Efficacy of sulphuric acid and gypsum amendments on sodic soil reclamation under various water regimes

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of gypsum and sulphuric acid amendments to reclaim a sodic soil. A sodic soil filled in PVC columns was utilised for leaching studies. At a rate of 50% of the water holding capacity, 1% diluted sulphuric acid and 50% of gypsum were added. The soil column was subjected to leaching with four levels of water (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm). Continuous leaching was achieved when water application was repeated four times at a 24-hour interval. Leachate was collected from each soil column separately and characterised for pH, EC, cations, and anions. The characteristics of leachate varied significantly depending on the chemical amendments and the water level used. Sulphuric acid reclaimed the sodic soil more efficiently than gypsum amendment with water applications in the order of 20 > 15 > 10 > 5 cm.