Salinity Levels Of Irrigation Water Research Articles

Nutrient status and production of fodder beet irrigated with saline-sodic water in Mediterranean calcareous soils

ABSTRACT The impact of drip irrigation with saline-sodic water on the nutrient status and productivity of fodder beet (Beta vulgaris) was evaluated in rainy and dry Mediterranean cropping seasons. Two field experiments were conducted during two growing seasons (winter and summer) in calcareous soil (31% CaCO3) of Sais area, Northwestern Morocco. The rainfall was 337 mm for winter and 53 mm for summer. Four salinity levels of irrigation water (ECi) were investigated: control (1ds m−1), 4, 6, and 10 ds m−1. The ECi levels were prepared by adding sodium chloride (NaCl, laboratory grade, 99.5%) to water. The results showed that the soil salinity (ECs) was related to the growing season and the irrigation water salinity (ECi). The depressive effect of salinity on the whole plant dry biomass (−25% as average) was observed only in the summer crop cycle at different ECi ≥ 4 ds m−1 compared to control. The plant NaCl uptake for both seasons could be predicted by a linear model: Y (kg ha−1 of NaCl) = 36.3 ECi + 23.6 Q − 101.3 (adjusted R2 = 0.88) where Q = total dry biomass (t ha−1). Saline-sodic irrigation water reduced the contents of boron, calcium, and magnesium in the plants. The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) in the soil exceeded 41% at ECi ≥ 4 ds m−1 for both seasons. The study demonstrated that fodder beet escapes the negative impact of salt stress in the rainy season. However, the high ESP recorded at harvest did not reveal the efficacy of fodder beet in NaCl removal from the soil.

Desenvolvimento e qualidade de frutos de melão amarelo sob estresse salino

ABSTRACT The need for studies that allow the use of brackish water in irrigated agriculture and the socioeconomic importance of melon cultivation in Brazil, especially for the Northeast region, which concentrates most of the national production and faces problems with the availability of good quality water for irrigation, motivated the present study. In this context, the objective of present study was to evaluate the growth, production and fruit quality of the ‘Goldex’ (yellow-type hybrid F1) melon under salt stress conditions. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design, with two salinity levels of irrigation water (0.8 and 4.0 dS m-1) and eight evaluation times (52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, and 66 days after transplanting). Variables of plant growth and development, production and quality of melon fruits were evaluated throughout the cycle. Plants had delayed growth characteristics and less development with the increase in irrigation water salinity, showing reductions of more than 20% in shoot dry weight, leaf area, number of branches and length of secondary branches and 16.7% in length of the main branch. In addition, salinity caused a delay in fruit development and a 16% reduction in final fruit weight, without significantly modifying carbohydrate and total soluble solids contents. Along the development, there was an increase in the total soluble solids content of the fruits, especially due to the increment of sucrose at the final stages of development.

Influence of Terrestrial Parameters on the Ecophysiological Composition of Young Plants Kahya Senegalensis in Saline Environment

This study aims at analyzing the behavior of young African mahogany plants in a saline environment, focusing on perceptions related to transpiration, photosynthetically active radiation and water potential. The experiment was conducted in drainage lysimeters, using different salinity levels of irrigation water. Environmental data, such as photosynthetically active radiation, water potential and electrical conductivity, were collected to investigate their influence on the transpiration of African mahogany plants. The research was carried out in an experimental field in the northeast region of Brazil, over a period of four months, with young African mahogany plants (Khaya senegalensis), using water with an electrical conductivity of 0.5 dS.m -1 (control treatment); 1.25 dS.m -1; 2 dS.m -1; 2.75 dS.m -1; 3.5 dS.m -1; 4.25 dS.m -1 and 5 dS.m -1 in a total of seven treatments, with three replications and 21 experimental units (plants). Plant transpiration was measured using a steady-state diffusion porometer. The electrical conductivity of the irrigation water was monitored using a portable conductivity meter. The results presented in the analyzes indicate a complex and interdependent relationship between leaf transpiration, photosynthetically active radiation and plant water potential. Leaf transpiration is influenced by variations in solar radiation, which plays a crucial role in regulating this process. It was observed that leaf transpiration is lower in the morning, from 7 to 9 am and in the late afternoon, from 5 to 6 pm, when incident solar radiation is at lower values.

