Abstract
A pot experiment with four replicates was conducted to study the effect of sulfate-rich water and organic manures on wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Yecora rojo) grown in highly calcareous (CaCO
3
= 26.5%) loamy sand soil. Two sources of organic manures, farmyard manure (FYM) and sewage sludge, were applied at three rates (0, 25, and 50 Mg ha
-1
). All pots received the recommended amounts of inorganic fertilizers. Three concentrations of sulfate waters were utilized: 30, 60, and 90 mM SO
4
2-
. Each concentration had the same EC (5 dS m
-1
), and the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) was 6.0. Irrigation was practiced with a 30% leaching fraction. Irrigation with sulfate water affected the values of pH and EC and improved the availability of nutrients in soil. Application of either FYM or sewage sludge enriched the soil with nutrients, especially at the higher application rate. The usage of sulfate water at 60 mM SO
4
2-
significantly (P < 0.05) increased wheat yield and yield components. Application of FYM gave a higher yield response compared with the sludge treatment. No response was obtained with increasing the rate of FYM or sewage sludge application up to 50 Mg ha
-1
. Sulfate-rich water may be safely used for irrigation at high concentrations (90 mM SO
4
2-
) whenever organic manuring is practiced.