Synergistic use of saline water and poultry manure for sustainable potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production under calcareous soil conditions

Abstract

This study investigates a sustainable agricultural approach to address water scarcity and soil salinity while enhancing crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted during the 2024 fall season to evaluate the combined effects of saline irrigation water and organic fertilizers on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation in calcareous soils. The experimental design employed a split-plot arrangement with three replications, comparing two water quality treatments (fresh vs saline) and multiple organic fertilizer applications (poultry and cow manure at 0%, 2%, and 4% concentrations). Results demonstrated that saline water irrigation, when combined with 4% poultry manure, significantly enhanced potato growth and yield parameters. This synergistic treatment produced the highest values in key metrics: 17.6 secondary branches per plant, 2024.3 cm² leaf area, 63.1 cm plant height, and 808.67 g yield per plant. Furthermore, tuber dry matter content increased significantly under this treatment regime. The findings suggest that strategic integration of saline water resources with appropriate organic amendments can effectively mitigate salinity stress while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This approach offers viable solutions for regions facing water scarcity and soil degradation, contributing to sustainable food production systems.