Amelioration of soil salinity through sulphur sources and its impact on cotton production

Article Information

Title: Amelioration of soil salinity through sulphur sources and its impact on cotton production

Authors: Muhammad Rizwan Jamil Khan, Yousaf Imran, Ayesha Hassan, Saeed Muhammad, Rashid Khan

Journal: International Journal of Cotton Research and Technology (IJCRT)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31

Publisher: Scientific Press (SMC-Private) Limited

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2024

Volume: 6

Issue: 1

Language: English

DOI: 10.33865/ijcrt.006.01.1451

Abstract

Amendment of excessive Na + ions as main cause of soil salinity is accomplished with divalent cations like Ca ++ that percolate off Na + ions from root zone. The viable option is gypsum application and to hurdle out its insolubility is to add sulphuric acid and getting desires. A trial comprising of various combinations of Gypsum and Sulphuric acid to effectively solubilize and augment gypsum efficacy in saline sodic soil was conducted. Prior to experiment pH, EC and ESP of soil ranged from 8.39 to 8.54, 13.04 to 14.04 and 34.25 to 37.91 respectively and clued sodic nature with ESP &gt; 15. Sulphuric acid and gypsum were utilized thirty days earlier to planting in corresponding plots in addition to 150-90-60 kg ha -1 NPK as recommended dose. After harvest same were again analyzed for physicochemical attributes along with soil samples physicochemical characteristics. Statistical analysis remained confident with respect to all i.e. yield and its allies, soil pH, EC and ESP as well as solubility of gypsum and reclamation of soil when 50% gypsum + 50% sulphuric acid were applied. Thus 50% gypsum+50% sulphuric acid is recommended as most economic and optimum dose as an operative ameliorative approach for salt exaggerated soils. 50% gypsum+50% sulphuric acid also illustrated highest produce of 3246.30 kg ha -1 seed cotton showing an increase of 81% more yield over control.

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To determine the optimal combination of gypsum and sulphuric acid for ameliorating saline-sodic soils and improving seed cotton yield.

Methodology

A field trial was conducted at Cotton Research Station Dera Ismail Khan. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, and ESP. Five combinations of gypsum and sulphuric acid, along with a control, were applied 30 days before planting. Cotton was sown, and standard agricultural practices were followed. Post-harvest, soil samples were re-analyzed for physicochemical attributes, and yield and related plant attributes were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and LSD tests.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Soil Sampling and Analysis pH, EC, ESP] --> B[Apply TreatmentsGypsum & Sulphuric Acid];
    B --> C[Plant Cotton];
    C --> D[Follow Recommended Agricultural Practices];
    D --> E[Post-Harvest Soil Sampling and Analysis];
    E --> F[Record Yield and Plant Attributes];
    F --> G[Statistical Analysis];
    G --> H[Conclusion and Recommendations];

Discussion

The study suggests that combining gypsum and sulphuric acid is an effective and economical approach to ameliorate saline-sodic soils. The reduction in soil pH, ECe, and ESP by the 50% gypsum + 50% sulphuric acid treatment likely improved nutrient availability and soil structure, leading to enhanced cotton growth and yield. The synergistic effect of sulphur and calcium in improving soil conditions is highlighted.

Key Findings

The combination of 50% gypsum and 50% sulphuric acid resulted in the highest seed cotton yield (3246.30 kg ha-1), an 81% increase over the control. This treatment also led to significant reductions in soil pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). Plant height, number of bolls per plant, and boll weight were also maximized with this treatment.

Conclusion

The combined application of 50% sulphuric acid and 50% gypsum is recommended as the most effective and economical method for managing saline-sodic soils and significantly improving seed cotton production.

Fact Check

* The control treatment yielded 1782 kg ha-1 of seed cotton.
* The optimal treatment (50% gypsum + 50% sulphuric acid) resulted in a seed cotton yield of 3246.30 kg ha-1.
* Initial soil pH ranged from 8.39 to 8.54, indicating sodic conditions.

Mind Map

Loading PDF...

Loading Statistics...

DefinePK

Select Collection