Growth of Castor (Ricinus Communis L.) on Newly Reclaimed Saline-Sodic Soil as an Indicator of Soil Quality Improvement

Abstract

The present study was conducted in two phases; 1st phase includes soil reclamation experiment and 2nd phase includes the growth performance of castor on post reclaimed saline sodic soil. The effects of Leaching (control), gypsum, FYM and FYM+Gypsum, later decomposed for 4, 8 and 12 weeks along with non-decomposed were assessed on reclamation of saline sodic soil. After 2 months of the reclamation process in columns the castor bean was grown on post reclaimed soil. The results suggested that the combination of FYM+Gypsum, produced the highest mean and relative plant growth, similarly the longest decomposition period, i.e. 12 weeks decomposition produced highest mean plant growth and relative ratios. It has been concluded that the reduction in EC and SAR does not ensure the productivity of reclaimed soil. The simple SQII developed showed that plant growth can be a good indicator of productive soil after reclamation.