Reclamation of Sodic Soil and Improving Crop Yield in Northern Great Plains Soils.

Reclamation of Sodic Soil and Improving Crop Yield in Northern Great Plains Soils

Birru G.¹, Malo D¹. , Clay D¹., Reese C¹ Carlson C¹,Clay S.¹, DeSutter T², Kharl T¹. & Owen R¹.

¹ Department of Plant Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

² Department of Soil Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

Abstract

Extensive tile drainage installation induced sodicity has become a concern in the Northern Great Plains soils.  If the problem persists it could continue to be a treat to the environment and result in a significant yield reduction. A field study was conducted in White Lake and Redfield of the Northern Great Plain. The study used a split-split plot design with 4 and 3 replications in White lake and Redfield respectively. The treatments were tillage ( no tillage; shallow tillage, 2-2.4 inch); deep tillage, 4-5 inch and cover cropping (cover crop and sole planting) and surface treatments of 27.7 kg ha^-1, 23.86 kg ha^-1, 5.14 kg ha^-1 of Gypsum, Calcium Chloride  and Elemental S respectively were applied. Barely and sugar beet at the rate of 562.3 gm and 75 gm respectively was be planted for one block (120 feet x 20 feet), in the middle 6 rows. In Redfield  all the treatments like White lake was applied except the additional treatment of drainage (controlled, tile drainage and no drainage). Grain yield and Stover yield were measured and reported. A total of 32 points infiltration field measurements were taken with a double ring infiltrometer. Initial soil samples from each plots were analyzed for basic soil parameters.

The two study sites were distinctly different in soil properties. Higher yield has been recorded under cover crop treatment than in non-cover crop treatment in Redfield and White lake site. Controlled drainage had a better yield response than free drainage. Application of surface amendments, deep tillage and cover crop treatments appears to improve the infiltration of the soil after 3 months application. However, considering the short interval between the application and the measurement period some more measurements are needed to make conclusive statement. The combined effects of the treatments on soil infiltration are generally promising. Cover crop practice in sodic soil management seems impressive. Deep tillage had also advantage over shallow tillage in White lake site in improving crop yield and soil properties. The chemical amendments had a variable response in in terms of yield and water infiltration in both locations. A long term monitoring as to the integrated effect of this treatments on soil properties and crop yield is required.