IMPROVING SOME PROPERTIES OF SALINE SOIL USING ZEOILITE, VERMICOMPOST AND BIOCHAR IN THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SORGHUM

Authors

  • Mustafa Ali Adnan Al-Janabi College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Iraq , Baghdad, Iraq
  • Abbas Khudhiar Abbas Jarallah Department of Desertification Combat, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Baghdad,Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36103/ceep9j72

Keywords:

available water soil conditioners, bulk density, field capacity, wilting point

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to improve the properties of saline soil using zeolite, vermicompost, biochar and their interaction on growth and yield of Sorghum. The study included three levels of zeolite (0, 6 and 12 Mg ha-1) (Z0, Z1 and Z2), two levels of vermicompost (0 and 10 Mg ha-1) (V0 and V1) and three levels of biochar (0, 5 and 10 Mg ha-1). The experiment was carried out according to randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results show that addition of zeolite, vermicompost and biochar had a significant effect on soil physical and chemical properties. 12 Mg ha-1 level of zeolite, 10 Mg ha-1 level of vermicompost, and 10 Mg ha-1 level of biochar achieved the lowest value for bulk density while they achieved the highest values, for moisture content at field capacity, permanent wilting point and available water, while they achieved the lowest values for EC, SAR and ESP. As for interaction between three factors, the Z2V1B2 treatment (12 Mg ha-1 zeolite, 10 Mg ha-1 vermicompost and 10 Mg ha-1 biochar) excelled in achieving lowest value of bulk density reached 1.18 Mg m-3, highest values of moisture content in soil reached 35.63, 18.63 and 17.00% for field capacity , permanent wilting point  and available water, respectively, and lowest values of soil EC, SAR and ESP reached 3.00 dS m-1, 3.15 (mmol L-1)0.5 and 7.4% , respectively. The study factors and their interactions achieved the highest response in growth and yield plant parameters.

Received: 16/2/2025

Accepted: 28/5/2025

Published: 31/8/2026

References

Ai, F., He, L., Li, Q., Li, B., Zhang, K., Yang, H., & Zhang, C. (2023). Vermicompost combined with soil conditioner improves the ecosystem multifunctionality in saline-alkali land. Water, 15(17), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15173075 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w15173075

Aiad, M. A., Khalifa, T. H. H., Shabana, M. M. A., Zoghdan, M. G., Shaker, E. M., Eid, M. S. M., Ammar, K. A., Al-Dhumri, S. A., & Kheir, A. M. S. (2021). Combined application of compost, zeolite and a raised bed planting method alleviate salinity stress and improve cereal crop productivity in arid regions. Agronomy, 11(12), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122495 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122495

Alabi, D. O., Coopoosamy, R., Naidoo, K., & Georgina, A. (2023). Vermicompost a sustainable bio-stimulant and control for agricultural enhancement in Africa. Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Research, 13(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3389/2593-489

Ali, N. S., Rahi, H. S., & Shaker, A. A. (2014). Soil fertility. Dar Al-Kotob Alamya.

Al-Janabi, H. Y. (2016). Applied Land Reclamation. Department of the Univ. Printing Press, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University.

Al-Maamori, H. A. (2024). Vermicompost production by earthworms and its role in sustainable agriculture. International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, 6(3), 39.

Alwan, Y. A. H., Abbood, M. A., & Mohammed, H. A. (2023). Effect of zeolite and silica gel in regulating the water requirement of cabbage and their effect on some physical properties of the soil. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1262(8), 082015. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1262/8/082015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1262/8/082015

Belviso, C., Satriani, A., Lovelli, S., Comegna, A., Coppola, A., Dragonetti, G., Cavalcante, F., & Rivelli, A. R. (2022). Impact of zeolite from coal fly ash on soil hydro physical properties and plant growth. Agriculture, 12(3), 356–369. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12030356 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12030356

Ceritoglu, M., Şahin, S., & Erman, M. (2018). Effects of vermicompost on plant growth and soil structure. Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 32(3), 607–615. https://doi.org/10.15316/SJAFS.2018.143 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15316/SJAFS.2018.143

Chen, X., Liu, L., Yang, Q., Xu, H., Shen, G., & Chen, Q. (2024). Optimizing biochar application rates to improve soil properties and crop growth in saline–alkali soil. Sustainability, 16(6), 2523. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062523 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062523

Choudhary, G., Swaroop, N., Thomas, T., David, A. A., & Kumar, K. (2023). Effect of vermicompost and Zn on physico-chemical properties of soil in cultivation of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. supper green. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 13(8), 1638–1644. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2023/v13i82114 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2023/v13i82114

