Effects Of Irrigation Water Salinity Research Articles

Saline Irrigation Water Retards Growth of Amaranthus in Coastal Kenya

Salinity is a major biotic factor that negatively affects growth and yield of crops. Over 90% of the coastal region of Kenya is arid and semi-arid, most farmers in the region use borehole irrigation water which is saline. Amaranthus spp. is one of the main vegetables grown in coastal region. There is limited information regarding the effect of salinity on amaranthus production. The study sought to determine the effect of saline irrigation water on amaranthus growth in coastal Kenya. Two experiments were set up, one at Mivumoni Secondary School farm in Kwale County and another at Pwani University farm in Kilifi County from beginning of September 2019 to the end of January, 2020. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The six treatments tested were: fresh water alone, 75% saline water alone, 100% saline water alone, fresh water + DAP, 75% saline water + DAP, 100% saline water + DAP. Crop growth data collected were: emergence rate, plant height, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll content, stem thickness, root density, root weight, root volume and total plant biomass. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS statistical package (SAS, Version 10) and treatment effects were tested for significance using F-test. Significant means at F-test was ranked using Tukey’s test at 5% level of significance. Amaranthus seeds sown in fresh water had higher emergence rate compared to seeds sown in saline water. Salinity regardless of concentration used and application of DAP, resulted in decrease in height, leaf number, leaf area, stem tickness, chlorophyll content, root length, root weight, root volume and total biomass. The study demonstrates that saline irrigation water in coastal Kenya has a negative effect on Amaranthus growth.

Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity And Temperature on Ammonia Volatilization from Calcareous Soil

Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity And Temperature on Ammonia Volatilization from Calcareous Soil

Evaluation of Seaweed Extract Impact on Growth and Yield of Tomato Plants under Salinity Stress Conditions

This experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, AL-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt during the two winter seasons of 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 to study the effect of saline levels in the diluted agricultural drainage water of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 ppm and tap water as a control (300 ppm) and foliar seaweed extract concentrations of 400, 600 , 800 ppm and tap water as a control and their interaction on the growth, yield and fruits quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) Magy hybrid under plastic house conditions. The obtained results showed that plant height, leaf area, fruit fresh weight, size, length and diameter, leaf chlorophyll A, B and carotenoids contents, in addition to total yield as fruit number and weight significantly increased with using the saline level of 1000 ppm and the foliar seaweed extract concentration of 800 ppm. On contrast, fruit contents of T.S.S and dry matter significantly increased with increasing the saline water levels up to 4000 ppm and the seaweed extract concentrations at 800 ppm. Also, the data indicated that fruit content of ascorbic acid significantly increased from using the 2000 ppm level saline water and the concentration of 800 ppm seaweed extract. In this respect, it could be concluded that the application of the seaweed extract concentration at 800 ppm was the most effective to decrease the adverse effect of saline irrigation water on the growth and yield of tomato plants.

Changes in biochemical parameters and essential oil of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) under salinity stress in two planting dates

In order to investigate the effect of saline irrigation water and planting date on yield, biochemical parameters and essential oil of dill, a field study was conducted using a split-plot experiment on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replications in Isfahan, Iran. Planting dates were 13 March and 11 June and salinity treatments were 0 (control), 3, 6 and 9 dS m-1 NaCl. The measured parameters were: seed and biological yield, seed and shoot essential oil yield, seed and shoot essential oil percentage, essential oil compositions, total protein, proline, reducing sugar, malondialdehyde and concentration of K+ and Na+. According to results, there was a significant difference between the two planting dates in terms of biological yield and the essential oil yield of shoot. The essential oil percentage of seed was significantly higher than that of the shoot. Essential oil percentage had no significant differences in different salinity levels, however, essential oil yield and essential oil composition was changed in different salinity levels. Carvone was the main component in all treatments and the control treatment had the highest values of it with 54.96 % in seed and 63.56 % in shoot. The highest rate of protein content was recorded at non-stress conditions which decreased with increasing stress levels by 91.67 %. Increasing salinity levels increased shoot proline, root proline, reducing sugar and malondialdehyde by 181.25, 150, 75 and 160 %, respectively compared to the control treatment. In general, planting in summer had more biomass and essential oil yield.

