How Nitrogen and Zinc Levels Affect Seed Yield, Quality, and Nutrient Uptake of Canola Irrigated with Saline and Ultra-Saline Water

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn order to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers on seed yield, oil percentage, glucosinolate content, and nutrient uptake of canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Okapi), irrigated with saline and ultra-saline water, field experiments were conducted in Agriculture Research Centre of East Azarbaijan, Iran, during three consecutive years: 2011, 2012, and 2013. The experiments were carried out based on randomized complete block design arranged in factorial with three replications. The experimental treatments included N rates at three levels (0, 50, and 100 kg ha−1), Zn rates at three levels (0, 5, and 10 kg ha−1), and saline water at two levels (8 and 16 dS m−1 as saline and ultra-saline water). According to the results, N and Zn application had a significant effect on the plant height, pod number per plant, and seed yield. However, the value of these traits decreased as a result of the higher salinity level (from 8 to 16 dS m−1). From the results, the glucosinolate content was not affected by N or Zn fertilization, whereas, salinity increased the glucosinolate content from 27.51% to 30.06% when saline water and ultra-saline water were applied, respectively. In addition, the effect of ultra-saline water on the decrease in the N, phosphorous, potassium, and calcium uptake and the increase in the sodium and chlorine accumulation in canola seed was significant. However, Zn application could diminish adverse effects of salinity on phosphorus uptake. For instance, under ultra-saline water conditions, application of 10 kg ha−1 Zn increased the seed phosphorus content compared with control treatment. In general, it seems that nutrients’ supply, especially N and Zn, can be considered as an effective solution to diminish adverse effects of salinity.