COMPARISON OF GYPSUM AND POTASSIUM SILICATE FOR RECLAMATION OF SALINE SODIC SOIL
Nosheen Zahra*, Ghulam Sarwar* and Sher Muhammad**
ABSTRACT
Relative efficiency of gypsum, potassium silicate and their combinations at different levels for reclamation of saline sodic soil was tested. Treatments were replicated thrice. All pots were arranged according to completely randomized design and treatments were applied to the soil according to treatment plan. Appropriate time was given to achieve the reclamation of saline sodic soil and relative efficiency was assessed through laboratory analysis. After this, rice seedling (Shaheen Basmati) was transplanted in all the pots i.e., 3 plants per pot. Necessary N, P and K fertilizers were applied at the recommended rate. After crop harvest, soil samples were taken for analysis of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of soil. All the amendments when used alone or in combination with each other improved the chemical parameters of soil. All levels of gypsum (100%, 75% and 50% G.R) proved effective in lowering pH, EC, SAR and ESP of saline sodic soil. Similar trend was observed with the use of all levels of potassium -1 silicate (225, 150 and 75mg kg soil) of soil. Combinations of gypsum and potassium silicate also remained better in this regard. The most effective treatment was application of the full required rate of gypsum.
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