Salt ratios respond to saline irrigation and sewage sludge application in pearl millet-wheat rotation

Salinity is a limiting factor for crop production in irrigated areas. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2017-19) using three irrigation treatments, viz. canal water (0.35 dS/m) and saline water (8 and 10 dS/m); and five fertilizer treatments, viz. control, sewage sludge (SS)-5 t/ha, SS (5 t/ha)+50% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), SS (5 t/ha)+75% RDF and 100% RDF, to evaluate the effect of saline water irrigation, organic and inorganic fertilization on salt ratios in pearl millet and wheat crops. However, SS was applied in the Rabi only. As the salinity of irrigation water increased, the salt ratios (Na+/K+ and Cl-/SO4 2) in pearl millet and wheat crops were increased markedly during both years. However, SS (5 t/ha) + 75% RDF recorded the lowest Na+/K+ ratio in pearl millet crop over control, but it was statistically at par with 100% RDF, while in wheat crop, the ratio was decreased considerably under 100% RDF treatment followed by sewage sludge amended treatments. Also, the ratio (Cl-/SO4 2-) in both crops was significantly decreased with sewage sludge incorporation, and the lowest was recorded with SS (5 t/ha) + 75% RDF. From the present study, it is concluded that the SS and inorganic fertilizer application helps in gaining potential of cereals against salt stress by reducing Na+ and Cl- besides increasing potassium and sulphate contents in plants.

Response of malt barley grain quality characteristics to increasing irrigation water salinity

Premiums are offered for high quality grain, but producers of malting barley are often confronted with marginal soils and water scarcity. Irrigation water quality is often low, primarily due to high salt loads. This study determined the effect of irrigation water salinity (ECi) on grain quality characteristics of malt barley evaluated in a lysimeter-based trial over two seasons. The trial involved five ECi levels (1. 5, 4. 5, 6, 9 and 12 dS m−1), and two different soil types (Bainsvlei and Clovelly). Grain yields, 1 000 seed mass (TSM, g), germination characteristics, and crude proteins (CP) were determined. Salinity levels of greater than 6 dS m−1 decreased TSM but had no significant effect on germination characteristics, while CP content of the grains significantly increased above the required range (between 9% and 11.5%) for malting. Increasing ECi reduced malt extract potential for all treatments, most noticeably at 9 and 12 ECi dS m−1. There were significant relationships between salinity and germinative characteristics as well as the malt extract proxy (germination index). The study shows that premium quality barley grain cannot be produced when salinity exceeds 6 dS m−1 and that the Clovelly soil would be a better fit for producing barley irrigated with saline water.

Assessing the Effects of Irrigation Water Salinity on Two Ornamental Crops by Remote Spectral Imaging

Salinity is one of the most common and critical environmental factors that limit plant growth and reduce crop yield. The aquifers, the primary sources of irrigation water, of south Florida are shallow and highly permeable, which makes agriculture vulnerable to projected sea level rise and saltwater intrusion. This study evaluated the growth responses of two ornamental nursery crops to the different salinity levels of irrigation water to help develop saltwater intrusion mitigation plans for the improved sustainability of the horticultural industry in south Florida. Two nursery crops, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Mandevilla splendens, were treated with irrigation water that had seven different salinity levels from 0.5 (control) to 10.0 dS/m in the experiment. Crop height was measured weekly, and growth was monitored daily using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values derived from multispectral images collected using affordable sensors. The results show that the growth of H. rosa-sinensis and M.splendens was significantly inhibited when the salinity concentrations of irrigation water increased to 7.0 and 4.0 dS/m, for each crop, respectively. No significant differences were found between the NDVI values and plant growth variables of both H. rosa-sinensis and M.splendens treated with the different irrigation water salinity levels less than 2.0 dS/m. This study identified the salinity levels that could reduce the growth of the two nursery crops and demonstrated that the current level of irrigation water salinity (0.5 dS/m) would not have significant adverse effects on the growth of these crops in south Florida.

Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity and Deficit Irrigation on Soil Ions Variation and Uptake by Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Under Two Planting Methods

