No abstract

In many areas, soil salinization is a major threat to ecosystems, agriculture, and food security. Human activities and climate change contribute to its increasing prevalence. In Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima is the most severely affected province in the country’s Northeast region, and was selected for this study. The underlying geology and human activities both contribute to the problem in this area. The roots of field crops bring saline groundwater up into the rhizosphere. Evaporation at the soil surface leads to salinization, reducing crop growth, and, ultimately, rendering the soil barren. This research aimed to improve the quality of saline soil using rice husk biochar (RHB) to enable rice cultivation and limit evaporation. The study examined the effect of RHB incorporation on improving the soil properties. Jasmine rice variety KDML 105 was planted in cement rings (80 cm diameter) filled with saline sodic soil at pH 10.6, with a total sodium content of 0.83%, electrical conductivity (EC) of 68.6 dS/m, and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of 11707. The results indicated that RHB can significantly reduce the soil salinity, EC, Na+ content, and SAR value, while elevating the levels of available macronutrients, such as nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium. In addition, the study found that incorporation of RHB at a rate of 1.5 kg/cement ring was optimal for growing Jasmine Rice (KDML105) under these conditions.