saline soils but not in sodic soils; however, Genotype CSR-2K-262 was the only genotype that was best under both saline and alkaline environments over the years. The lack of repeatable associations among locations and repeatable mega-environment groupings indicated the complexity of soil salinity. Hence, a multi...
The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the reclamation of degraded sodic soils are two... more The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the reclamation of degraded sodic soils are two serious environmental and socio-economic problems experienced by the developing nations. To overcome these problems, a technology has been developed for the composting of MSW using earthworm and ligno-cellulolytic microbial consortia and its utilization for the sustainable reclamation of degraded sodic soils, as well as for harnessing their productivity potential. To standardize on-farm composting under aerobic conditions, the field experiment consisted of seven treatment combinations, replicated thrice with municipal solid waste (MSW) sole and in combination with agricultural wastes (AW) treated with earthworms (Eisenia foetida) and consortia of lingo-cellulolytic microbes such as Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp. It was conducted at ICAR-CSSRI, Research farm, Shivri, Lucknow, India. The results revealed that the thermophilic phase was achieved at 60 days of composti...
The management practices for rice cultivation in salt-affected soils are obviously different than... more The management practices for rice cultivation in salt-affected soils are obviously different than those in normal soils and for a short duration variety than those of a medium to long duration variety. Hence, experiment was planned and conducted at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Regional Research Station, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India during 2011-12 to 2013-14 (kharif) hypothesizing that the combination of improved nursery management practices and high yielding salt tolerant variety would enhance productivity and profitability of rice in sodic soils. The results revealed that, improved nursery management practices like lower seed density, combined application of organic amendments and inorganic fertilizers in the seed bed (5 t/ha farmyard manures (FYM) followed by 100- 50-50 kg N-P2O5-K2O) and optimum age of seedlings enhanced seedling growth (shoot and root length, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter) resulting higher grain yield and minimized production c...
For sustainable management of degraded sodic soils, mineral gypsum (GYP) has been widely used, bu... more For sustainable management of degraded sodic soils, mineral gypsum (GYP) has been widely used, but supplies are limited, industrialization, and urbanization have thwarted its use in agriculture. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative ameliorants to GYP. We conducted a field experiment on degraded sodic soil (pH‐10.2) using marine gypsum (MG), a waste/by‐product of the edible salt (NaCl) manufacturing process. Based on gypsum requirement (GR) of soil, efficacies of GYP and MG, at equivalent doses, were compared for reclamation of sodic soil using treatments: control, 50 GR GYP, 50 GR MG, 25 GR GYP, 25 GR MG, and 25 GR GYP + 25 GR MG. The results showed a significant decrease in soil pH following appliation of 50 GR MG compared with other treatments. The reduction in exchangeable sodium percentage was found and to be highest (50.78%) in 50 GR MG among all treatments but statistically identical to 50 GR GYP. The net dispersive charge we noted was a minimum of 4.04 cmol kg−1 ...
In this study, 285 lentil genotypes were phenotyped under hydroponic and alkaline field condition... more In this study, 285 lentil genotypes were phenotyped under hydroponic and alkaline field conditions. Significant genotypic variation for alkalinity stress was observed among the six Lens species screened hydroponically and in the field having pH up to 9.1. The crucial parameters, like whole Na+ and K+ contents and the Na+/K+ ratio at 40 mM NaHCO3 were found significantly correlated with seedling survivability under hydroponics (r = -0.95, r = 0.93 and -0.97). Genotypes, ranked on the bases of seed yield, restricted uptake of Na+ with thick pith area, increased vascular bundles, less H2O2 production and low Na+/K+ ratio, were found important physio-anatomical traits for alkalinity stress tolerance. The proper regulation of Na+ uptake was found for maintaining higher K+. This relationship is probably the main factor responsible for a better mechanism for tolerance to high pH up to 9.1 in tolerant breeding lines PDL-1 and PSL-9 (cultivars) and ILWL-15, ILWL-192 and ILWL-20 (wild accessi...
