Poor Emergence of <i>Brassica Species</i> in Saline-Sodic Soil Was Improved by Biochar Addition

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202502.1276.v1
• Publication Date: 2025-02-19T00:18:17Z
• Authors: Thandiwe Nleya; Sharon A. Clay; Unius Arinaitwe

Salt-affected soil areas are increasing in the Northern Great Plains (NGP) with patches occurring some of most productive croplands. High electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium and/or sulfate concentrations saline-sodic impede growth yield ‘normal’ [corn (Zea mays)/soybean (Glycine max)] rotational crops more appropriate management systems needed. Brassica sp. amendment application, such as biochar, may provide alternatives for these areas. In two greenhouse studies, 1) 10 canola (Brassica napus) genotypes were evaluated emergence non-saline (EC1:1 = 0.62 dS m-1), moderately (EC 5.17 highly 8.47 m-1) soils 2) three other brassicas juncea/B. oleracea) biomass or without 5% biochar (hardwood softwood) amendments. Canola at 28 days after planting (DAP) was less than 12% genotypes, although one had 37% emergence. The hardwood improved (42%) from compared to nonamended (29%), shoot similar among treatments 60 DAP. These findings suggest that specific salt-tolerant be an alternative crop NGP Florida broadleaf mustard, typically used forage, greatest (52%) a suitable cover addition, application aid plant establishment.