Effect of Gypsum and Wheat Straw Incorporation on Physico-chemical Properties of Coastal Soils
V. A. Patel *
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Waghai, Dangs, 394 730 (Gujarat), India.
S. L. Pawar
Soil and Water Management Research Unit, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, 396 450 (Gujarat), India.
A. P. Italiya
Soil and Water Management Research Unit, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, 396 450 (Gujarat), India.
H. K. Joshi
Coastal Soil Salinity Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Danti –Umbharat, Navsari, 396436 (Gujarat), India.
V. R. Naik
Soil and Water Management Research Unit, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, 396 450 (Gujarat), India.
H. B. Vaidya
Aspee Shakilam Biotechnology Institute, Navsari Agricultural University, Ghod Doad Road, Athwa farm, Surat, 395 007(Gujarat), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during Kharif-Rabi season of 2020-21 to 2023-24 at Coastal Soil Salinity Research Station, NAU, Danti-Umbharat, Gujarat to evaluate the effect of gypsum and wheat straw incorporation on physico-chemical properties of coastal soil under a rice-wheat cropping system. Total fifteen treatment combinations comprising of five levels of gypsum i.e., G1: No gypsum, G2: Phosphogypsum @ 25 % GR, G3: Phosphogypsum @ 50 % GR, G4: Granular gypsum @ 25 % GR, G5: Granular gypsum @ 50 % GR taken under main plot given to kharif rice crop and three wheat crop residue incorporation levels after rabi wheat crop i.e., R1: No straw incorporate, R2: 50 % wheat straw incorporate, R3: 100 % wheat straw incorporate were evaluated in split plot design with three replications. Results showed that application of phosphogypsum and granular gypsum at 50% gypsum requirement effectively reduced soil exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and bulk density, while improving water stable aggregates. Wheat straw incorporation at 100% enhanced soil organic carbon, water-stable aggregates and reduced bulk density. Therefore, use of gypsum and wheat crop residue incorporation can be considered a sustainable strategy for improving soil health and managing sodicity in coastal soils.
Keywords: Coastal soils, gypsum, sodicity, soil properties, wheat residue incorporation