Response of leaf nutrients, yield, growth parameters, and evapotranspiration of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata Sturt) to shallow and saline groundwater depths

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to assess the effects of main and interactive groundwater salinities (GWS) (GWS1:0.38, GWS2: 5.0, and GWS3: 10 dS m−1) and groundwater depths (GWD) (GWD1: 0.30, GWD2: 0.55, and GWD3: 0.80 m) on yield and growth parameters of sweet corn. The canned seed yield in the GWS2 and GWS3 treatments reduced by 21.97% and 54.87%, respectively, as compared to the GWS1. Increasing GWS from 0.38 to 5.0 and 10.0 dS m−1 decreased aboveground fresh biomass by 16.67 and 37.95%, respectively. The groundwater contribution to ET varied from 26.80% to 87.10%, and capillary rise from groundwater to plant root zone decreased significantly with increasing GWD. The results showed that plant growth was not significantly affected under 0.38 dS m−1 GWS conditions at 0.55 m GWD, while the groundwater contribution to ET was about 52%. Stomata and SPAD values increased by 36.36% and 4.34%, respectively, in GWD3 treatment compared to GWD1 treatment. Besides, GWS decreased the leaf’s K+, K+/Na+, and Ca2+/Na+ ratios at different depths. In conclusion, it can be suggested that GWD should be at least 0.80 m to achieve high sweet corn production in regions with moderately or highly saline groundwater.