Introduction
Soil salinity is one of the most serious challenges affecting agricultural productivity worldwide, particularly in irrigated and arid regions. Excess salts in the root zone restrict water uptake, disrupt nutrient balance, and ultimately reduce crop yield and quality. Mustard (Brassica juncea L.), an important oilseed crop, is moderately sensitive to salinity stress. This research focuses on innovative salt removal techniques using residue-filled cut-soiler simulated preferential shallow subsurface drainage to improve soil conditions and enhance mustard performance under saline environments.
Mechanism of Preferential Shallow Subsurface Drainage
Preferential shallow subsurface drainage works by creating controlled flow pathways that facilitate the downward and lateral movement of saline water away from the root zone. The residue-filled cut-soiler enhances soil porosity and continuity, allowing salts to be leached efficiently without disturbing surface soil structure. This mechanism improves soil aeration and water infiltration, creating a more favorable environment for root growth and microbial activity.
Impact on Soil Salinity and Root-Zone Environment
The application of residue-filled cut-soiler drainage significantly reduces salt accumulation in the upper soil layers where mustard roots are most active. By lowering electrical conductivity and sodium concentration, the system mitigates osmotic stress and ion toxicity. Improved root-zone conditions support better nutrient uptake, enhanced root development, and sustained physiological processes essential for crop growth.
Effects on Mustard Yield and Quality
Improved salt removal directly translates into higher mustard yield and better seed quality. Reduced salinity stress enhances photosynthetic efficiency, biomass accumulation, and pod formation. Additionally, better soil moisture availability and nutrient balance contribute to improved oil content and seed uniformity, making the crop more suitable for both commercial production and processing industries.
Influence on Plant Water Relations
Plant water relations are critically influenced by soil salinity. The drainage system improves soil water potential, enabling mustard plants to maintain better leaf water status and stomatal conductance. Enhanced water uptake efficiency leads to improved transpiration regulation and resilience against water stress, particularly during sensitive growth stages.
Implications for Sustainable Agriculture
The integration of residue-filled cut-soiler shallow subsurface drainage offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing saline soils. This approach supports long-term soil health, optimizes water use efficiency, and promotes stable crop productivity. The findings provide valuable guidance for developing climate-resilient agricultural systems and can be adapted to other salt-sensitive crops beyond mustard.
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