Application of Beet Sugar Byproducts Improves Maize Growth and Salt Redistribution in Saline Soils

Maize, an important component of global food security, is threatened by various abiotic stresses. Salinity is a global problem that negatively impacts about 20% of irrigated soils and reduces crop productivity. An experiment was conducted in an open glasshouse to evaluate the response of the Single-Hybrid 10 maize cultivar in saline soil to the application of the beet sugar FC treated with a mixture of phosphoric and sulfuric acids (TFC) and molasses. Plant height and fresh and dry weight of the maize plants were significantly increased as a result of the application of 5 ton ha(-1) of TFC and 125 L ha(-1) of molasses. Besides, the application of 5 ton and 125 L ha(-1) of TFC and molasses, respectively, reduced the accumulation of Na while enhancing the accumulation of Ca and K in maize plants. The highest soil contents of K+, Ca2+, Mg+, HCO32-, and SO4- as well as the available N, P, and K, and the lowest contents of Na+ and Cl- as well as the lowest electric conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) resulted from applying TFC and molasses at the rates of 5 ton and 125 L ha(-1), respectively. Treating beet sugar FC with a mixture of phosphoric and sulfuric acids improved the solubility of various components and reduced the economic cost of converting FC into an efficient soil amendment. TFC is a promising organic amendment of saline soils that could promote plant growth and biofortification by improving the soil physiochemical properties.

Automated summary

Maize, a key component of global food security, faces threats from abiotic stresses such as salinity. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of using beet sugar FC treated with phosphoric and sulfuric acids (TFC) and molasses on a maize cultivar in saline soil. The application of 5 tons of TFC and 125 liters of molasses significantly increased plant height and fresh and dry weights of the maize plants, while reducing sodium accumulation and increasing calcium and potassium accumulation. Applying TFC and molasses also improved soil properties and reduced economic costs. TFC shows promise as an organic amendment for saline soils to enhance plant growth and biofortification.