Impact of Gypsum and Bio-Priming of Maize Grains on Soil Properties, Physiological Attributes and Yield under Saline–Sodic Soil Conditions

Abstract

In order to enhance soil qualities and boost crop output, gypsum, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and chitosan are all viable solutions. This study’s goal was to find out how different amounts of chitosan—0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L−1—in combination with gypsum and PGPR inoculation (Azospirillum lipoferum + Bacillus subtilis), affected the yield of maize plants growing in saline–sodic soil. Field tests were carried out in triplicate across two growing seasons, 2020 and 2021, using a split plot design. According to the findings, applying the gypsum + PGPR + 50 mg L−1 chitosan treatment (T8) considerably improved plant physiology (chlorophyll, carotenoids, and proline levels), nutrient indicators (N, K+ and K+/Na+ ratio), soil enzyme activity (dehydrogenase, urease, amylase, and invertase), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and porosity. On the other hand, we revealed positive effects on Na+, bulk density (BD), electrical conductivity (EC), and the proportion of exchangeable sodium (ESP), thus, enhancing the productivity compared to the alternative treatment. Therefore, it might be inferred that using gypsum, microbial inoculation, and 50 mg L−1 chitosan may be a key strategy for reducing the detrimental effects of salinity on maize plants.

Seed biopriming as a promising approach for stress tolerance and enhancement of crop productivity: a review

“…95,96 Studies have shown the positive correlation between the biopriming and activities of soil enzymes, including urease, dehydrogenase, cellulase, alkaline phosphatase and invertase. 97,98 Furthermore, the combination of biopriming and gypsum amendment significantly enhanced the bulk density, electrical conductivity and proportion of exchangeable sodium of salinesodic soil. 98 Seeds bioprimed with T. asperellum combined with inorganic fertilizer amendment showed a significant improvement in soil cation exchange capacity and nutrient (i.e.…”

“…97,98 Furthermore, the combination of biopriming and gypsum amendment significantly enhanced the bulk density, electrical conductivity and proportion of exchangeable sodium of salinesodic soil. 98 Seeds bioprimed with T. asperellum combined with inorganic fertilizer amendment showed a significant improvement in soil cation exchange capacity and nutrient (i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) status of the soil.…”

“…The activity of soil enzymes substantially governs nutrient cycling in the soil and subsequently regulates their availability to the plants, and henceforth is considered as a soil health indicator 95,96 . Studies have shown the positive correlation between the biopriming and activities of soil enzymes, including urease, dehydrogenase, cellulase, alkaline phosphatase and invertase 97,98 . Furthermore, the combination of biopriming and gypsum amendment significantly enhanced the bulk density, electrical conductivity and proportion of exchangeable sodium of saline‐sodic soil 98 .…”

Liming potential and characteristics of biochar produced from woody and non-woody biomass at different pyrolysis temperatures

“…Biochar addition to the soil increases its pH and improves nutrient availability and uptake by plants 17 . For example, biochar increases the availability of fixed phosphorous with high contents of aluminum (Al 3+ ) and iron (Fe 2+ ) under acidic conditions 18 , and improves the bioavailability of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ 19 . Different feedstocks have been examined for biochar production to improve soil properties, including wood-biomass, agricultural crop residues (rice straw and husk, wheat straw) as well as grasses 20 .…”

Potential Impacts of Certain N2-Fixing Bacterial Strains and Mineral N Doses for Enhancing the Growth and Productivity of Maize Plants

“…[13]. Several studies showed that application of bio-fertilizers in combination with chemical ones improved growth and yield of the crops [14][15][16][17].…”