Response of Soil Fungal Community to Biochar Application Under Different Irrigation Water Salinity

Saline water irrigation can alleviate the shortage of freshwater resources in the northwest arid zone, but long-term saline water irrigation can damage the soil fungal community structure. To alleviate the harm caused by salinity, biochar is used as a soil amendment to improve the soil fungal community structure. To investigate the intrinsic link between biochar application and the structural diversity of fungal communities in saline soils, two irrigation water salinity levels were set:0.35 dS·m-1 (fresh water) and 8.04 dS·m-1 (saline water). At each irrigation water salinity, two levels of biochar application were set:0 t·hm-2 (no application) and 3.7 t·hm-2 (application). High-throughput sequencing results showed that compared to that under fresh water irrigation, saline water irrigation increased fungal community species diversity and decreased fungal community species richness; biochar application under saline water irrigation reduced soil fungal community species diversity and species richness. The dominant fungal phyla in the soils of each treatment were Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Glomeromycota, Rozellomycota, and Cysticercales, and the dominant genera were Gibberella, Chaetomium, Sarocladium, Stachybotrys, and Fusarium. Compared to that under freshwater irrigation, saline water irrigation significantly increased the relative abundance of Basidiomycota and Chytridiomycota and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Ascomycota and Rozellomycota. The application of biochar under saline irrigation significantly increased the relative abundance of Ascomycota and Sarocladium but significantly decreased the relative abundance of Basidiomycota, Chaetomium, and Fusarium. LEfSe analysis showed that under the condition of no biochar application, saline irrigation reduced the number of potential biomarkers of fungal communities, whereas the application of biochar under the condition of saline irrigation increased the number of potential biomarkers of fungal communities. These results indicated that the application of biochar can improve the saline soil environment and fungal community structure and provide a theoretical basis for reasonable brackish water irrigation and soil fertilization in arid areas.

Evaluation of date palm fruits quality under different irrigation water salinity levels compared to the fruit available in the market

IntroductionThe date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a major component of the agro-food systems of the arid regions. Since it is an indigenous tree, it is an integral part of the local cultural heritage and social and economic life. Date palm cultivation in the region is challenging due to various factors such as water scarcity and soil and water salinity.MethodsThis research study was conducted to evaluate the quality of commonly sold date palm varieties in the UAE market and grown using saline water at the ICBA research station in Dubai. The study involved measuring physical parameters like fruit weight, size, dimensions, color, volume, Brix, protein, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sugars, phenols, sodium, and potassium, as well as analyzing how consumers perceive the fruit’s quality attributes produced under varying salinity levels. The study evaluated Tamar dates’ texture, flavor, aroma, taste, color, and appearance using a five-point scale from very poor to excellent.Results and discussionThe study found that fruit quality is affected by salinity, and there is a significant interaction between variety and salinity treatments. Salinity affects date palm traits, but low to moderate levels do not affect fruit quality. Khalas, Sukkari, and Ajwa-Tul-Madinah are the least affected varieties. High salinity negatively impacts some varieties, leading to decreased fruit quality. However, it is also worth noting that salinity stress can increase the sugar concentration in fruit for specific varieties, as demonstrated in this study on fruit sugar content under such conditions. Among the tested dates, Sukkari from the market, Ajwa-Tul-Madinah irrigated with 5 and 10 dS m−1 have the highest sugar content and many other desirable characteristics. Hierarchical k-means clustering reveals that each genotype performs better under a specific level of salinity, allowing for targeted selection of genotypes for salinity mitigation. Sugar content is crucial in assessing date fruits irrigated with saline water. It should be included in the evaluation criteria to promote the use of saline water for date palm irrigation and save freshwater resources. The study provides valuable insights into different date palm varieties’ behavior under varying salinity levels, enabling farmers to optimize production and establish new evaluation criteria.