A 2-years field experiment in a split-split plot arrangement was considered to investigate the effects of different irrigation water salinity [0.45 (well water, S1), 1.0 (S2), 2.0 (S3), 3.0 (S4) dS m−1], irrigation water levels [100% (I1), 75% (I2) and 50% (I3) of saffron water requirement (WR)] and planting methods [basin (P1) and in-furrow (P2)] on the dynamics of salt ions and their uptake by saffron plant (Crocus sativus L.). The electrical conductivity of soil saturation extract (ECe) was increased by 104% in S4 compared to control (S1), on average, in two growing seasons. S4 treatment increased concentration of sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl−) in soil by 102%, 92%, 124% and 128% in comparison with S1, on average, in two growing seasons. The concentration of Na+, Ca2+, K+ and Cl− in soil in S4 were 30%, 15%, 28% and 29% higher and NO3 was 30.3% lower in I1 in comparison with I3, respectively. The ions concentration in soil were 3.5–14.7% higher in P1 in comparison with those in P2. Leaf Na+, Ca2+ and Cl− concentration was increased by increase in irrigation water salinity while K+, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were decreased by 28.4%, 25.7% and 29.8% in S4 in comparison with that obtained in S1, on average, which is presumably due to reduced NO3 and P concentrations in soil and increased Na+ uptake by saffron. Also, deficit irrigation reduced soil and leaf ions (Na+ and Cl−) threshold and increased the slope of relative yield-ions concentration reduction function, which indicated that water stress aggravates saffron sensitivity to salinity and ions concentration in soil and leaf. Results indicated that saffron was more sensitive to Na+ concentration in soil extract compared with Cl−. Na+ and Cl− threshold was 19.3% and 27.1% higher in P2, on average, in different irrigation levels, respectively. Therefore, the in-furrow planting method is suggested to cope with unfavorable saffron field conditions.

Tolerance to irrigation water salinity in physalis plants: productive aspects

The cultivation of non-traditional fruits has gained ground in the horticulture sector, but which, in certain situations, are plants that require previous studies related to soil adaptability, climate, and irrigation water quality. In this sense, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of irrigation water salinity on Physalis peruviana L. (fisális) plants in the different growth phases. The experimental area was installed on the premises of the Federal University of Campina Grande, adopting a casualized block design, with four saline levels of irrigation water (0.3; 1.2; 2.1 and 3.0 dS m-1) and five repetitions per treatment. The variables analyzed were: stem diameter, plant height and number of leaves every 15 days, leaf area at 55 days after transplanting, number of side branches, number of flower buds, number of flowers, average fruit weight, polar diameter, and equatorial diameter of fruits, number of fruits per plant and productivity. According to the results, the plants were tolerant to saline levels of irrigation water of up to 3.0 dS m-1, without prejudice to the phenological and productive characteristics of the crop. The unitary increase in the salinity of the irrigation water did not result in damage to the physiological characteristics of the plants until the 60 days of transplanting.

Morphophysiology of the passion fruit ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’ irrigated with saline waters and nitrogen fertilization

This study aimed to evaluate the gas exchanges and growth of the purple passion fruit cultivar ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’ as a function of the salinity levels of the irrigation water and nitrogen fertilization. The research was conducted in pots adapted as drainage lysimeters, placed within a plant nursery, using a Regolithic Neosol of sandy texture, in the municipality of Pombal-PB, Brazil. A randomized block design was used, testing five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m-1) associated with four doses of nitrogen (50, 75, 100, and 125% of the recommendation). The irrigation water salinity above 0.3 dS m-1 compromised the leaf area and the relative water content of the purple passion fruit ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’. High doses of nitrogen enhance the deleterious effects of irrigation water salinity on stomatal conductance, transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, CO2 assimilation rate, number of leaves, stem diameter, and height of purple passion fruit plants. When waters with salinity levels of up to 1.3 dS m-1 are used, the dose of 125 mg of N kg-1 of soil is recommendation for providing increases in the CO2 assimilation rate of the purple passion fruit ‘BRS Rubi do Cerrado’ at 70 days after sowing (DAS). Water salinity increases electrolyte leakage, regardless of nitrogen doses.

Effects of Saline Water Irrigation and Biochar Amendment on Okra Growth and Nutrient Leaching in Coastal Saline Soils

ABSTRACT Excess soluble salts in the soil and irrigation water creates difficulties for plant growth and lowers nutrient availability in the soil. Organic ameliorants such as biochar are believed to be one of the effective treatments for soil improvement and salt stress alleviating. To access the response of different types of salt in irrigation water and bamboo biochar amendment on okra growth and nutrient leaching in coastal saline soils, both column and pot experiments were carried out from 2018 to 2019 in Nanjing, China. The experimental results suggested that okra growth and yield were reduced notably under the saline condition in contrast with the control treatment. Anthocyanin accumulation, which is a sign of growth stress, was decreased after the application of different types of salt. Furthermore, the application of different types of salt effectively increases malondialdehyde (MDA) content in sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and sodium chloride (NaCl) treatments at both 2.0 and 4.0 dS/m. Meanwhile, MDA was reduced in CaCl2 and MgCl2 treatments at both 2.0 and 4.0 dS/m. Nevertheless, bamboo biochar remarkably ameliorated okra seed germination, growth process, and yield due to salt stress. Besides, the leaching of nitrate, total nitrogen and total phosphorus is significantly reduced in the case of biochar application. In conclusion, our study suggested that bamboo biochar is one of the alternatives of ameliorant to improve the productivity of plants in coastal saline soils.

