Amelioration of Saline-Sodic Soils with Tillage Implements and Sulfuric Acid Application

Amelioration of saline-sodic soils through land preparation with three tillage implements (disc plow, rotavator and cultivator) each followed by application of sulfuric acid at 20% of gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) requirement or no sulfuric acid application during crop growth period was evaluated in a field study for 2.5 years at three sites, i.e., Jhottianwala, Gabrika (Thabal), and Thatta Langar, in Tehsil Pindi Bhattian, Hafizabad District, Pakistan. Within 2.5 years, there was a decrease in the salinity parameters measured (electrical conductivity, pH, and sodium adsorption ratio), with a gradual increase in rice and wheat grain yields. It was observed that the disc plow, which not only ensured favorable yields but also helped improve soil health at all the three sites, was the most effective tillage implement. Also, application of sulfuric acid resulted in higher yields and promoted rapid amelioration of the saline-sodic soils.