Adverse Effects Of Soil Salinity Research Articles

The influence of soil types and agricultural management practices on soil chemical properties and microbial dynamics

Soil provides essential nutrients for plant growth, but excess salts hinder development, making crops more vulnerable under climate change conditions. Soil microorganisms play a significant role in nutrient cycling. However, limited information is available on microbial behavior/community changes, and functional diversity in different soil types (normal, sodic, and highly sodic) and cropping systems [rice-wheat (RW); rice-wheat-mungbean (RWMb); maize-wheat-mungbean (MWMb)] and management practices in the north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. We investigated the influence of different soil types on physical and chemical properties at the surface level (0–15 cm) in relation to soil microbial population, activities, and functional diversity, focusing on community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) under different agriculture systems. Seven treatment combinations of soil types, cropping systems, and management practices were evaluated. Soil pHs were found to be lower in zero-till (ZT)-based sodic soil than in conventional-till (CT) sodic soil. Soil organic carbon (SOC) (0.91 and 0.90%) content and available N (154.46 and 132.74 kg ha−1) were higher with the ZT-based system under normal (N) soils (ZT-RWMb-N and ZT-MWMb-N) than in CT-based normal soil (0.67 and 121.04 kg ha−1). Similarly, higher SOC and N (0.85 and 76.11 kg ha−1) were found under ZT management in sodic soils (S) than under CT management (0.73% and 121.05 kg ha−1). Substrate utilization (amino acids, amines, carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, phenolic compounds, and polymers) increased with the incubation period. During 0–120 h of incubation, the highest utilization of amino acids, amines, carboxylic acids, phenolic compounds, and polymers was observed for ZT-MWMb-S soils, while the lowest was recorded for ZT-MWMb-N soils. Under high salt conditions, soil enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, etc.) declined significantly compared to normal soils, affecting soil chemical and physical conditions. Microbial population and enzyme activities decreased with increasing salt stress across all cropping systems. These findings suggest that adopting efficient crop management practices can help mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity on microbial diversity and soil health, thereby enhancing sustainable agricultural productivity in salt-affected regions.

Effects of biochar types on seed germination, growth, chlorophyll contents, grain yield, sodium, and potassium uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under salt stress

Soil salinity is a significant challenge in agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Pakistan, leading to soil degradation and reduced crop yields. The present study assessed the impact of different salinity levels (0, 25, and 50 mmol NaCl) and biochar treatments (control, wheat-straw biochar, rice-husk biochar, and sawdust biochar applied @ 1% w/w) on the germination and growth performance of wheat. Two experiments: a germination study and a pot experiment (grown up to maturity), were performed. The results showed that NaCl-stress negatively impacted the germination parameters, grain, and straw yield, and agronomic and soil parameters. Biochar treatments restored these parameters compared to control (no biochar), but the effects were inconsistent across NaCl levels. Among the different biochars, wheat-straw biochar performed better than rice-husk and sawdust-derived biochar regarding germination and agronomic parameters. Biochar application notably increased soil pHs and electrical conductivity (ECe). Imposing NaCl stress reduced K concentrations in the wheat shoot and grains with concomitant higher Na concentrations in both parts. Parameters like foliar chlorophyll content (a, b, and total), stomatal and sub-stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate were also positively influenced by biochar addition. The study confirmed that biochar, particularly wheat-straw biochar, effectively mitigated the adverse effects of soil salinity, enhancing both soil quality and wheat growth. The study highlighted that biochar application can minimize the negative effects of salinity stress on wheat. Specifically, the types and dosages of biochar have to be optimized for different salinity levels under field conditions.

