ANU SEHRAWAT, PRIYANKA CHANDRA, NIRMALENDU BASAK, ARVIND KUMAR RAI*, PARUL SUNDHA, POOJA DHULI, AMAN KUMAR AND MUKESH YADAV
ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal-132 001 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: raiarvindkumar@gmail.com; Mobile: 8168113559; AK Rai; orcid.org/0000-0002-8045 9828)
(Received: June 20, 2025; Accepted: July 15, 2025)
ABSTRACT
Salt-affected soils (SAS), particularly sodic soils, severely limit agricultural productivity due to poor soil structure, high pH and sodium toxicity. This study evaluated the combined effect of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on wheat performance in sodic soils. Results showed that FGDG significantly improved plant height, tillering, spike traits, grain and straw yield and chlorophyll content. AMF inoculation further enhanced wheat growth and productivity, especially under 100% GR. The FGDG + AMF combination led to maximum yield and physiological improvement, indicating a synergistic effect. These findings suggest that integrating FGDG and AMF is a sustainable strategy for reclaiming sodic soils and improving crop productivity.
Key words: Sodic soils, flue gas desulfurization gypsum, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, crop productivity