Yield enhancement of rice (Oryza sativa) by remediation of sodic soil

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2016–17 at Navalur Kuttapattu, Tamil Nadu to study the effect of sodic soil reclamation with the application of organic amendments on yield enhancement of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Application of gypsum @ 50% gypsum requirement (GR) + dhaincha [Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight] incorporation along with poultry manure @ 5 t/ha recorded higher grain yield (5.68 t/ha) and registered yield increase ranging from 13.0 to 38.9% compared to other amendments. Application of gypsum @ 50% GR + dhaincha incorporation + poultry manure @ 5 t/ha lowered pH (8.37), electrical conductivity (EC0.58 dS/m) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP 14.6) compared with the control (pH 9.08, EC 0.52dS/m and ESP 25.6). Post-harvest soil-available N, P and K were higher with the application of gypsum @ 50% GR + dhaincha + poultry manure @ 5 t/ha (N 271 kg/ha; P, 26.6 kg/ha; and K, 189 kg/ha).The higher net returns of 56,349/ha with benefit: cost (B: C) ratio of 2.41 was realized with gypsum @ 50% GR + dhaincha incorporation + poultry manure @ 5 t/ha. The combined application of gypsum @ 50% GR + dhaincha + poultry manure @ 5 t/ha was more effective in realizing higher yield, availability of nutrients and monetary benefits.