A review of organic and inorganic amendments to treat saline-sodic soils: Emphasis on waste valorization for a circular economy approach

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2024-04, Vol.921, p.171087-171087, Article 171087
• Main Authors: Elmeknassi, Malak, Elghali, Abdellatif, de Carvalho, Hudson Wallace Pereira, Laamrani, Ahmed, Benzaazoua, Mostafa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amendment; base saturation; Biochar; Circular economy; decision making; environment; life cycle assessment; microbial activity; mineral content; Phosphogypsum; plant development; plant growth; Saline-sodic soil; salinity; salt stress; sodium; soil fertility; soil salinization; sorption; stakeholders; texture; Waste valorization
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171087

Soil salinization poses a significant challenge to the sustainable advancement of agriculture on a global scale. This environmental issue not only hampers plant growth and soil fertility but also hinders the advancement of the national economy due to restrictions on plant development. The utilization of organic and/or inorganic amendments has demonstrated the ability to mitigate the detrimental impacts of salt stress on plant life. At the outset, this review, in addition to summarizing current knowledge about soil amendments for saline-sodic soils, also aims to identify knowledge gaps requiring further research. The organic or inorganic amendments modify soil conditions and impact plant development. For instance, organic amendments have the potential to improve the structure of the soil, augment its capacity to retain water, and stimulate microbial activity. As this occurs, salts gradually leach through the porous structure of the soil. Conversely, inorganic amendments, such as gypsum and phosphogypsum, displace sodium from soil-negative sorption sites reducing the salinity, they also increase base saturation, altogether positively impacting plant growth conditions. This review emphasizes that, under adequate rates, the combination of organic and inorganic amendment has a high potential to enhance the poor physicochemical properties of saline-sodic soils, thereby reducing their salinity. Consequently, an in-depth examination of the mineral composition, texture, and chemical composition of the soil is required to choose the most effective amendment to implement. Future research necessitates a thorough investigation of techno-economic and life cycle assessment, with active involvement from stakeholders, to enhance the decision-making process of the amendments in specific localities. [Display omitted] •Biochar and compost have been extensively researched as organic amendments.•Gypsum and phosphogypsum show great potential as inorganic amendments.•Macroporous leaching and Na+ exchange with Ca2+ are the mechanisms responsible for saline soil desalination.•High salinity may be decreased while adhering to a circular economy strategy by valorizing waste as an amendment.