Effect of bicarbonate-rich irrigation waters on the growth, nutrient uptake and synthesis of proteins and carbohydrates in wheat

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of increasing levels of HCO3 − ion concentration and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) on the growth, nutrient uptake and synthesis of proteins and carbohydrates in wheat. Wheat could tolerate 8 me/l HCO3 − ion concentration at 40 me/l salt concentration; however, the residual sodium carbonate at this level was more harmful when it was composed of carbonate plus bicarbonate rather than bicarbonate alone. The relative order in yield reduction was: root plant. The uptake of sodium was enhanced and that each of potassium, calcium and magnesium was decreased with the increasing bicarbonate ion concentration. The contents of proteins and carbohydrates, in different forms, were decreased with the increase of HCO3 − levels, particularly above 8 me/l. Contents, both of sugars and proteins, were more in grain than in plant. The specific effect of CO3 = and/or HCO3 − ions seems to inhibit the metabolic processes in the plant and appears responsible for reduction of crop growth, absorption of nutrients and synthesis of proteins and carbohydrates.