Influence of calcium on growth and root penetration of barley seedlings in a saline‐sodic soil

Abstract

Abstract The effect of added calcium (gypsum) to the saline‐sodic B horizon of a Brown Solonetzic soil (Natriboroll) on growth and mineral nutrition of barley seedlings was examined in a pot culture experiment. Seedlings grown on the unamended soil had lower shoot dry weights and reduced root penetration compared with plants grown on the Ca‐amended soil. Plant accumulation of Ca, Mg, and K was enhanced, and Na accumulation was reduced by the Ca treatment. Low levels of plant Ca and reduced root growth were associated with a low Ca to total cation (Ca: TC) ratio and high Mg: Ca ratio in the soil solution of the unamended soil. The study suggests that Ca deficiency may affect plant growth on some saline‐sodic soils characterized by adverse cation ratios. Ca deficiency may be induced by interaction with other cations present in the soil solution.