Management of degradation of sodic lands in arid and semi-arid regions is a global concern. Ameli... more Management of degradation of sodic lands in arid and semi-arid regions is a global concern. Amelioration of these soils through chemical amendments like gypsum or phosphogypsum is a costly affair for resource poor farmers having sodic lands. Combined use of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost with chemical amendments can providea realistic solution for ameliorating sodic soils and sustaining crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted during 2015 to 2016 at Shivri, Lucknow on highly sodic soil [pH 9.8, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) 78, organic carbon (OC) 1.30 g/kg and gypsum requirement (GR) 15.2 t/ha] to evaluate the influence of organic and inorganic amendments on amelioration of sodic soils and sustaining productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system. The treatments consisted of T1: Gypsum (G) @ 50%GR, T2: Phosphogypsum (PG) @ 50%GR, T3: G @25%GR + on-farm MSW compost @10 t/ha, T4: PG @25%GR+ on-farm MSW compost @10 t/ha, T5: G...
Reclamation of alkali soils to harness their productivity potential is more complex due to presen... more Reclamation of alkali soils to harness their productivity potential is more complex due to presence excessive sodium ions, poor hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rate, resulting in poor plant growth and crop productivity. Sodic soil reclamation using inorganic ameliorants like mineral gypsum or phosphogypsum is beyond the reach of small and marginal farmers having alkali soils because of their higher market prices and shortage of availability. Conjoint use of inorganic and organic amendments can be a pragmatic solution for improving soil physico-chemical and biological properties and sustaining crop productivity. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) available in abundant quantity if enriched with efficient halophilic microbial consortium and used in conjunction with reduced dose of gypsum can be a cost effective approach for sustainable reclamation of alkali soils and harnessing their productivity potential. Hence, a field experiment was conducted on a highly alkali soil (pH2 ...
A field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of jatropha based intercropping model as ... more A field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of jatropha based intercropping model as an alternate land use for rehabilitation of degraded sodic lands. Cultivation of Jatropha curcas L. as monocropping has not been proven economically viable because of its late fruiting and poor yield. A small and resource poor farmer having sodic soils can't wait for at least five years to get income. Therefore, the present study was conducted to replace monoculture of jatropha with intercrops in between jatropha plantation in sodic soils to optimize land use efficiency. Study revealed that the plantation of jatropha at 3 m apart and inter- cultivation of sweet basil - matricaria cropping sequence for four years was highly economical than the planting at 3×2m spacing and other tested crop rotations. Soil physicochemical and biological properties in sweet basil - matricaria with jatropha L. as main crop were better than rest of the cropping sequences evaluated. Soil microbial biomass...
The effect of improved practice [IP; gypsum application @ 25% gypsum requirement (GR) +10 t/ha pr... more The effect of improved practice [IP; gypsum application @ 25% gypsum requirement (GR) +10 t/ha press mud] over existing practice (EP; gypsum application @ 50% GR) on rice productivity and profitability in sodic soils (pH 9.2-10.4) was evaluated at farmers' fields for 3 years during 2011-14 in Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, India. All growth parameters were significantly higher for IP than EP, with 36.5 and 39.3% higher straw and grain yield, respectively. Interaction effect between sodicity levels and reclamation practices were significant for grain and straw yields. Use of IP with S1, S2, S3, and S4 sodicity levels reduced reclamation costs by ` 15480, 18540, 22560 and 24780/ha, respectively. The combination of reduced costs and increased yields in the IP reclamation treatment led to higher returns from rice cultivation in sodic soils, because IP effect on rice yield was better at higher sodicity level, whereas under EP, this was achieved only for sodicity levels of S2 and S...
Afforestation with tree species on a highly degraded sodic lands in Lucknow (26° 47’ N; 80°46... more Afforestation with tree species on a highly degraded sodic lands in Lucknow (26° 47’ N; 80°46’ E), Uttar Pradesh, India has improved the provisional biomass production and supportive (nutrient dynamics and soil ameliorative) services during ten years. Of the ten species studied, Prosopis juliflora produced highest (56.5 t/ha) above ground biomass at ten years age. P. juliflora had highest total N P K accumulation followed by Acacia nilotica, Casuarina equisetifolia, Terminalia arjuna, Pithecellobium dulce and Pongamia pinnata whereas, total Ca and Mg contents were relatively high in T. arjuna followed by P. juliflora, A. nilotica and C. equisetifolia. Tree leaves reported the highest nutrient concentration followed by branches and stem. P. juliflora, A. nilotica and P. pinnata were found more efficient in nitrogen recycling compared to other species. Corresponding to biomass production, P. juliflora also dominated in nitrogen uptake. However, nitrogen retranslocation was highe...