Cultivo de abobrinha sob estresse salino e aplicação exógena de paclobutrazol

ABSTRACT Salinity is considered an obstacle to the production system that limits the growth and yield of crops around the world. Therefore, it is essential to develop strategies to minimize the effects of salinity and increase yield, especially in the semi-arid region of the Northeast, which has limited water resources of good quality for irrigation. The objective was to evaluate the effects of applying paclobutrazol on zucchini crop under salt stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in a randomized block experimental design, in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, with two salinity levels of irrigation water (0.6 and 4.0 dS m-1) and five concentrations of paclobutrazol - PBZ (0; 2; 4; 6 and 8 g L-1), and with four repetitions. Application of 8 mg L-1 PBZ increases stem diameter in zucchini under irrigation of 4.0 dS m-1. Chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents increase with PBZ concentration of 4 mg L-1 and irrigation of 0.6 dS m-1. PBZ concentration of 4 mg L-1 increases the relative water content while reducing electrolyte leakage in zucchini under salinities of 4.0 and 0.6 dS m-1 respectively. Root, stem and leaf dry mass of zucchini increases when plants are irrigated with water of 0.6 dS m-1 and subjected to PBZ concentration of 8 mg L-1. PBZ concentrations do not attenuate the effects of salinity on leaf area, crown volume and diameter, vegetative vigor index, chlorophyll a and carotenoids.

Production and postharvest quality of <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims under brackish water and potassium doses

<abstract> <p>The aim of this research was to assess the yield and postharvest characteristics of 'BRS Sol do Cerrado' sour passion fruits based on irrigation with varying levels of saline water and potassium fertilization. The study was conducted under field conditions at an experimental farm in São Domingos, Paraíba, Brazil. A randomized block design was implemented in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, with five levels of electrical conductivity of water (ECw): 0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup>, and four potassium doses (KD): 60, 80,100, and 120% of the recommended amount, with 3 replications. The potassium dose equivalent to 120% of the recommended dose in combination with low-salinity water resulted in the highest fresh mass accumulation in the sour passion fruit. Water electrical conductivity up to 2.7 dS m<sup>−1</sup>, along with the lowest recommended KD, led to increased levels of soluble solids and ascorbic acid in the sour passion fruit. Irrigation with water of 3.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup> and using 80 to 100% of the recommended KD enhanced the total sugar content in the sour passion fruit. On the other hand, irrigation with water of 3.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup> combined with 60% of the recommended KD resulted in a higher pulp yield in the 'BRS Sol do Cerrado' sour passion fruit 160 days post-transplantation. Adjustments in potassium fertilization management at different irrigation water salinity levels played a crucial role in maintaining both the production and quality of the sour passion fruit.</p> </abstract>

Water Salinity in Agriculture: Analyzing Irrigation Water Quality for Farmers

The primary aim of this study is to assess irrigation water's salinity levels and categorize them as regular, slightly to moderately saline, or severely saline, using the salinity parameters established by Ayers and Westcot as a reference. This practice plays a substantial role in global agriculture, accounting for 20% of total cultivated land and contributing 40% of the world's food production. It falls under the classification of water usage known as Class C, which encompasses Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of aquatic resources, Recreational Water Class II for boating and similar activities, and Agriculture, including irrigation and livestock watering. This classification underscores irrigation water's profound influence on agriculture as a whole. Salinity, often considered one of humanity's earliest environmental challenges, is paramount. Excessive salinity in agriculture, particularly in the context of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation, a staple crop that nourishes half of the global population, poses a formidable threat. High salinity levels can potentially hinder plant growth, reduce crop yields, and compromise the quality of agricultural products. This research seeks to illuminate the critical issue of salinity in irrigation, specifically focusing on its implications for rice cultivation, which plays a pivotal role in global food security. By delineating the salinity status of irrigation water, it aims to provide valuable insights into the challenges confronted by agricultural communities and lay the groundwork for informed decision-making in sustainable agriculture.

