Influence of Phosphogypsum on The Performance of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) and Properties of Sodic Soil of Alage, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Aims Effect of phosphogypsum (PG) level and its application method on the performance of wheat and the chemical properties of sodic soils. Methods The field experiment was arranged as a split-plot design with three replications. Two methods of PG application (band and broadcast) were allocated as the main plot, and five PG levels (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200% GR) were randomly assigned as subplots. The experiments were repeated on plots and pots that were used for growing haricot beans using the same treatments and design. After two successive harvestings, soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from each plot to compare treatment effects and analyzed for chemical properties. Results Results revealed that PG levels significantly reduced soil pH, ESP, and exchangeable Na+, whereas exchangeable Ca, SO4 − 2, and available P were significantly increased compared with control in both methods of PG application. Grain and straw yields, P uptake, and protein contents were also significantly increased with increasing levels of PG. However, yields were significantly decreased when growing the crop on plots and pots previously used for haricot beans. Yield reduction during the second growing might be due to the reduction of available P in the soil solution. Soil chemical properties and wheat yield better under band PG application than broadcasted plots. Conclusions The study showed that the PG amendment offers twin benefits in reclaiming the sodic soil and providing P and SO4 − 2 for growing crops. Repeating the experiment using higher levels of PG and at other sites on sodic soil is recommended to draw sound conclusions.