Combined Application of Desulfurization Gypsum and Biochar for Improving Saline-Alkali Soils: A Strategy to Improve Newly Reclaimed Cropland in Coastal Mudflats

Peijun Wang (), Qi Liu, Shenglong Fan, Jing Wang, Shouguo Mu and Chunbo Zhu
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Peijun Wang: Research Center for Land Use and Ecological Security Governance in Mining Area, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Qi Liu: College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Shenglong Fan: Innovation Center of Engineering Technology for Monitoring and Restoration of Ecological Fragile Areas in Southeast China of MNR, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Jing Wang: School of Public Policy and Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Shouguo Mu: School of Public Policy and Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Chunbo Zhu: School of Public Policy and Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 9, 1-22

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of combined (mixed) application of desulfurization gypsum and biochar on crop growth and soil properties in the saline-alkali soils of coastal mudflats through indoor pot experiments and eight experimental ameliorant treatments. Among them, CK was the control of newly reclaimed cropland in the study area with no added ameliorator, treatment A was desulfurization gypsum applied alone, and treatment F was biochar applied alone, while treatments B, C, D, and E were set as a combination of desulfurization gypsum and biochar treatments with different ratios, and treatment G was a local multi-year improved farmland soil with no added ameliorator. Additionally, an evaluation index system was established for evaluating the saline-alkali soil improvement in the newly reclaimed cropland. Finally, the improvement effect was evaluated by assessing soil physical and chemical indicators, as well as nutrient and crop growth indicators. Based on the results, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Desulfurization gypsum and biochar significantly improved the soil physicochemical properties. Both single and mixed application of desulfurization gypsum significantly increased soil Ca 2+ , SO 4 2− , and Mg 2+ contents and significantly reduced soil pH, sodium adsorption ratio, and bulk density. Both single and mixed application of biochar significantly reduced soil bulk density and significantly increased water-soluble K + , field capacity (water-holding capacity), available phosphorus, available potassium, and organic matter contents. (2) Both single and mixed application of desulfurization gypsum and biochar demonstrated effectiveness in promoting crop growth, where the fresh weight, dry weight, plant height, and leaf area of peanut were higher than those of treatments CK and G. Treatment A (desulfurization gypsum 100 g/kg) was the most effective ameliorant treatment, in terms of improving the fresh and dry weight of peanut. Treatment C (desulfurization gypsum 75 g/kg, biochar 20 g/kg) had the most significant effect on peanut plant height and leaf area. (3) After 60 days of planting, the improvement effect of each treatment was ranked as C > A > E > B > D > F > G > CK. The treatments with a desulfurization gypsum–biochar combination and desulfurization gypsum alone had the best improvement effect, followed by the treatment with biochar alone.

Keywords: desulfurization gypsum; biochar; coastal mudflat; saline-alkali soil; TOPSIS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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