El-Sayed, M. E. A., Hazman, M., Abd El-Rady, A. G., Almas, L., McFarland, M., Shams El Din, A., & Burian, S. (2021). Biochar reduces the adverse effect of saline water on soil properties and wheat production profitability. Agriculture, 11(11), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11111112 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11111112

EL-Shaieny, A-H. A. H., Farrag, H. M., Bakr, A. A. A., & Abdelrasheed, K. G. (2022). Combined use of compost, compost tea, and vermicompost tea improves soil properties, and growth, yield, and quality of (Allium cepa L.). Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 50(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha50112565 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha50112565

Emamu, T., & Wakgari, T. (2021). The effect of integrated application of Vermicompost and NPS fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) crop at Toke Kutaye district, Western Ethiopia. Stechnolock Plant Biology Research, 1(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaas.20210705.16

Environmental Statistics Department. (2023). Environmental Statistics for Iraq (Agricultural Indicators) for 2022. Central Statistical Organization, Ministry of Planning.

Farooqi, Z. U. R., Abdul Qadir, A., Khalid, S., Murtaza, G., Ashraf, M. N., Rahman, S. U., Javed, W., Waqas, M. A., & Xu, M. (2024). Greenhouse gas emissions, carbon stocks and wheat productivity following biochar, compost and vermicompost amendments: Comparison of non-saline and salt-affected soils. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56381-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56381-y

Gao, Z. W., Ding, J., Ali, B., Nawaz, M., Hassan, M. U., Ali, A., Rasheed, A., Khan, M. N., Ozdemir, F. A., Iqbal, R., & Çig, A. (2024). Putting Biochar in Action: A black gold for efficient mitigation of salinity stress in plants. ACS Omega, 9(29), 31237–31253. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c07921 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c07921

Ghorbani, M., Amirahmadi, E., Konvalina, P., Moudry, J., Barta, J., Kopecky, M., Teodorescu, R. I., & Bucur, R. D. (2022). Comparative influence of biochar and zeolite on soil hydrological indices and growth characteristics of corn (Zea mays L.). Water, 14(21), 3506. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14213506 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w14213506

Girijaveni, V., Reddy, K. S., Sharma, K. L., & Moulika, G. (2018). Zeolites are emerging soil amendments for improving soil physical and chemical properties in agriculture: A Review. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology, 11(6), 841–849.

https://doi.org/10.30954/0974-1712.12.2018.5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30954/0974-1712.12.2018.5

Hoque, M. N., Imran, S., Hannan, A., Paul, N. C., Mahamud, M. A., Chakrobortty, J., Sarker, P., Irin, I. J., Brestic, M., & Rhaman, M. S. (2022). Organic amendments for mitigation of salinity stress in plants: A review. Life, 12(10), 1632–1654. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12101632 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/life12101632

Hummadi, A. S. (2009). National Action Program to Combat Desertification in Iraq. Ministry of Agriculture.

Ibrahim, M. M., Mahmoud, E. K., & Ibrahim, D. A. (2015). Effects of Vermicompost and Water Treatment Residuals on Soil Physical Properties and Wheat Yield. International Agrophysics, 29, 157–164. https://doi.org/10.1515/intag-2015-0029 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/intag-2015-0029

Khalifa, T. H. H., Ramadan, M. S. A., & Eid, M. S. (2021). Using Zeolite and Vermicompost Amendments to Improve Water Productivity of Wheat Irrigated by Low-quality Water in the Northern Nile Delta. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 33(24), 121-135.‏

DOI: 10.9734/IJPSS/2021/v33i2430760 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2021/v33i2430760

Korkunna, O., Leboda, R., Skubiszewska-Zieba, J., Vrublevs’ka, T., Gun, V. M., & Ryczkowski, J. (2006). Structural and physicochemical properties of natural zeolites: clinoptilolite and mordenite. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 87(3), 243–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2005.08.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2005.08.002

Kumar, M., Bharose, R., Thomas, T., & Naga, I. R. (2023). Influenced of vermicompost and biofertilizer on physico-chemical properties of soil under hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 35(15), 336–342. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2023/v35i153114 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2023/v35i153114

Lee, X., Yang, F., Xing, Y., Huang, Y., Xu, L., Liu, Z., Holtzman, R., Kan, I., Li, Y., Zhang, L., & Zhou, H. (2022). Use of biochar to manage soil salts and water: Effects and mechanisms. Catena, 211, 106018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2022.106018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2022.106018

Mebrahtom, S. (2024). Short term effect of vermicompost on soil chemical properties under maize (Zea mays L.) field in northern Ethiopia. Asian Soil Research Journal, 8(1), 46–55. https://doi.org/10.9734/asrj/2024/v8i1144 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/asrj/2024/v8i1144

Omondi, M. O., Xia, X., Nahayo, A., Liu, X., Korai, P. K., & Pan, G. (2016). Quantification of biochar effects on soil hydrological properties using meta-analysis of literature data. Geoderma, 274, 28–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2016.03.029 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2016.03.029

Page, A. L., Miller, R. H., & Kenney, D. R. (2002). Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 2. Chemical and Microbiological Properties. American Society of Agronomy, Inc.