A field experiment was conducted during 2013-14 to 2015-16 at Central Soil Salinity Research Inst... more A field experiment was conducted during 2013-14 to 2015-16 at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Lucknow to find out the alternate to rice (Oryza sativa L.)- wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system under partially reclaimed sodic soils. Four cropping systems, viz. rice (Oryza sativa L.)- wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)-berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), sweet basil (tulsi) (Ocimum basilicum L.)-matricaria (Matricaria chamomilla) and chilli (Capsicum spp.)-garlic (Allium sativum) were evaluated in the light of sustainability, potentiality and profitability. Maximum rice equivalent yield (14.21 t/ha) and production efficiency (61.25 kg/ha/day) were recorded with sweet basil-matricaria cropping system whereas, highest land use efficiency (78.35%) was observed under sorghum-berseem fodder based cropping system. Highest water use efficiency (150.72 kg/ha cm) was recorded with chilli-garlic cropping system followed by sweet bas...
Municipal solid waste management and poor fertility status of sodic soils are two important issue... more Municipal solid waste management and poor fertility status of sodic soils are two important issues experienced by all developing nations including India. Disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) being produced in huge amounts is a challenging task for researchers and policy makers. Reclamation of salt affected soils with chemical amendments is a costly affair for resource-poor farmers. Composting of MSW and its enrichment with microbes is one of the options for its recycling and utilization for the reclamation of salt-affected soils. A field experiment was conducted in sodic soil to study the performance of microbial enriched municipal solid waste compost (EMSWC) alone and in combination with a reduced dose of gypsum on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and grain quality of rice and wheat. The experiment was conducted for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2019 and 2020 to 2021 at ICAR Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Research farm, Shivri, Lucknow, India, in sodic soil havi...
Objectives: A field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014−2015–2016 at Central Soil Salinity ... more Objectives: A field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014−2015–2016 at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, experimental farm, Shivri, Lucknow to find out the alternate options to rice (Oryza sativa L.) – wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system in partially reclaimed sodic soils. Methods: Four cropping systems, namely, rice (O. sativa L.) – Wheat (T. aestivum L.) (Cereal-based), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) – berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) (Fodder-based), sweet basil (tulsi) (Ocimum basilicum L.) – matricaria (Matricaria chamomilla) (medicinal and aromatic crop-based), and chilli (Capsicum spp.) – garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) (spices-based) were evaluated in the light of sustainability, potentiality, and profitability. Results and Discussion: Maximum rice equivalent yield (14.21 t/ha) and production efficiency (61.25 kg/ha/day) were recorded with sweet basil– matricaria cropping system, whereas highest land use efficiency (78.35%) was observe...
The impact of land reclamation has been explored on productivity, income and food security in the... more The impact of land reclamation has been explored on productivity, income and food security in the saltaffected regions of Uttar Pradesh. The study has revealed substantial farm-level benefits to the farmers due to sodic land reclamation. The cropping intensity has increased by 9.39 per cent during post- vis-àvis pre-reclamation period. The gross cultivated area increased by 13.65 per cent after land reclamation. Paddy and wheat yields have increased by 95 per cent and 194 per cent, respectively after reclamation. Better farm income has influenced household expenditure and standard of living which has ultimately enhanced food security of the resource-poor farmers. The majority of farmers opined that purchasing of foodgrains especially of rice and wheat, has declined and expenditure on fruits and vegetables has increased. There is a rise in the expenditure on house construction and children education after reclamation due to increase in farm income. The land reclamation programme has ...