Effect of irrigation water salinity on morphological and physiological characteristics of celery

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of salinity levels of irrigation water on the morphological and physiological characteristics of celery (Apium graveolens L.) during early seedling development. Celery seedlings of Balena cultivar were grown with saline irrigation water consisting of different NaCl levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mM). The results showed that increasing salt stress inhibited plant growth by destroying physiological parameters. Each increase in NaCl resulted in a decrease in the length, diameter, number, and fresh and dry weight of leaves. Dry matter, chlorophyll content, leaf temperature, and turgor loss improved when NaCl levels were increased; however, salinity caused a reduction in leaf relative water content. Leaf fresh and dry weights were lower under salt stress, even at 50 mM NaCl. Leaf temperature was higher in plants grown under salinity and reached the maximum level at 100 mM NaCl. The stomata on the abaxial side of the leaves were smaller but more numerous under salinity than in the control plants. It was concluded that celery’s plant growth was significantly influenced by salinity and that it could endure salinity lower than 100 mM NaCl.

Multi-objective optimization of saline water irrigation in arid oasis regions: Integrating water-saving, salinity control, yield enhancement, and CO2 emission reduction for sustainable cotton production

Brackish water stands as a promising alternative to mitigate freshwater scarcity in arid regions. However, its application poses potential threats to agricultural sustainability. There is a need to establish a clear understanding of the economic and ecological benefits. We conducted a two-year (2021−2022) field experiment to investigate the effects of four different irrigation water salinity levels on soil electrical conductivity, cotton yield, water use efficiency, CO2 emissions, and carbon sequestration. The salinity levels were designated as CK (0.85 g L−1), S1 (3 g L−1), S2 (5 g L−1), and S3 (8 g L−1). Results indicated that using irrigation water with high salinity (≥5 g L−1) led to the accumulation of salt in the soil, and a decrease in plant biomass and seed cotton yield. Compared to CK, the S3 treatment decreased by 18.72 % and 20.10 % in the respective two years. Interestingly, using brackish water (3 L−1 and 5 g L−1) decreased the rate and cumulative CO2 emissions, and increased the carbon emission efficiency and carbon sequestration by 0.098–0.094 kg kg−1 and 871–1859 kg ha−1 in 2021, 0.098–0.094 kg kg−1 and 617–1995 kg ha−1 in 2022, respectively. To comprehensively evaluate the tradeoff between economic and ecological benefits, we employed the TOPSIS method, and S1 was identified as the optimal irrigation salinity. Through fitting analysis, the most suitable irrigation salinity levels for 2021 and 2022 were determined as 3.52 g L−1 and 3.31 g L−1, respectively. From the perspective of water conservation, salinity management, yield improvement, and reduction of CO2 emissions, it is feasible to utilize brackish water for irrigation purposes, as long as the salinity does not exceed 3.52 g L−1 (first year) and 3.31 g L−1 (second year).

Effect of different treatments to reduce the salinity of irrigation water on the growth and yield of wheat

A field experiment was conducted under the conditions of Muthanna Governorate during the 2022-2023 agricultural season in one of the fields belonging to a farmer in the Al-Bandar area (3 km from the center of Samawah city), which is located at longitude 45.18 east and latitude 31.19 north. The experiment aimed to study the effect of different treatments in reducing the impact of irrigation water salinity on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Variety Abaa 99 The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with complete randomized blocks with three replications. The main plots included levels of irrigation water salinity with concentrations of (6, 9 and 12) dS m -1 in addition to the control treatment of normal river water (3) dSm-1 . The secondary plots included some salinity reduction treatments, namely (Kamasol, Clean Salt, magnetic irrigation water). The results of the experiment showed that the Clean Salt treatment significantly outperformed the control treatment in terms of plant height (95.50 cm), flag leaf area (34.07 cm2 ), number of tillers (412.50 tillers m2 ), and grain yield (6.210 t ha-1 ). While salinity levels significantly affected some of the studied traits, the irrigation water treatment (control) was superior in the flag leaf area, recording 35.61 cm2 . The 6 dS m treatment, on the other hand, outperformed the other treatments in terms of biological yield, recording the highest yield of 13.458 t ha-1 . The interaction between the factors of the experiment had a significant effect on some of the studied traits.