GAS EXCHANGE AND ENZYMATIC METABOLISM IN GRAIN SORGHUM VARIETIES IRRIGATED WITH SALINE WATER

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of irrigation water salinity on gas exchange and antioxidative system responses of grain sorghum varieties. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse located at the headquarters of Embrapa Semiarid Agriculture, Petrolina-PE, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 6 x 5 factorial scheme. Six varieties of grain sorghum irrigated with saline water with five levels of salinity were evaluated. Photosynthesis and transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, intrinsic and instantaneous water use efficiency, relative water content and leaf turgor potential were evaluated, as well as the activity of the enzymes catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and shoot biomass production. It was observed that irrigation with saline water causes reduction in the gas exchange and water status of grain sorghum varieties. The antioxidative system was activated in the six sorghum varieties to avoid the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and the synchronism between the enzymes led to a better response of shoot dry mass production of the Ponta Negra variety.

Modeling the Effects of Irrigation Water Salinity on Growth, Yield and Water Productivity of Barley in Three Contrasted Environments

Freshwater scarcity and other abiotic factors, such as climate and soil salinity in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, are affecting crop production. Therefore, farmers are looking for salt-tolerant crops that can successfully be grown in these harsh environments using poor-quality groundwater. Barley is the main staple food crop for most of the countries of this region, including Tunisia. In this study, the AquaCrop model with a salinity module was used to evaluate the performance of two barley varieties contrasted for their resistance to salinity in three contrasted agro-climatic areas in Tunisia. These zones represent sub-humid, semi-arid, and arid climates. The model was calibrated and evaluated using field data collected from two cropping seasons (2012–14), then the calibrated model was used to develop different scenarios under irrigation with saline water from 5, 10 to 15 dS m−1. The scenario results indicate that biomass and yield were reduced by 40% and 27% in the semi-arid region (KAI) by increasing the irrigation water salinity from 5 to 15 dS m−1, respectively. For the salt-sensitive variety, the reductions in biomass and grain yield were about 70%, respectively, although overall biomass and yield in the arid region (MED) were lower than in the KAI area, mainly with increasing salinity levels. Under the same environmental conditions, biomass and yield reductions for the salt-tolerant barley variety were only 16% and 8%. For the salt-sensitive variety, the biomass and grain yield reductions in the MED area were about 12% and 43%, respectively, with a similar increase in the salinity levels. Similar trends were visible in water productivities. Interestingly, biomass, grain yield, and water productivity values for both barley varieties were comparable in the sub-humid region (BEJ) that does not suffer from salt stress. However, the results confirm the interest of cultivating a variety tolerant to salinity in environments subjected to salt stress. Therefore, farmers can grow both varieties in the rainfed of BEJ; however, in KAI and MED areas where irrigation is necessary for crop growth, the salt-tolerant barley variety should be preferred. Indeed, the water cost will be reduced by 49% through growing a tolerant variety irrigated with saline water of 15 dS m−1.

Preservation by lactic fermentation and physicochemical characterization of okra produced underwater salinity and potassium fertilization

The use of saline water in agricultural production will be increasingly necessary in the next decades. However, postharvest quality may be compromised, as in okra, due to salt stress and/or factors inherent to storage and transportation. In this context, developing alternative methods of preservation, including lactic fermentation, may be a promising way to maintain and even improve the nutritional quality of okra. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the production components of okra subjected to different levels of water salinity and doses of potassium fertilization, and further to evaluate the preservation by lactic fermentation of okra fruits produced under water salinity. The first experiment was carried out in lysimeters under field conditions in Neossolo Regolítico (Psamment) of sandy loam texture in Pombal-PB, in a randomized block design in a 5 x 5 factorial scheme, testing 5 levels of irrigation water salinity (0.3; 1.3; 2.3; 3.3, and 4.3 dS m-1) and 5 doses of potassium fertilization (75; 112.5; 150; 187.5, and 225 mg of K2O kg-1 of soil), with three replicates. After that, the okra fruits produced under the different salinity levels were stored in six mixtures of salts present in lactic fermentation brine (100-0-0, 0-100-0, 0-0-100, 50-50-0, 0-50-50, and 50-0-50 of NaCl, CaCl2, and KCl, respectively), under a 5 x 6 factorial, with three replicates, in a completely randomized design. The post-harvest quality, after fermentation, was evaluated based on their physicochemical characteristics. Irrigation water salinity negatively affected the average length, average weight, titratable acidity, soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, and pH of the okra fruits. Potassium doses increased the average diameter of okra fruits, minimizing the deleterious effects of irrigation water salinity. The vitamin C contents of pickled okra fruits were not compromised by salt stress. Among the lactic fermentation brines, the formulation containing the proportion NaCl:CaCl2 stands out as promoting the highest titratable acidity and soluble solids content in pickled okra fruits.

