Reclamation of Sodic Soils and Improvement of Corn Seed Germination Using Spent Grains, Cheese Whey, Gypsum, and Compost

Abstract

Incubation and germination experiments were carried out to evaluate spent grain, cheese whey, gypsum, and compost for reclamation of sodic soils and enhancing corn (Zea mays L.) germination. Results indicated that all organic amendments effectively reduced exchangeable sodium percent (ESP), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and soil pH, while they enhanced soil organic matter, macronutrients, and corn germination percentages compared with gypsum and control. The positive impacts of all amendments followed the arrangement: spent grain > cheese whey > compost > gypsum > control. Moreover, one-month incubation was enough time for amendments to mitigate soil sodicity before crop plantation.

Keywords

• sodic soils
• industrial by-products
• cheese whey
• organic amendments
• <i>Zea mays</i> L.