Amelioration of Salt Affected Soils and Improvement of Rice and Wheat Yields by Adding Compost and Foliar Spray of Zinc, Potassium and Compost Tea

Abstract

Amelioration of salt-affected soils requires an integrated management approach, by eco-friendly environmental methods which help improve soil properties, increases crop yield and quality.  Hence, a study was done to evaluate the performances of combined use of compost and foliar application of Zn, K and compost tea. In salt affected soil in the rice-wheat system. A field experiment at El Hamool district, Kafr El Sheikh governorate, Egypt was carried out during 2019 summer for rice and 2020 winter season for wheat. A split plot design with three replicates was performed. The main plots were occupied by levels of compost: C1 (2MgFed.-1), C2 (4MgFed.-1) and C3 (6MgFed.-1), (Fed= 0.41ha). Whereas, sub-plots were foliar application: control (T1), Zinc sulphate (T2), Mono potassium phosphate (T3), compost tea (T4), Zinc + potassium (T5), zinc + compost tea (T6), potassium + CT (T7) and Zn + PK + CT (T8). ECe and SAR) were significant decreased due to application of compost up to C3 (6MgFed.-1) while CEC and organic carbon were significantly increased by compost application, C3(6MgFed.-1). The highest results were recorded  due to use of Zn+PK+CT and compost. The grain and straw yields of both rice and wheat were markedly increased due to application of compost and foliar nutrients. The highest values were noted with the interaction of C3 am and T8.Nitrogen uptake, N use efficiency and N-recovery for both rice and wheat were considerably increased due to application of compost and foliar treatments, the highest performance being observed in C3 coupled with T8.