Effect of irrigation water salinity on a wheat culture (Triticum durum) in the presence of organic matter

Salinity is one of the most important problems that agriculture faces in the arid and semi-arid areas. That was motivated us to look at one of its aspects, which is irrigation water salinity, but with organic matter amounts to reduce the deterioration caused by this kind of water, and to come out with the right doses of organic matter at different levels of irrigation water salinity. We have applied three levels of irrigation water salinity: S1= 5 dS m-1, S2= 9 dS m-1 and S3=13 dS m-1, with three organic matter doses: F0= 0 t/ha, F1= 30 t/ha and F2= 60 t/ha. The results obtained were very encouraging and important through the noticeable impact of the measures studied. The positive impact of organic matter amounts on the saltiest treatments has been manifested, unlike the less salty treatments that they lack and we can say that the dose of 60 t/ ha of poultry manure is the best to increase the production of grains yield and straw yield, but the dose of 30 t/ha is the optimal dose to increase the weight of 1000 grains. This confirms the effectiveness of it responding to the irrigation water salinity effects, which is manifested in better plant yield.

Effect of Saline Water Irrigation and Growing Media on Growth, Physiological and Mineral Parameters of Clove Pink Dianthus Caryophyllus

Soil salinity is one of the major environmental factors limiting plant growth and development; and it is considered a problem in arid and semiarid regions, where rainfall is insufficient to leach salts. The clove pink, Dianthus caryophyllus L. is a major product in Jordan with different irrigation needs and has the capacity to cope with water deficit. Consequently, the current study aimed at investigating the effect of salinity on certain growth, physiological and mineral parameters of two varieties of D. caryophyllus (Bizet Sagr and Grand Slam Hygr). The experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions at the University of Jordan during the 2015/2016 growing season. The plants were grown in either soil or zeolitic tuff at five salinity levels. The results indicated that the growth parameters of both D. caryophyllus varieties vary significantly among the different salinity levels in both growing media. Increasing salinity caused a significant reduction in plant height, fresh and dry weights, flower length and diameter, and a delayed flowering time. Increasing salinity level caused also a significant reduction in leaf greenness, fluorescence yield, and relative water content, and increased stomatal resistance of both plant varieties in both growing media. Increasing salinity level caused a significant increase in Na and Cl, and a decrease in K, P, and N concentrations in plants of both tested varieties and media. In conclusion, salinity caused a significant effect on all tested growth, physiological and mineral parameters of D. caryophyllus. An appropriate irrigation regime should be used as a key to success in ornamentals’ growth control.

Performance of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana lamk.) Varieties under Two Irrigation Scheduling of Saline Water in Central Gujarat Conditions in India

The field experimentation was carried out at Instructional Farm, BAIF Development Research Foundation, Nanodara of Ahmadabad district during 2014 to 2018 with an objective to evaluate the response of the two ber varieties (Seb and Gola) to number of irrigations on the growth and yield of ber crop. It was also intended to understand effect of saline irrigation water on soil status as irrigation water of the study location is slightly saline in nature. The study was conducted in Split Plot Design with six replications. Treatments consisted of two irrigation schedule; normal irrigation at 15 days interval and life saving irrigation at 30 days interval and two varieties (Seb and Gola). Soil and irrigation water of the study location was analyzed using standard procedures for initial and yearly status, respectively.  Two ways ANOVA was carried out using R Studio Statistics Rx 64 software. Significance levels were tested at p≤0.05. The highest plant height (326.87 cm), girth size (60.75 cm), number of secondary branches per plant (7.24), dry leaf biomass per plant (3.96 kg), dry shoot weight per plant (16.65) as well as fruits per plant (337.58), fruit weight (56.96 g), fruit yield per plant (19.43 kg) and fruit yield per ha (5400 kg) were increased significantly with normal irrigation treatment (irrigations at 15 days interval) which was significantly superior over life saving irrigation. In case of varieties, all the parameters of the growth and yield of the crop were maximum for Gola variety compared to Seb. The pH, EC and SAR were comparatively lower in soil under life saving than normal irrigation.