Salicylic Acid and Pyraclostrobin Can Mitigate Salinity Stress and Improve Anti-Oxidative Enzyme Activities, Photosynthesis, and Soybean Production under Saline–Alkali Regions

Soybean is a widespread crop in semi-arid regions of China, where soil salinity often increases and has a significant harmful impact on production, which will be a huge challenge in the coming years. Salicylic acid (SA) and pyraclostrobin are strobilurin-based bactericides (PBF). Under rainfall-harvesting conditions in covered ridges, the exogenous application of SA and PBF can improve the growth performance of soybeans, thereby reducing the adverse effects of soil salinity. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the potential effects of SA and PBF on soybean growth in two different regions, Harbin and Daqing. A two-year study was performed with the following four treatments: HCK: Harbin location with control; SA1+PBF1: salicylic acid (5 mL L−1) with pyraclostrobin (3 mL L−1); SA2+PBF2: salicylic acid (10 mL L−1) with pyraclostrobin (6 mL L−1); DCK: Daqing location with control. The results showed that in the Harbin region, SA2+PBF2 treatment reduced the evapotranspiration (ET) rate, increased soil water storage (SWS) during branching and flowering stages, and achieved a maximum photosynthesis rate. Moreover, this improvement is due to the reduction of MDA and oxidative damage in soybean at various growth stages. At different growth stages, the treatment of Harbin soybean with SA2+PBF2 significantly increased the activity of CAT, POD, SOD, and SP, while the content of MDA, H2O2, and O2− also decreased significantly. In the treatment of SA2+PBF2 in Harbin, the scavenging ability of free H2O2 and O2− was higher, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes was better. This was due to a worse level of lipid-peroxidation which successfully protected the photosynthesis mechanism and considerably increased water use efficiency (WUE) (46.3%) and grain yield (57.5%). Therefore, using plastic mulch with SA2+PBF2 treatment can be an effective water-saving management strategy, improving anti-oxidant enzyme activities, photosynthesis, and soybean production.

Farmers’ adaptations strategies towards soil salinity effects in agriculture: the interior coast of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT In this study, we critically analyze the general and climate-smart adaptation strategies used by farmers in four sub-districts in southern Bangladesh to address the effects of soil salinity in agriculture. Data were collected from 360 respondents using face-to-face interviews and were analyzed using multiple analyses (variance inflation factor, ordinary least squares, Tukey’s post hoc test). The adaptations used by farmers to manage the impacts of soil salinity in agriculture were significantly influenced by their age, education, family size, farm size, level of contact with agricultural extension department officials, and their training experience. Farmers found adult education programmes particularly useful, since they focused on smart technique(s) rather than traditional approaches for agricultural development. Adaptation was comparatively more common in ‘early adapters’ and ‘early majority’ (slower to adapt) farmers. Our analysis suggests that climate-smart agriculture (CSA) programmes should be implemented in all affected sub-districts and similarly affected parts of the world. Extension workers should provide face-to-face demonstrations to affected farmers and support them with self-help programmes, which can help to attenuate and minimize the effects of soil salinity on agriculture. It will also be important to provide agricultural innovation support to affected farmers to cope with the adverse effects of soil salinity. Effective extension services are key to increasing farmers’ access to innovative information and advice. Key policy insights A philosophy of ‘learning by viewing’ for climate-smart agricultural innovations may encourage them to adopt adaptation strategies to minimize the impacts of soil salinity on agriculture. Training programmes could be offered to farmers by the Department of Agricultural Extension, especially to target innovators and early adopters of climate-smart practices, supporting them with a ‘self-help’ approach. A motivational approach and good communication skills play a vital role when introducing new adaptation strategies. A climate-smart investment plan could identify policy opportunities to further develop agriculture actions to combat climate change. Building resilience to global climate change would help to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes across farming communities.

Irrigation Induced Salinity and Sodicity Hazards on Soil and Groundwater: An Overview of Its Causes, Impacts and Mitigation Strategies

Salinity and sodicity have been a major environmental hazard of the past century since more than 25% of the total land and 33% of the irrigated land globally are affected by salinity and sodicity. Adverse effects of soil salinity and sodicity include inhibited crop growth, waterlogging issues, groundwater contamination, loss in soil fertility and other associated secondary impacts on dependent ecosystems. Salinity and sodicity also have an enormous impact on food security since a substantial portion of the world’s irrigated land is affected by them. While the intrinsic nature of the soil could cause soil salinity and sodicity, in developing countries, they are also primarily caused by unsustainable irrigation practices, such as using high volumes of fertilizers, irrigating with saline/sodic water and lack of adequate drainage facilities to drain surplus irrigated water. This has also caused irreversible groundwater contamination in many regions. Although several remediation techniques have been developed, comprehensive land reclamation still remains challenging and is often time and resource inefficient. Mitigating the risk of salinity and sodicity while continuing to irrigate the land, for example, by growing salt-resistant crops such as halophytes together with regular crops or creating artificial drainage appears to be the most practical solution as farmers cannot halt irrigation. The purpose of this review is to highlight the global prevalence of salinity and sodicity in irrigated areas, highlight their spatiotemporal variability and causes, document the effects of irrigation induced salinity and sodicity on physicochemical properties of soil and groundwater, and discuss practical, innovative, and feasible practices and solutions to mitigate the salinity and sodicity hazards on soil and groundwater.

