Effects of Plowing Depth and Organic Matter on Growing Dixie Grass (Sporobolus virginicus) on Northeastern Saline Soil : I. Improving Physical and Chemical Properties of Saline Soil

Abstract

We studied the effects of plowing depth and organic matters input on growing Dixie grass (Sporobolus virginicus (L.)) in salt-affected paddy field of Khon Kaen province. We found that plowing the grass plot at 30 cm depth resulted in better physical property and less electrical conductivity of the soils when compared to plowing at 15 cm depth. In addition, applying organic matters to the grass plots increased the amounts of organic matter and plant nutrients, improved soil structure, and reduced soil salinity. In this experiment, farm manure (C:N ratio 15:1) was more effective in improving soil properties and increasing plant nutrients than crop manure (C:N ratio 30:1) or rice husk (C:N ratio 119:1). The Dixie grass plot receiving 30 cm plowing and 3 ton/rai of farm manure had the highest dry matter yield of 705 kg/rai from two harvestings (3 and 6 months after planting).