Integrated effect of saline water irrigation and phosphorus fertilization practices on wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth, productivity, nutrient content and soil proprieties under dryland farming

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is the most common and oldest crop in Morocco and MENA region countries, cultivated both for human and animal nutrition. In Morocco, the irrigated perimeter of Tadla is the major wheat growing area affected by soil and groundwater salinity problematic. Previous studies have shown that phosphorus (P) fertilization can mitigate the negative effects of salinity on different crops. Thus, field experiments from the combination of four levels of irrigation water salinity and three P-fertilization rates were conducted during two successive growing seasons (between 2019 and 2021) at the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), Tadla, Morocco. Our main objective was evaluating the potential of P-fertilization to improve wheat growth, productivity and quality under saline water irrigation practices. The crop simulation model APSIM, was also tested to assess its performance in simulating wheat growth, productivity, phosphorus and nitrogen nutrient dynamics in soil-plant system under saline conditions. Results showed that appropriate P-fertilization under saline conditions contributed to minimize the effect of salinity and improved wheat growth and production. Also, it was found that increasing P-fertilization improved nutrient uptake, and consequently the plant nutrient content. A good agreement between the measured and APSIM model simulated growth and yield state variables, as well as the plant and soil-N content. However, a model uncertainty and relevant limitations in simulating plant- and soil-P content output were identified and discussed. Overall, our finding suggests that appropriate P-application minimizes the adverse effects of high soil salinity and can be adopted as a coping strategy in wheat cultivation under saline water irrigation practices.

Effects of Drought Hardening and Saline Water Irrigation on the Growth, Yield, and Quality of Tomato

Drought hardening could promote the development of plant roots, potentially improving the resistance of crops to other adversities. To investigate the response and resistance of physiological and growth characteristics induced by drought hardening to salt stress in the later stages, a greenhouse experiment was carried out from 2021 to 2022 with one blank control treatment and twelve treatments that comprised combinations of four irrigation regimes (W1 = 85%, W2 = 70%, W3 = 55%, and W4 = 40% of the field capacity) and three irrigation water salinity levels (S2, S4, and S6, referring to 2 g, 4 g, and 6 g of sodium chloride added to 1000 mL of tap water, respectively). The results show that saline water irrigation introduced a large amount of salt into the soil, resulting in the deterioration of tomato growth, physiology, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE), but had a positive, significant effect on fruit quality. When the irrigation water salinity was 2 g L−1, the W2 treatment could reduce soil salt accumulation, even at the end of the maturation stage; consequently, enhancing the increments in plant height and leaf area index during the whole growing stage. The physiological activity of tomato plants under the W2 and W3 treatments showed a promoting effect. Correspondingly, the maximum values of the fruit quality of tomato plants irrigated with the same saline water were all obtained with the W2 or W3 treatment. However, the yield and WUE of the W3 treatment were lower than that of the W2 treatment, which was the highest among the same saline water irrigation treatments, consistent with the reflection of the changing trend of the ratio of fresh weight to dry weight. Overall, drought hardening can be considered an economically viable approach to mitigate the hazards of saline water irrigation, and the W2S2 combination is recommended for tomato production due to the maximum values of yield and WUE with a higher fruit quality among the twelve saline water irrigation treatments.

Eruca sativa plants modulate growth and gas exchange when cultivated under salinity stress after leaching fractions

The physiology of rocket plants at different salinity levels through irrigation water and leaching fractions was assessed. Four salinity levels of irrigation water: 0.10, 1.60, 3.10 and 4.60 dS m-1 and three leaching fractions: 0, 10 and 20% were applied. The physiological variables analyzed were photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and photosynthetic pigment contents. The growth and biomass production were analyzed by: plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and partitioned and total plant fresh and dry mass, and root to aerial part ratio. The leaching fraction of 10% combined with irrigation with water salinity levels ranging from 0.10 to 0.88 dS m-1 resulted in greater plant height, leaf area and root, shoot and total dry mass. The leaching fraction of 20% with irrigation water with salinity levels from 0.10 to 2.7 dS m-1 generates higher leaf number, shoot fresh mass, root-to-shoot ratio, stomatal conductance, and photosynthetic rate. Irrigation water with a salinity level of 0.10 dS m-1 provides a higher transpiration rate for rocket plants. Irrigation water with a salinity level of 4.6 dS m-1 generates higher chlorophyll a, b and total (a + b) and carotenoid contents in rocket plants.