Does Biochar Alleviate Salt Stress Impact on Growth of Salt-Sensitive Crop Common Bean

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the role of biochar properties and application rate in the alleviation of negative impacts of salinity stress on the growth of salt-sensitive common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The biochar was obtained by slow pyrolysis of olive pruning at 400°C and characterized as high alkaline (9.3) and having a high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and low electrical conductivity (EC) with high porous surface morphology. Plants were grown in the greenhouse and subjected to different amounts of salt (0, 25, 50 mM NaCl) and biochar rate (0, 5, 15 t/ha). Salinity stress reduced shoot growth, biomass accumulation, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content, these parameters were ameliorated by biochar. Adverse effects of salinity on pod settings were also mitigated by biochar supplements. Salinity triggered oxidative stress monitored by increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and cell membrane permeability of leaves were mitigated by only 5 t/ha biochar application in contrast 15 t/ha biochar extended oxidative stress level. Our results showed that biochar application may be a promising strategy to increase common bean growth under saline soils due to its specific physicochemical properties, particularly high Na+ adsorption capacity. However, the higher biochar application rate may augment the adverse effects of soil salinity for salt-sensitive bean growth due to its contribution to the cumulative EC level of the soil.

Enhancement of the growth and yield of wheat in coastal saline areas through organic and inorganic amendments

Salinity is a major limiting factor reducing crop yields in coastal areas of Bangladesh. The main objective of this study was to mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity on wheat by organic and inorganic amendments. The field experiment was conducted at BRRI station, Sonagazi, Feni. Wheat cv. BARI Gom-23 was used as a test crop. There were thirteen treatment combinations consisting of control, farmyard manure (FYM) (5 t ha-1), FYM (10 t ha-1), compost (10 t ha-1), compost (20 t ha-1), gypsum (50% GR), gypsum (100% GR), K2SO4 (100 kg ha-1), K2SO4 (200 kg ha-1), FYM (5 t ha-1) + gypsum (50% GR), FYM (5 t ha-1) + K2SO4 (100 kg ha-1), compost (10 t ha-1) + gypsum (50% GR), compost (10 t ha-1) + K2SO4 (100 kg ha-1). FYM and compost were added to the soils during final land preparation. Gypsum and sulphate of potash were applied in two splits as per treatments. Nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc and boron fertilizers were applied as basal doses. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil salinity caused a reduction in growth and yield of wheat. Soil amendments with organic or inorganic fertilizers improved growth and yield of wheat under soil salinity. Combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers showed higher yields of wheat than that of alone during salinity conditions. Both organic and inorganic fertilizers increased nutrient uptake and K+/Na+ ratio in wheat during salinity condition. Therefore, the present study suggests that wheat production might be feasible in coastal areas of southern Bangladesh through organic and inorganic amendments of saline soils.
 Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2019, 4 (3), 169-175

Improvement of salinity tolerance in rice during boro season by proline application

Salinity causes cellular damage, limiting crop productivity. Accumulation of proline is one of the main adaptive mechanisms to salinity in plants. The main objective of this study was to mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity in boro rice by exogenous application of proline. The field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field of Botiaghata, Khulna with Boro rice. The soil was silty clay loam having pH 7.2, EC 6.6 dS/m, CEC 26 meq/100 g soil and organic matter content 0.84%. Two rice varieties (salt-sensitive; BRRI dhan29 and salt-tolerant; BINA dhan-8) were used as test crops. There were ten treatment combinations with different concentrations of proline applied at seedling and/or vegetative stages. Recommended doses of N, P, K, S and Zn fertilizers were applied to the all experimental plots. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil salinity caused a significant reduction in growth and yield of both salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant rice. Salt-tolerant rice produced higher grain and straw yields than salt-sensitive rice. Application of proline significantly increased growth, and grain and straw yields of boro rice under saline condition. There were no considerable variations in growth and yield of rice due to the different doses of proline. Increased nutrient uptake and K+/Na+ ratio in boro rice were observed due to proline application. The present study suggests that exogenous proline improves salt tolerance in rice by increasing K+/Na+ ratio and nutrient uptake.
 Progressive Agriculture 29 (4): 295-303, 2018

