Effect of Planting Methods and Gypsum Application on Yield and Water Productivity of Wheat under Salinity Conditions in North Nile Delta

Abstract

Salinity and water shortage are the most important factors limiting crop productivity, so increasing the productivity of salt-affected soils is important to address the global food gap. Two field experiments were conducted under typical farm conditions in the North Nile Delta to study the effect of planting methods and gypsum application on wheat yield and water productivity under a range of water and soil salinity levels. In the first experiment, wheat was treated with gypsum (25%, 75%, and 100% gypsum-requirement) with moderate or high salinity in soil and water. The second experiment was conducted for two seasons at two sites to test three planting methods (flat, 60-cm furrows, and 120-cm raised-beds) under normal or high salinity levels of both soil and water. The results showed that gypsum alleviated the hazardous effects of salinity stress on grain yield. Raised furrows or beds under higher salinity levels increased soil salinity, and soil salinity was slightly increased with flat plots. Higher yields, water savings, and water productivities were achieved with raised furrows or beds under normal salinity. To improve yield under normal salinity conditions, raised beds are the recommended planting method. Furthermore, gypsum application in cultivated fields can mitigate the negative effects of salinity stress.