Effect of Different Fertilization Measures on Soil Salinity and Nutrients in Salt-Affected Soils

Saline soil from the coast is a valuable and readily available resource. It is also a valuable resource for reserving arable land. Adding organic fertilizers to salinized soils is an effective method of enhancement. However, saline soils cannot be improved using a single measure, and the effects of compound measures of organic fertilizers combined with mineral elements, such as humic acid, are significant and worthy of further examination. To explore the effects of various measures on the features of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient changes in coastal salinized soils in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, a ryegrass-alfalfa rotation with organic fertilizer and compound measures was designed. The findings indicated that the total nitrogen (TN) content of the soil increased and that all organic fertilizer composites decreased the electrical conductivity of the surface soil. However, the organic fertilizer with microbial fertilizer and humic acid was especially effective at regulating the pH and electrical conductivity of the surface soil when salts were prone to accumulation. In conclusion, our findings highlight new approaches to lowering salinity and boosting fertility in coastal saline soils: organic fertilizer with microbial fertilizers and humic acid, as well as organic fertilizer with attapulgite clay.

Automated summary

The combination of organic fertilizer with microbial fertilizer and humic acid is an effective measure to regulate the pH and electrical conductivity of coastal saline soils. Additionally, the combination of organic fertilizer with attapulgite clay can reduce the electrical conductivity of the surface soil.