In the present study, a total of 53 promising salt-tolerant genotypes were tested across 18 salt-... more In the present study, a total of 53 promising salt-tolerant genotypes were tested across 18 salt-affected diverse locations for three years. An attempt was made to identify ideal test locations and mega-environments using GGE biplot analysis. The CSSRI sodic environment was the most discriminating location in individual years as well as over the years and could be used to screen out unstable and salt-sensitive genotypes. Genotypes CSR36, CSR-2K-219, and CSR-2K-262 were found ideal across years. Overall, Genotypes CSR-2K-219, CSR-2K-262, and CSR-2K-242 were found superior and stable among all genotypes with higher mean yields. Different sets of genotypes emerged as winners in saline soils but not in sodic soils; however, Genotype CSR-2K-262 was the only genotype that was best under both saline and alkaline environments over the years. The lack of repeatable associations among locations and repeatable mega-environment groupings indicated the complexity of soil salinity. Hence, a multi...
The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the reclamation of degraded sodic soils are two... more The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the reclamation of degraded sodic soils are two serious environmental and socio-economic problems experienced by the developing nations. To overcome these problems, a technology has been developed for the composting of MSW using earthworm and ligno-cellulolytic microbial consortia and its utilization for the sustainable reclamation of degraded sodic soils, as well as for harnessing their productivity potential. To standardize on-farm composting under aerobic conditions, the field experiment consisted of seven treatment combinations, replicated thrice with municipal solid waste (MSW) sole and in combination with agricultural wastes (AW) treated with earthworms (Eisenia foetida) and consortia of lingo-cellulolytic microbes such as Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp. It was conducted at ICAR-CSSRI, Research farm, Shivri, Lucknow, India. The results revealed that the thermophilic phase was achieved at 60 days of composti...
The management practices for rice cultivation in salt-affected soils are obviously different than... more The management practices for rice cultivation in salt-affected soils are obviously different than those in normal soils and for a short duration variety than those of a medium to long duration variety. Hence, experiment was planned and conducted at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Regional Research Station, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India during 2011-12 to 2013-14 (kharif) hypothesizing that the combination of improved nursery management practices and high yielding salt tolerant variety would enhance productivity and profitability of rice in sodic soils. The results revealed that, improved nursery management practices like lower seed density, combined application of organic amendments and inorganic fertilizers in the seed bed (5 t/ha farmyard manures (FYM) followed by 100- 50-50 kg N-P2O5-K2O) and optimum age of seedlings enhanced seedling growth (shoot and root length, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter) resulting higher grain yield and minimized production c...
For sustainable management of degraded sodic soils, mineral gypsum (GYP) has been widely used, bu... more For sustainable management of degraded sodic soils, mineral gypsum (GYP) has been widely used, but supplies are limited, industrialization, and urbanization have thwarted its use in agriculture. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative ameliorants to GYP. We conducted a field experiment on degraded sodic soil (pH‐10.2) using marine gypsum (MG), a waste/by‐product of the edible salt (NaCl) manufacturing process. Based on gypsum requirement (GR) of soil, efficacies of GYP and MG, at equivalent doses, were compared for reclamation of sodic soil using treatments: control, 50 GR GYP, 50 GR MG, 25 GR GYP, 25 GR MG, and 25 GR GYP + 25 GR MG. The results showed a significant decrease in soil pH following appliation of 50 GR MG compared with other treatments. The reduction in exchangeable sodium percentage was found and to be highest (50.78%) in 50 GR MG among all treatments but statistically identical to 50 GR GYP. The net dispersive charge we noted was a minimum of 4.04 cmol kg−1 ...
In this study, 285 lentil genotypes were phenotyped under hydroponic and alkaline field condition... more In this study, 285 lentil genotypes were phenotyped under hydroponic and alkaline field conditions. Significant genotypic variation for alkalinity stress was observed among the six Lens species screened hydroponically and in the field having pH up to 9.1. The crucial parameters, like whole Na+ and K+ contents and the Na+/K+ ratio at 40 mM NaHCO3 were found significantly correlated with seedling survivability under hydroponics (r = -0.95, r = 0.93 and -0.97). Genotypes, ranked on the bases of seed yield, restricted uptake of Na+ with thick pith area, increased vascular bundles, less H2O2 production and low Na+/K+ ratio, were found important physio-anatomical traits for alkalinity stress tolerance. The proper regulation of Na+ uptake was found for maintaining higher K+. This relationship is probably the main factor responsible for a better mechanism for tolerance to high pH up to 9.1 in tolerant breeding lines PDL-1 and PSL-9 (cultivars) and ILWL-15, ILWL-192 and ILWL-20 (wild accessi...
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