Physiological Aspects of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) as a Function of Salinity

This study evaluated the effect of saline water irrigation (4.5 dS m−1) on growth, gas exchange and mineral nutrient content in eight melon accessions and two cultivars classified as tolerant (Sancho) and susceptible (Caribbean Gold) to salinity. Results showed saline water irrigation reduced stomatal conductance, which consequently decreased transpiration and photosynthesis. Also, plants became more efficient in water use under salinity and increased K+/Na+ in leaves as a mechanism to mitigate the ionic stress caused by Na+ and Cl−. Moreover, the accessions responded differently from cultivars to saline water irrigation. However, we found accessions more efficient in water use, with more K+/Na+ content and higher photosynthesis rate than Sancho under saline and non-saline water irrigation. Due to these traits, these accessions were more productive than Sancho under salinity.

Effect of saline irrigation water on growth and yields of onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties

A pot experiment was conducted at Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh to assess the “Effect Of Saline Irrigation Water On Growth, Nutrients Composition And Yield Of Onion (Allium Cepa L.) Varieties” during the winter, season of 2017-18. The pot experiment comprised four levels of salinity viz.,

[Nitrous Oxide Emission and Denitrifying Bacterial Communities as Affected by Drip Irrigation with Saline Water in Cotton Fields].

A shortage of freshwater resources has become a fundamental and chronic problem for sustainable agriculture development in arid regions. Use of saline water irrigation has become an important means for alleviating freshwater scarcity. However, long-term irrigation with saline water may cause salt accumulation in the soil, and further affect nitrogen transformation and N2O emission. To investigate this, we conducted a ten-year field experiment to evaluate the effect of irrigation water salinity and N amount on N2O emission and denitrifying bacterial communities. The experimental design was a 2×2 factorial with two irrigation water salinity levels (salinity levels are expressed as electrical conductivity), 0.35 dS·m-1 and 8.04 dS·m-1, and two N amounts, 0 kg·hm-2 and 360 kg·hm-2, representing SFN0, SHN0, SFN360, and SHN360, respectively. The results indicated that long-term saline water irrigation significantly increased soil salinity, moisture, and NH4+-N content, whereas it decreased soil pH, NO3--N, organic matter, and total nitrogen content. Irrigation with saline water significantly inhibited N2O emission, being associated with a decreased in level of 45.19% (unfertilized plots) and 43.50% (fertilized plots) compared with irrigation with fresh water. N2O emission increased as the N amount increased; the N2O emission was 161% higher in the fertilized plots than in the unfertilized plots. In the unfertilized plots, saline water irrigation significantly reduced the activity of denitrifying enzymes, the abundance of nirK, nirS, and nosZ, and the diversity of denitrifying bacterial communities. In the fertilized plots, saline water irrigation did not significantly affect the abundance of nosZ, whereas it significantly reduced the abundance of nirK and nirS. Saline water irrigation and nitrogen application altered the community structures of denitrifying bacteria with nirK, nirS, and nosZ; the irrigation water salinity seemed to have a greater impact on the denitrifying bacterial community in comparison with fertilization. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis demonstrated that denitrifying bacterial potential biomarkers increased as the water salinity increased, meaning that saline water irrigation could alter the community structures of denitrifying bacteria, and promote the growth of dominant species. Our findings indicate that increased abundance of nosZ, nirK, and nirS promoted N2O emission, and although long-term saline water reduced soil N2O emission, it resulted in a continuous increase of soil salinity. The emission of N2O had extremely positive correlation with soil NO3--N, organic matter, total nitrogen, denitrifying bacteria abundance, and denitrifying enzyme activities, and was negatively correlated with soil moisture. The soil physiochemical properties and the community structure of denitrifying bacteria had a significant influence on soil N2O emission in cotton fields, and nirS bacteria showed the highest association with N2O emission, thus it might be a dominant microflora in the process of denitrification. This information will aid in reducing atmospheric N2O emissions in agriculturally productive alluvial grey desert soils.