Phosphogypsum in enhancing crop production water productivity 2026 Next Ma

Salt-affected soils, particularly saline-sodic and sodic soils, pose major constraints to crop production and soil productivity worldwide, contributing to yield losses, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Effective reclamation of these soils is essential for sustainable agricultural development and relies on the appropriate selection of amendments based on accurate soil characterization. Among various inorganic and organic amendments, phosphogypsum has emerged as a promising and cost-effective reclamation material due to its ability to improve soil physicochemical properties and enhance crop productivity. Phosphogypsum supplies soluble calcium that replaces exchangeable sodium, thereby improving soil structure, aggregate stability, permeability, and water infiltration while facilitating salt leaching. It also contributes to improved nutrient availability, reduced nutrient losses, enhanced water productivity, and the supply of essential secondary nutrients and trace elements. Furthermore, the combined application of phosphogypsum with organic amendments has demonstrated synergistic effects, leading to greater reclamation efficiency and sustained crop performance. Despite these advantages, concerns remain regarding its relatively high salt content and the potential accumulation of trace metallic elements, which may affect soil quality, crop safety, and environmental health under prolonged use. Therefore, careful assessment of application rates, continuous monitoring of soil and plant responses, and evaluation of long-term impacts are required to ensure its sustainable utilization. This review critically examines the role of phosphogypsum, applied alone or in combination with other amendments, in improving soil properties, crop productivity, and water-use efficiency in salt-affected soils, while highlighting associated challenges.