Role of chitosan on the growth, physiological parameters and enzymatic activity of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) in a pot experiment

Salt stress is the destructive factor in plant growth and physiological activities. Using biobased stimulants, such as chitosan, is important to reduce the adverse effects of salinity. This study was carried out in a greenhouse located at the University of Tehran, in 2016. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of chitosan application on modification of adverse effects of soil salinity on growth and physiological characteristics of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.). A pot experiment with a factorial arrangement of treatments was conducted based on a randomized complete block design (RCB) with three replications Four irrigation water salinity levels were control (tap water 0.8), 4, 8 and 12 dS/m and four levels of chitosan were mixed with dry soil to yield 0, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1% chitosan (DW/DW). The results showed that salinity reduced root dry weight; shoot dry weight, total plant biomass, and increased soluble sugars, proline content, CAT spell out first use and POD spell out first use enzyme activity and H2O2 concentration in leaves. The use of chitosan led to a reduction of salinity adverse effects and increased plant growth and improved physiological traits. Chitosan application at 0.01% increased chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll and at 0.05% level increased chlorophyll b compared to other chitosan treatments. The highest concentration of soluble sugars and proline was achieved by chitosan application across all salinity levels. Chitosan application under 0.01 and 0.05% enhanced the enzymatic activity and decreased H2O2 concentration in leaves. The results illustrated that chitosan could protect plants from salt stress damage by modulating intracellular ion concentration and by enhancing the capacity of antioxidant enzyme activities. It seems that the average concentration of chitosan as a bio-stimulant (0.01 and 0.05%) plays a positive role in reducing salinity and enhancing growth in milk thistle.

Integrative application of cyanobacteria and antioxidants improves common bean performance under saline conditions

Abstract Cyanobacteria (CB), known as blue-green algae, are useful microscopic organisms that can lead to improve the nutrient uptake, plant growth, and plant tolerance to abiotic stress such as salinity. The impacts of CB, with or without glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA) and their combinations on morphological, physiological, metabolic, and enzymatic activity status in common bean plant grown on salt stressed soil were investigated. All single (CB, AsA or GSH), or combined (CB + AsA, CB + GSH, CB + AsA + GSH or CB + GSH + AsA) applications significantly increased plant length, number and area of leaves, plant fresh and dry weights, yield parameters (green pods weight per plant, dry seed weight per plant and 100-seed weight) and leaf photosynthetic pigments and their photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm and PI) of common bean plants compared to the control in 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. In addition, relative water content, membrane stability index, contents of soluble sugar, proline, AsA, GSH, N, P and K+ ion contents, and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase were significantly increased with all of the mentioned applications. In contrast, electrolyte leakage and Na+ ion content was significantly decreased. The best response was obtained with the integrative CB + AsA + GSH and CB + GSH + AsA treatments, with distinguish of the former. Overall, these results suggest that supporting the seed CB application with foliar application of AsA and GSH helped to increase the defense systems of the common bean plant to tolerate the adverse effects of soil salinity.

Mitigation of the adverse effects of soil salinity in rice using exogenous proline and organic manure

