Effect of some soil amendments on plant growth, survival and yield of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in relation to sodium toxicity

Abstract

SUMMARYSoil amendments, gypsum, wheat straw mulch and animal manure, were tested on P. vulgaris at toxic and nontoxic sodium chloride levels in the soil. Slower growth rate and gradual death of seedlings were found under saline conditions.Gypsum and straw mulch increased bean tolerance to salinity which was associated with higher plant survival and greater plant vigour.Seed yield/ha was increased by an average of about 30 and 50% with gypsum and straw mulch treatments, respectively, and the gypsum plus straw mulch treatment resulted in an increase of about 100% in seed yield. Number of plants survived and to a lesser degree seed weight were the predominant factors affecting seed yield/ha. The analysis of multiple correlation showed that variation in yield/ha was attributable most to the number of plants/m2.