Prospects of using gypsum to conserve water and improve wheat yield in rainfed aridisols

A long term field study (2005-10) was carried out at the farmer's field to evaluate the residual effect of gypsum on soil moisture conservation and wheat production under rainfed conditions. the treatments included application of gypsum @ 0,1 and 2 t/ha,and its comparison with farmer practice (f.p). the basal dose of fertilizers npk was applied @ 120,80,60 kg/ha every year before the sowing of wheat. soil samples were collected before the sowing of wheat every year for soil moisture determination. gypsum application not only resulted in an increase in soil moisture contents (up to 41%) but also improved grain yield up to 23% and straw yield up to 19%. the effect of gypsum was noticeable during low rainfall years compared to control (0 t/ha gypsum). the results showed that the gypsum could be an effective additive for soil amendment,enhancing wheat yield in rainfed areas by conserving soil moisture and nutrients.