Distinguishing water salinity threshold through irrigation for maize (Zea mays L.) growth and yield

Abstract

Irrigation with water containing salt in excess can affect crop development. This can be due to unsustainable irrigation or the water itself had higher salt content. Water scarcity around the globe may also lead in irrigation using water that contains salt. Thus this research was conducted to determine the threshold value of water salinity that enable maize to maintain acceptable growth and to measure the growth and yield of maize with saline irrigation water. Treatments laid out in a Completely Randomized Block (CRD) which consisted of five replications; T0 (control): tap water, T1: 1.5 dS/m (750 ppm), T2: 2.5 dS/m (1250 ppm) and T3: 3.5 dS/m (1750 ppm) of sodium chloride (NaCl). Results showed that salinity of water had a much greater effect on maize growth and yield rate. Factors that were more significantly affected by saline irrigation water were plant height, leaf area, dry weight, corn weight, corn length, and the diameter of cob. This study proven that saltwater started at 2.5 dS/m could affect the growth and yield of maize. However, at 1.5 dS/m, maize still showed a positive growth and yield. Eventhough, saline water can reduce the production, it is still feasible for maize to grow at a certain level of salinity. Therefore, using saline water irrigation in maize cultivation at a concentration of around 1.5 dS/m can be considered in irrigation regimes at agriculture areas that experience water scarcity.