Boosting Wheat Yields in Salty Soil with Poultry Manure and Helpful Microbes

Jim Crocker
19th May, 2024

Boosting Wheat Yields in Salty Soil with Poultry Manure and Helpful Microbes

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, explored the effects of selected microbes and poultry manure on wheat growth in saline soil
  • The use of microbial strains and poultry manure significantly improved seedling emergence, physiological attributes, and nutrient uptake in wheat grown in saline soil
  • The combined application of microbes and poultry manure mitigated the negative impacts of soil salinity, enhancing wheat growth and yield
Soil salinity poses a significant threat to global food security by adversely affecting the growth and yield of cereal crops such as wheat. Addressing this issue is crucial to meet the food demands of an ever-increasing global population. A recent study conducted by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, aimed to explore the effects of selected microbes and poultry manure (PM) on wheat growth in saline soil[1]. This study could offer valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices for improving crop productivity under saline conditions. The experiment involved creating saline soil with a salinity level of 12 dS m−1 by adding sodium chloride. Two microbial strains, Alcaligenes faecalis MH-2 and Achromobacter denitrificans MH-6, along with poultry manure, were used to amend the soil. Wheat seeds (variety Akbar-2019) were then sown in both amended and unamended soil, and the pots were arranged in a completely randomized design. The wheat crop was harvested after 140 days to evaluate the effects on seedling emergence, physiology, nutrient uptake, and overall growth. The findings from this study are promising. The use of microbial strains and poultry manure significantly improved seedling emergence, physiological attributes, and nutrient uptake in wheat grown in saline soil. This aligns with previous research that highlights the benefits of organic amendments in enhancing soil quality and crop productivity. For instance, a study found that the combination of vermicompost and biochar improved wheat growth and yield by enhancing soil chemical properties and moisture content[2]. Similarly, the present study demonstrates that poultry manure and beneficial microbes can mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity, thereby improving wheat growth. Potassium (K+) plays a crucial role in various plant functions, including nutrient transport and stress responses[3]. The study observed that the application of poultry manure and microbial strains led to increased uptake of essential nutrients, including potassium. This improved nutrient uptake is vital for maintaining cellular functions and overall plant health, especially under saline conditions where nutrient imbalance is a common issue[4]. The enhanced nutrient uptake observed in this study further supports the importance of potassium in plant growth and stress tolerance. Furthermore, the study's findings are consistent with the notion that organic amendments can improve soil biological, physical, and chemical properties. Municipal solid waste compost, for example, has been shown to enhance soil fertility and crop yields in salt-affected soils[4]. The use of poultry manure in the present study similarly improved soil quality, thereby contributing to better wheat growth and yield. The study conducted by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, demonstrates that the combined application of selected microbes and poultry manure can effectively mitigate the negative impacts of soil salinity on wheat growth. By improving seedling emergence, physiological attributes, and nutrient uptake, these amendments offer a sustainable approach to enhancing crop productivity in saline soils. This research builds on previous findings and highlights the potential of organic amendments in addressing soil salinity, ultimately contributing to global food security.

AgricultureSustainabilityPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Enhanced wheat productivity in saline soil through the combined application of poultry manure and beneficial microbes

Published 18th May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05137-x

Related Studies

2) Minimizing hazard impacts of soil salinity and water stress on wheat plants by soil application of vermicompost and biochar.

https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.13261

3) Potassium Control of Plant Functions: Ecological and Agricultural Implications.

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020419

4) Municipal solid waste (MSW): Strategies to improve salt affected soil sustainability: A review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.11.020


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