Effect of Gypsum and Wheat Straw Incorporation on Physico-chemical Properties of Coastal Soils

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.