Influence of Soil Salinity on Production of Dry Matter and Uptake and Distribution of Nutrients in Barley and Corn: I. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)1

Abstract

AbstractThe production of dry matter and the uptake and concentration of nutrients by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) from soil adjusted to different levels of salinity with a mixture of salts were evaluated in a greenhouse study. Following germination of the plants, soil salinity levels ranging from EC values of 0 to 30 mmhos/cm of the soil solution at field capacity were induced by additions of a salt solution containing one part Na2SO4, one part MgSO4, and one part CaCl2. During the growth period of 98 days, increasing soil salinity increased sulfate‐S and chloride in the saturation extract and lowered soil pH. Exchangeable Na, Mg, and Ca increased markedly while exchangeable K and available P increased only slightly. Acid‐extractable Mn increased, but there was little or no effect on acid‐extractable Zn, Fe, and Cu. Production of dry matter by the vegetative parts and grain heads of barley increased up to an EC of 12, then decreased at salinity levels above this value. Coefficients of correlation indicate significant negative relationships between soil salinity and uptake of P, K, Ca, Fe, and Cu by the vegetative parts and grain heads of barley. Conversely, significant positive correlations occur between soil salinity and uptake of Mn and Na by barley.