ASHS 2025 Conference

Saline water irrigation, higher summer temperatures, limited soil leaching and agricultural intensification with heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers are the main causes for high salt accumulations in high-tunnel soils. These salinity issues have led to soil degradation as well as decline in crop production. In order to improve soil health and bolster the crop yield, use of organic amendments like compost, crop residues and animal manure has been widely practiced. Studies have shown that biochar and vermicompost can improve soil homeostasis by adsorbing excess sodium and chloride ions and holding excess water in root zone. Furthermore, researchers have found that these soil amendments complement each other when used in combination, leading to high crop yield and enriched plant nutrient contents. However, research gaps exists in using emerging soil amendments like biochar, and vermicompost. Hence, the objective of our current study was to assess the growth and yield attributes of tomato under salinity stress and evaluating the role of these soil amendments alone and in combination to mitigate salt stress. Two potted experimental trials were conducted in late spring and early fall in high tunnel at Oklahoma State University. The treatments were arranged in a complete randomized design. Treatments included three levels of salinity (1.5, 4, 8 mS/cm) and different treatment combinations (0, 5, 10% v/v) of biochar and vermicompost in soilless media. Data collection was done on different yield parameters, phytochemicals, stress indicators along with soil media tests. Results show that soil amendments treatments helped reduce salinity stress to some extent and aid in overall crop performance. To sum up, our salinity stress study provides insights on minimizing the salt toxicity by appropriate use of emerging soil additives, providing practices for producers to improve crop production in high-tunnels.