Salinity causes cellular damage and limits crop productivity. Accumulation of organic compound is one of the major adaptive mechanisms for salinity tolerance in plants. The main objective of the present study was to mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity in rice through organic amendments like proline and organic manure. The field experiments were conducted at the farmer’s field of Batiaghata upazilla under Khulna district with aman rice. The soil was silty clay loam having pH 7.2, EC 6.6 dS/m, CEC 26 meq/100 g soil and organic matter 0.84%. Rice variety BR 23 was used as a test crop. There were 15 treatment combinations with different doses of proline and organic manures. Recommended doses of N, P, K, S and Zn fertilizers were applied to all the experimental plots. Proline was applied as foliar spray at seedling and/or vegetative stages. Organic manures were added to soils during final land preparation. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant reductions in growth and yield of rice were observed under saline conditions. Application of both proline and organic manures significantly increased growth, yield contributing characters, and grain and straw yields of rice under salinity conditions. There were no significant variations in growth and yield of rice due to use of different doses of proline and organic manure. Increased nutrient uptake and K+/Na+ ratio were observed in rice due to proline as well as organic manure application under saline conditions. The present study suggests that exogenous proline or organic manure confers tolerance to salinity in rice by increasing K+/Na+ ratio and nutrient uptake.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 478-486

Increasing crop productivity in coastal areas by proper management of potassium fertilizers

The field experiment was conducted to investigate the alleviation of the adverse effects of soil salinity in rice by efficient management of potassium fertilizers in coastal saline areas.The salt-sensitive (BRRI dhan28) and salt-tolerant (Binadhan-10) rice cultivars were used as test crops. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were thirteen treatment combinations viz. T0 (no K from MoP or SoP), T1 (K100 from MoP at final land preparation), T2 (K150 from MoP at final land preparation), T3 (K200 from MoP at final land preparation), T4 (K100 from MoP in two splits), T5 (K150 from MoP in two splits), T6 (K200 from MoP in two splits), T7 (K100 from SoP at final land preparation), T8 (K150 from SoP at final land preparation), T9 (K200 from SoP at final land preparation), T10 (K100 from SoP in two splits), T11 (K150 from SoP in two splits) and T12 (K200 from SoP in two splits). Muriate of potash (MoP) and sulphate of potash (SoP) were applied in two splits and during land preparation as per treatments. Binadhan-10 (salt-tolerant) rice producedhigher grain and straw yields than salt-sensitive (BRRI dhan28) one under saline conditions. Furthermore, application of potassium fertilizers resulted in significant increases growth, and grain and straw yields of both salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant rice cultivars under saline conditions. The nutrient (NPS) uptake and K+/Na+ ratio increased in both rice cultivars by application of potassium fertilizers under saline conditions. The higher amount of yield as well as nutrient uptake of both rice cultivars was observed when SoP was applied either in land preparation or two split doses. The K+/Na+ ratio was found to be higher in T9 and T12 treatments in salt-sensitive cultivar whereas T2 and T3 treatments showed higher K+/Na+ ratio in grain and straw of salt-tolerant rice cultivar, respectively. Therefore, the present study suggests that rice productioncould be improved in saline areas through application of higher doses of potassium fertilizers particularly split application of sulphate of potash.Progressive Agriculture 26 (2): 115-121, 2015

An Approach of Improving Plant Salt Tolerance of Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Grown Under Salt Stress: Use of Bio-inoculants

This study was conducted to examine the effects of the combined application of rhizobial strains and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria at different ratios on growth and salt tolerance of lucerne. Vegetative growth, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments and organic and inorganic solute contents in leaves were measured after 6 weeks of sowing. The results showed that bacterial inoculation significantly increased shoot and root dry weight, leaf number and relative water content whereas salinity reduced the growth of plants mainly in root dry weight and leaf area. However, the obtained results showed a significant improvement in the growth under salt stress of inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated ones. Regarding photosynthetic pigments, inoculation and salt induced significant variations in the total chlorophyll content, whereas changes in carotenoids remained insignificant. The inoculated plants accumulated less sodium and chloride and maintained a constant potassium content compared to non-inoculated plants. This would imply that the bacteria have retained Na+ and Cl− and so have consequently limited their translocation to the leaves and have promoted selectivity of K+ ions relative to Na+. The levels of organic solutes and soluble proteins were not significantly affected in most plants by both salt and bacterial inoculation, suggesting that they are not directly involved in the strategy of salt tolerance of Lucerne. These results indicate that inoculation with these plant growth promoting rhizobacteria could mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity on growth of lucerne suggesting that these species could be used as bio-inoculants to increase productivity in arid and semi-arid lands.

