Zinc and potassium fertilizer recommendation for cotton seedlings under salinity stress based on gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence responses

Abstract

Cotton is typically grown in warm regions in which salinity and nutrient deficiency stresses are ubiquitous and often simultaneously influence plant growth. Under saline conditions, fertilizer recommendation is highly challenging, since nutrient application may increase or decrease plant salt tolerance, which may complicate prediction of crop yield. So far, no investigations have been conducted in salt-affected soils to determine optimum concentrations of potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers based on chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) and gas exchange (GEx) responses in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Accordingly, in this study, a factorial experiment was conducted in a complete block design with six replicates under controlled conditions. Treatments included various K2SO4 (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha−1), and ZnSO4 (0, 50, and 100 kg ha−1) concentrations applied to soil before planting. Cottonseeds were sown in non-saline soils and soils formerly salinized with natural saline water diluted to 15 dS m−1. One month after sowing, results showed that salinity significantly decreased dry weight, chlorophyll content index, photosynthesis rate (A), leaf to air vapor pressure, transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance, and minimum fluorescence of dark-adapted leaf, but increased root to shoot ratio (R/Sh). Under salinity, combined application of K and Zn boosted physiological properties including yield of photosystem II photochemistry (ФPSII), A, and E without improving biomass. Combined application of K and Zn at highest concentrations decreased R/Sh by 93% compared to the control. Rate of increase was higher in E than that of A leading to reduction in water use efficiency. High Zn concentration in saline soils increased non-photochemical quenching and energy loss in form of heat. Under non-saline condition, Zn application significantly decreased A probably due to inhibitory effect on electron transfer within photosystem II. K significantly increased stomatal conductance and accordingly E. GEx parameters were more sensitive to used treatments than ChlF parameters. Based on GEx and ChlF responses, the most salt-tolerant cotton seedlings were obtained under combined application of 50 kg K2SO4 ha−1 and 50 kg ZnSO4 ha−1, thus these concentrations are recommended for optimal establishment of cotton seedlings under salinity stress.