Applying dredged sediment improves soil salinity environment and winter wheat production

Abstract

Sedimentation and soil salinization are of serious concern in the Yellow River Delta. This study explores novel applications of dredged sediment to improve soil salinity environment and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) production. Filed trials consisted of a control and applications of sediment at 100 Mg/ha (S100) and 200 Mg/ha (S200) replicated randomly within two blocks. Wheat growth and yield were assessed along with measurements of soil properties. Results indicated that sediment application significantly improved wheat growth. Wheat economic yield for S100 and S200 was 35% and 73% more than for the control. We attributed the improved wheat growth and yield to the reduced soil electrical conductivity, which, in turn, was associated with increased soil macropores and hydraulic conductivity with the incorporation of sandy sediment into the clayey saline soil. This study reveals that incorporating dredged Yellow River sediment into the saline land is a feasible agricultural practice in the Yellow River Delta.