THE ROLE OF ASCORBIC AND SALICYLIC ACIDS IN MODYFING THE GROWTH AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SALT- STRESSEDKHAYA SENEGALENSIS SEEDLINGS

The influence of ascorbic and salicylic acids in alleviating the adverse effects of soil salinity on growth and chemical composition of Khaya senegalensis seedlings was investigated. Soil salinity, especially at the high level (0.7%) decreased different vegetative growth characters, namely, plant height, stem diameter , number of leaves and dry weight of leaves, stem and roots , as well as, chlorophyll a & b, carotenoids and leaves % of N, P and K. While, leaves % of Na, Ca and proline were increased due to salinity treatments. On the other side, ascorbic acid and salicylic acid, particularly, at the high concentration (200 ppm) each, improved all prementioned vegetative growth traits and leaves content of the three photosynthetic pigments and N, P and K %, meanwhile, leaves % of Na, Ca and proline were reduced. Both ascorbic acid and salicylic acid were effective in alleviating the harmful effects of salinity on growth and chemical constituents of Khaya senegalensis seedlings.

Elevated N Supply Reduces the Inhibition of Growth and Photosynthesis Caused by Salinity in the Bioenergy Plant Hybrid Pennisetum

Hybrid Pennisetum (Pennisetum americanum × P. purpureum) is a popular bioenergy grass that could also serve as forage for livestock production. In a pot experiment, salinity inhibited hybrid Pennisetum growth, photosynthesis, soluble sugar content, and NR activity; decreased K+ content; and increased Na+ content. These adverse effects of soil salinity were reduced, however, by applications of NO3--N up to 5 mmol·L-1; higher applications of NO3--N increased soil salinity problems. These findings will be useful for the production of hybrid Pennisetum as a biofuel on saline land.

Impact of PGPR inoculation on growth and antioxidant status of wheat under saline conditions

Two plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains, Bacillus subtilis SU47 and Arthrobacter sp. SU18, were found to tolerate 8% NaCl. Wheat co-inoculated with these two PGPR strains, and grown under different salinity regimes (2-6 dS m(-1) ), showed an increase in dry biomass, total soluble sugars and proline content. Wheat sodium content was reduced under co-inoculated conditions but not after single inoculation with either strain or in the control. The activity of antioxidant enzymes in wheat leaves decreased under salinity stress after PGPR co-inoculation, suggesting these PGPR species could be used for amelioration of stress in wheat plants. Activity of three antioxidant enzymes in wheat grown with both PGPR strains was reduced, most notably that of catalase activity at a salinity of 6 dS m(-1) , when compared with the control. The results indicate that co-inoculation with B.subtilis and Arthrobacter sp. could alleviate the adverse effects of soil salinity on wheat growth.

Interactive Effect of Soil Salinity and Water Stress on Growth and Chemical Compositions of Pistachio Nut Tree

ABSTRACT The effects of three sodium chloride (NaCl) levels (0, 1200, and 2400 mg kg− 1 soil) and three irrigation intervals (3, 7, and 14 d) on the growth and chemical composition of two Pistacia vera rootstocks (‘Sarakhs’ and ‘Qazvini’) were investigated under greenhouse conditions. Eight-week-old pistachio seedlings were gradually exposed to salt stress which afterward, water stress was initiated. At any irrigation interval, plant height and shoot and root dry weights of both rootstocks were reduced with increasing salinity. However, increasing irrigation intervals alleviated the adverse effects of soil salinity. A negative relationship observed between relative shoot growth and electrical conductivity of soil saturation extract (ECe) confirmed the above findings. Under 3-d irrigation interval, the ECe required to cause a 50% growth reduction was lower than those under 7- and/or 14-d irrigation intervals. Shoot and root chemical analyses indicated that the salinity as well as irrigation regime affected the concentration and distribution of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl−) in pistachio. The concentration of Na+, K+ and C1− ions increased with a rise in NaCl level, and was generally declined with increasing irrigation interval. Based on plant height, shoot and root dry weights and the concentrations of Na+, K+, and C1− in the plant tissues, at lowest irrigation intervals ‘Sarakhs’ shows a higher sensitivity to soil salinity than ‘Qazvini’, but with increasing irrigation interval, ‘Sarakhs’ and ‘Qazvini’ can be classified as resistant and sensitive to salinity, respectively.