Abstract
ABSTRACT The nitrogen fertilization, in general, minimizes the effects of salinity on plants, but the mitigating action depends on plant species, cultivar, soil texture and plant age, among other factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation water salinity and nitrogen fertilization on maize physiology and growth (Zea mays) in soils with different textures. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in Fortaleza City, CE, Brazil, in PVC soil columns (100 x 20 cm). The design was completely randomized using the factorial 2 x 2 x 4, referring to two soils, an Ultisol and a Quartzipsamment, nitrogen doses of 105 and 210 kg ha-1, under irrigation with saline water of 0.5, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 dS m-1, with four repetitions. With the exception of stem diameter, salinity of water impaired plant growth and leaf gas exchanges. The Ultisol provided better growth and physiological responses compared to the Quartzipsamment. The nitrogen doses did not mitigate growth variables except root biomass. The gas exchanges increased with the highest nitrogen dose, without interaction with the salinity.
Highlights
Plant growth and development are results of genetic factors, environmental factors and their interactions, and their quantification makes it possible to improve agricultural production (Oliveira et al, 2010)
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation water salinity and nitrogen fertilization on maize physiology and growth (Zea mays) in soils with different textures
The Ultisol resulted in higher growth and biomass production of the plants than the Quartzipsament, with superiority of 22.78, 12.58, 32.38, 45.94, 36.47, 38.91 and 41.03%, respectively for the growth in height, stem diameter, leaf area, dry biomass of roots, stem + sheaths, leaves and total dry biomass (Table 2)
Summary
Plant growth and development are results of genetic factors, environmental factors and their interactions, and their quantification makes it possible to improve agricultural production (Oliveira et al, 2010). Salinity inhibits plant growth due to osmotic effects, toxic effects and damage to the absorption of essential nutrients It cause negative effects on gas exchanges as a result of the reduction in available water caused by decrease in the osmotic potential of the soil solution (Andrade et al, 2018). The response of plants to salinity is complex, and physiological, biochemical and molecular adjustment mechanisms are necessary for their survival in saline environments (Willadino et al, 2017). The efficiency of these mechanisms depends on the species, genotype or cultivar, concentration and composition of salts in the irrigation water or soil solution
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