Salinity types and level-based effects on the growth, physiology and nutrient contents of maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

Salinity is a devastating problem of arid and semi-arid climatic regions with uneven salt accumulation which hinders growth and development of crops. The deleterious effects of salinity mainly depend on level and source of salinity. We hypothesized that types of sodium salt (NaCl and Na2SO4) might cause variable toxicity in maize (Zea mays L.) plants. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of different types of sodium salt (NaCl and Na2SO4), each at EC 5 and 10 dS m–1 on growth, physiology and nutrient contents of maize plant grown in earthen pots under wire house conditions. Results revealed toxic effects of salt stress on seed germination, root and shoot growth and biomass. Maize physiology in terms of sub-stomatal CO2 index, chlorophyll and relative water contents, photosynthetic and transpiration rate also reduced under salt stress. Among the types of salt and levels of salinity, NaCl applied at the rate of 10 dS m–1 caused the highest reduction in seed germination, growth and physiology due to high accumulation of Na and Cl ions whereas low in K ion in maize plant tissues. Based on the findings, we do conclude that NaCl applied at the rate of 10 dS m–1 has more negative impact on maize growth and nutrient acquisition than Na2SO4 at same level of salinity.

Alleviation of Salinity-Induced Oxidative Stress, Improvement in Growth, Physiology and Mineral Nutrition of Canola (Brassica napus L.) through Calcium-Fortified Composted Animal Manure

“…The results of the present study showed that salts stress significantly decreased all the growth and yield parameters of canola. These results are in agreement with Shahzad et al [64], who reported decreased growth attributes of maize grown under varying salinity levels. Application of organic amendments have been advocated for its known positive effects in salinity amelioration.…”

“…The influence on photosynthesis can be assessed from the effect on photosynthetic pigments. It has been described in certain studies that salinity stress causes decline in photosynthetic pigments of plants [26,64,73]. The decrease in gaseous exchange attributes in the current study might be associated with increased salinity-induced osmotic stress that rendered the growing plants out of water and hampered the rate of transpiration, which further excavated water and CO 2 supply for normal photosynthesis [74].…”

“…Increased growth and grain yield in the present experiment might be attributable to improved availability of mineral nutrients to plants due to applied composted manure [69]. It has been established that varying levels and kinds of salts present affect the fresh and dry biomass of plants [64,70]. Salt stress considerably decreased the biomass of canola but addition of organic matter through animal manure might have improved physico-chemical properties, which as a result might have improved physiology of plant and eventually growth and yield parameters examined during this study [26,31].…”

Alleviation of Salinity Induced Oxidative Stress in Chenopodium quinoa by Fe Biofortification and Biochar—Endophyte Interaction

“…The influence on photosynthesis can be assessed from the influence on photosynthetic pigments. It has been described in certain studies that salinity stress causes decline in photosynthetic pigments of plants [50,59,60]. We found decreased physiological attributes in stressed plants.…”

“…However, these effects were more significant with the combined application of biochar and PsJN. Salinity stress has been known to limit plant growth and yield through disturbing various physiological processes of crops [50]. We found significant reduction in growth attributes (plant height, shoot and root dry weights) of Chenopodium quinoa under saline conditions.…”