Soil salinity and nutrient availability influenced by silicon application to tomato irrigation with different saline water

Silicon can be used as a soil amendment to reduce deleterious soil salinity and improve nutrient availability under different irrigation water salinity levels. Four treatments of Si (0,150 and 300 kg Si ha-1 as nano-silica and 300 kg Si ha-1 as potassium silicate) along with four salinity levels of irrigation water (1.65,3,6and 9 dSm-1 ) were used to investigate their effect on soil salinity at three soil depth ( 0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm ) and availability of N, P and K in soil cultivated with tomato. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions using a random complete block design with three replicates. According to the results, increasing irrigation water salinity level increased soil salinity and decreased available N, P and K to tomatoes. Si treatments decreased soil salinity and increased available amounts of N, P and K . Using 300 Kg Si ha-1 of nano-silica caused the lowest soil salinity of 1.89, 2.51 and 3.23 dSm-1 for 0-15, 15-30, and 30-45cm depth, respectively and increased availability of N, P and K with a percent of 19.4, 14.1 and 82.7 %, respectively. Keywords: nano-silica, soil salinity, available nitrogen, irrigation water salinity, tomato.

Effect of Soil Addition of Humic, Fulvic Acids and Irrigation Water Salinity on the Yellow Corn Zea mays L. Growth

A field experiment was carried out during the two spring seasons 2020/2021 in an agricultural field, located on the banks of the Euphrates River in Al-Muthanna Governorate, which is 4 km away from Al-Muthanna University, between latitudes 45°14′58″ and longitudes 31°19′33″, to study the effect of adding humic and fulvic organic acids and irrigation water salinity on the growth traits of corn crop Zea mays L., in an experiment whose treatments included three levels of concentrations of a mixture of organic acids (humic and fulvic) which were 0, 20 and 40 liters of ha-1, four levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water used in the irrigation process, it was less than 2.0 dSiemens m-1 using pure water RO mixture with river water, and 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 dSiemens m-1 using a mixture of tap water and river water. The results showed a significant effect between irrigation water salinity levels on plant height, where the transaction decreased by 8.0 dSiemens m-1, significant effect between the levels of humic and fulvic organic acids in the leaf area cm2, where the treatment exceeded 20 liters ha-1, there was a significant interaction between humic and fulvic acid levels and irrigation water salinity levels, the combination (40 L × salinity comparison) a high leaf area and dry matter.

SALINITY STRESS AS AN ABIOTIC FACTOR AT GERMINATION STAGE ON DRY BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) CULTIVARS

The study focused on germination parameters as the most critical stage of plant development in dry bean cultivars under different salt treatment. For two used cultivars (Akman-98, Karaman-2016) the data on germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling shoot length, seedling root length, seedling length and seedling vigor indexes were reached under the different salinity levels of irrigation water (0 mM, 25 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM, and 200 mM of NaCl) in Petri plates. The data indicates that these parameters could be used as screening the dry bean cultivars against salt stress levels. This study was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a total of 12 treatments (6 salinity x 2 cultivars) for the germination and seedling data each comprising of three replicates. The results demonstrated that; i) From the overall observation of the germination characters, at 100 mM and over salt treatments showed decreasing in the germination percentage, the seedling length and the seedling vigor index in the mean of the cultivars, ii) Significantly decreasing in the seedling shoot length were observed in the mean of the cultivars at just after 25 mM and gradually at all salt concentrations, iii) Although the root length showed increasing in 25 and 50 mM treatments than the control plants, a sudden decrease occurred after 100 mM salt treatment in the mean of the cultivars and in each cultivars separately, iv) The mean germination time were sharply in increasing starting with 25 mM treatment in the mean of the cultivars, v) Except the seedling shoot length, in the mean of all the salt treatments between the cultivars did not show statistically differences in the calculated parameters, vi) Any correlation was found between the salt concentrations and the cultivars.

