The Role of Compost and Biochar in Improving Saline-Affected Soil Characteristics and Total Nutrient Uptake of Rice Grains in The Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Linh, T.T.; Phuong, N.T.K.; Minh, D.D.; Linh, T.B.; My, H.M.T.; Khoi, C.M.

doi:10.21608/svuijas.2024.293302.1374

The Role of Compost and Biochar in Improving Saline-Affected Soil Characteristics and Total Nutrient Uptake of Rice Grains in The Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Agricultural Extension Center of Kien Giang Province, Vietnam, Kien Giang City, PMB 12345, Vietnam. / Faculty of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Vietnam, Can Tho City, PMB 67890, Vietnam

² Faculty of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Vietnam, Can Tho City, PMB 67890, Vietnam.

10.21608/svuijas.2024.293302.1374

Abstract

The Mekong River Delta (MRD) in the south of Vietnam is one of the most favorable areas for agricultural activities. In recent years, the impact of saline water intrusion has been evident in the MRD, leading to yield losses in many rice-growing regions. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compost and biochar amendment in improving some physical and chemical properties of saline-affected soil and, thus, maintaining the sustainability of rice growing systems in MRD of Vietnam. The field experiments were arranged in a completely randomized block consisting of four treatments with four replications: Triple rice crops per year, double rice crops per year, double rice crops per year applied with compost at a rate of 3 tons ha^-1, and the double rice crops per year applied with biochar at a rate of 10 tons ha^-1. Soil characteristics were analyzed, including bulk density, porosity, electrical conductivity, amount of dissolved and exchangeable Na+, K+, Ca2+ cations, and soil exchangeable sodium percentage. Rice straw biomass and total uptake of N, P, and K were also recorded at harvest. This study demonstrated that compost and biochar amendments could decrease soil bulk density and increase soil porosity in the top soil layer (at a depth of 0-15 cm). In addition, the application of compost significantly increased exchangeable Ca²⁺ concentration and total uptake of N in rice grains. Applying biochar significantly increased exchangeable K+ concentration in soil and the total uptake of N and K in rice grains.

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