Rajkovich, S., Enders, A., Hanley, K., Hyland, C., Zimmerman, A. R., & Lehmann, J. (2012). Corn growth and nitrogen nutrition after addition of biochars with varying properties to a temperate soil. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 48, 271–284. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-011-0624-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-011-0624-7

Ramesh, K., Biswas, A. K., & Patra, A. K. (2015). Zeolitic farming. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 60(2), 185–191. https://doi.org/10.59797/ija.v60i2.4453 DOI: https://doi.org/10.59797/ija.v60i2.4453

Salim, M. N., Ahmad, Z. I., Shah, G. A., Saifullah, K., & Anwar, A. (2024). Comparative efficiency of different organic fertilizers on sorghum growth, nutrient uptake and soil chemical properties. Journal of Tianjin University Science and Technology, 57(6), 521–537. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12530162

Shahbaz, M., & Ashraf, M. (2013). Improving salinity tolerance in cereals. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 32(4), 237–249. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352689.2013.758544 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07352689.2013.758544

Simansky, V., Horak, J., & Bordoloi, S. (2022). Improving the soil physical properties and relationship between soil properties in arable soils of contrasting texture enhancement using biochar substrates: Case study in Slovakia. Geoderma Regional, 28, e00443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geodrs.2021.e00443 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geodrs.2021.e00443

Steel, R. G. D., & Torrie, J. H. (1980). Principles and Procedures of Statistics. McGraw–Hill, Inc.

Sun, Y., Chen, X., Yang, J., Luo, Y., Yao, R., Wang, X., Xie, W., & Zhang, X. (2022). Biochar effects coastal saline soil and improves crop yields in a maize-barley rotation system in the tidal flat reclamation zone, China. Water, 14(20), 1–13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w14203204

Suradkar, R. K., Kadu, P. P., Kadlag, A. D., Durgude, A. G., & Surve, U. S. (2023). Effect of zeolite application on physico-chemical properties of soil at grand growth stage and after harvest of preseasonal sugarcane grown on inceptisol. The Pharma Innovation Journal, 12(8), 705–710.

Tang, C., Yang, J., Xie, W., Yao, R., & Wang, X. (2023). Effect of biochar application on soil fertility, nitrogen use efficiency and balance in coastal salt-affected soil under barley–maize rotation. Sustainability, 15(4), 2893. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15042893 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15042893

Ullah, I., Khan, S., Nawab, J., Khan, M. A., & Jehan, S. (2022). Hardwood modified and unmodified biochar amendments used for saline alkali soil remediation: phosphorus availability and its plant uptake. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 15, 910. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10157-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10157-8

Xiao, F., Zhou, B., Wang, H., Duan, M., & Feng, L. (2022). Effects of different soil amendments on physicochemical property of soda saline-alkali soil and crop yield in Northeast China. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 15(1), 192–198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25165/j.ijabe.20221501.6252

Xiao, W., Ding, J., Han, L., Tan, J., Ge, X., & Nan, Q. (2024). Biochar addition reduces salinity in salt-affected soils with no impact on soil pH: A meta-analysis. Geoderma, 443, 116845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2024.116845 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2024.116845

Zonayet, M., Paul, A. K., Faisal-E-Alam, M., Syfullah, K., Castanho, R. A., & Meyer, D. (2023). Impact of biochar as a soil conditioner to improve the soil properties of saline soil and productivity of tomato. Sustainability, 15(6), 4832. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064832 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064832

Downloads

Published

2026-08-31

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 8 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Mustafa Ali Adnan Al-Janabi, Abbas Khudhiar Abbas Jarallah

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Al-Janabi, M., & Jarallah, A. (2026). IMPROVING SOME PROPERTIES OF SALINE SOIL USING ZEOILITE, VERMICOMPOST AND BIOCHAR IN THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SORGHUM . IRAQI JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, 57(8), 2219-2233. https://doi.org/10.36103/ceep9j72