Assessment of plant mineral nutrition concentrations of tomato irrigated with brackish water and RO concentrate

Salinity-induced nutritional imbalances due to irrigation with brackish water could adversely affect crop production. This study evaluated the concentrations and distributions of 14 ions in roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of tomato irrigated with brackish water. The five saline treatments were tap-water of EC 0.6, brackish water of EC 2 and 3, and reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate of EC 4 and 6 dS/m. The higher concentrations of Na, Mg, Ca, K, and Cl in soil and irrigation water increased Na and Mg but decreased K and Ca concentrations in plant organs. The accumulations of micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, B, and Al) except Zn in the whole plant decreased with increasing salinity levels. However, the amounts of Mn, Fe, B, and Al were positively correlated to yield at a significant level. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified two PCs that explained more than 70% of variability for the whole plant, PC 1 included most ions of Na, K, Ca, P, N, Mn, Cu, Fe, B, and Al, while PC 2 included ions of Mg, Cl, S, and Zn. These results were in accord with the results of Pearson correlation analysis that tomato yield was significantly correlated to accumulations of Na, Ca, P, N, Mn, Fe, B, and Al in whole plants except K and Cu. To achieve an optimal comprehensive fruit nutrition, tomato can be irrigated up to an irrigation water salinity level of ≤2 dS/m.

Examining the Effects of Biochar in Spinach Cultivation with Increased Irrigation Water Salinity on Some Physical and Physiological Properties of the Plant

The inadequacy of fresh water resources in today's conditions has revealed the use of salty water as an alternative water source in agricultural irrigation but salinity, which is shown as the most important source of abiotic stress, increases osmotic stress and decreases the water intake of the plant, resulting in a physiological drought. For this reason, there is a need for applications to improve the decreasing efficiency in the use of salt water in irrigation through different practical and economic approaches. This study investigating the effects of biochar application into the soil against irrigation water salinity in spinach cultivation on some physical and physiological properties of the plant was carried out in five-liter pots in greenhouse conditions, in a completely randomized factorial experimental design with three replications, in three different irrigation water salinity levels with NaCl salt source [I0: tap water; 0.4 (control), I1: 2.5, I2: 5 dS m-1] and three different biochar dosage based on weight [B0: 0 (control), B1: 1.5, B2: 3%] conditions. As a result of the study, plant height, leaf number and area, shoot wet weight from physical properties and chlorophyll and leaf relative water contents from physiological properties decreased with increasing irrigation water salinity levels but the membrane damage decreased, while the physical and physiological properties of spinach increased with the increasing mixing ratio of biochar to the soil, excluding membrane damage. It was found that the use of biochar against irrigation water salinity can be recommended considering that mixing biochar to the soil against irrigation water salinity in spinach cultivation regulates the physical and physiological properties of the plant but to obtain more comprehensive information on this subject, evaluation of different irrigation water salinity and biochar ratios in terms of field studies has emerged as a recommendable result.

CHERRY TOMATO CULTIVATION UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF IRRIGATION WATER SALINITY AND ROOT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The use of saline water is a challenge of modern agriculture since the use of this type water reduces crop quality and yield. From this perspective, this study aimed to analyze the performance of cherry tomato under different levels of irrigation water salinity and partial root-zone irrigation. The experiment was conducted in a plant nursery at the Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Campus of the Federal University of Alagoas, in Rio Largo, Alagoas, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement corresponding to four levels of irrigation water salinity (0.5 (control), 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 dS m-¹) and two root management systems (with and without root system division), with five replications. The plants were evaluated for growth, dry mass accumulation, and yield. The irrigation water salinity of 3.5 dS m-1 intensely reduces the plant height, number of fruits, and shoot dry mass of cherry tomato. The shoot fresh mass of cherry tomato was reduced by with root system division. However, this treatment increased the plant height and the number of fruits per plant. Root system division in cherry tomato plants mitigates the deleterious effects of irrigation water salinity up to the electrical conductivity of 1.5 dS m-1, especially on the fruit mass per plant.