NOXIOUS IMPACT OF SODIUM BICARBONATE (NaHCO3 ) ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND IONIC COMPOSITION OF RICE PLANTS

Abstract

This experiment was carried out during 2019 at Department of Soil Science, University of Sargodha, Pakistan to judge the toxic effect of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 ) commonly recognized as sodicity on soil chemical characteristics using rice as test crop. There were seven treatments with three replicates applied using completely randomized design (CRD). Various levels of sodicity were developed artificially including 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 SAR by using sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 ). Sufficient time was given for development of desired level of sodicity. Rice was used as test crop. Practices like irrigation, hoeing and weeds eradication were done as per crop requirement. Recommended doses of chemical fertilizer was applied. Crop was raised for 120 days and then collection of soil and plants samples were carried out from all pots for analysis of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) ion concentrations. Similarly, pH, EC and SAR were also determined from all soil samples. Results revealed that deterioration of soil properties (pH, EC and SAR) occurred by the addition of NaHCO3 as values of these properties were negatively affected by increased levels of sodicity. Numerical values of soil pH raised from 7.78 to 9.35, EC from 1.85 to 6.13 dS/m, SAR from 9.80 to 41.53 and ESP from 11.64 to 37.49 me/ L respectively. Regarding ionic composition of rice, an increase in Na ion and decrease in K ion concentration was observed in all treatments in comparison with control. Potassium content in rice decreased from 2.3 to 1.2% while sodium concentration was raised from 102.26 to 410.14 me/L. Toxic effect of sodicity on soil pH, EC, SAR and ESP as well as Na/K ratio in rice plants were enhanced with increasing levels of NaHCO3 .