Beneficial Effects of Cellulosic Bioenergy Crops On Soil Salinity and Sodicity Management.

This project addresses the sustainability issues associated with cellulosic bioenergy crops production on calcareous sodic soils. While utilizing saline lands using marginal quality water for cellulosic bioenergy crops is attractive, it is important to understand the long-term effects on soil properties for sustainable production. Past studies indicate that fibrous root system of grasses can have ameliorative effects on calcareous sodic soils typically found in arid regions of the world including El Paso region. Potential cellulosic bioenergy crops such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) may have positive ameliorating effects on soil properties; however, there is limited information available. Sorghum, and switchgrass cultivar(s) were screened for salt tolerance and the performance of most tolerant cultivars (one for each crop) are being evaluated  in a greenhouse experiment conducted over two years. The objective are to evaluate performance of cellulosic bioenergy crops under elevated salinity and their effects of on salinity and sodicity of soils amended with S, gypsum, and PAM.  Soil and drainage water samples will be collected and changes in salinity and sodicity of soils will be monitored during the experiment duration. The results of his experiment can help in developing appropriate salinity management practices for sustainable bioenergy crop production on calcareous sodic soils.