Yield potential and salt tolerance of quinoa on salt‐degraded soils of Pakistan

Quinoa is recently introduced to Pakistan as a salt‐tolerant crop of high nutritional value. Open field trials were conducted to evaluate its performance on normal and salinity/sodicity‐degraded lands at two locations of different salinity/sodicity levels, S₁ (UAF Farm, Normal Soil), S₂ (Paroka Farm UAF, saline sodic), S₃ (SSRI Farm, normal) and S₄ (SSRI Farm, saline sodic) during 2013–2014. Two genotypes (Q‐2 and Q‐7) were grown in lines and were allowed to grow till maturity under RCBD split‐plot arrangement. Maximum seed yield (3,062 kg/ha) was achieved by Q‐7 at normal field (S₁) soil which was statistically similar with yield of same genotype obtained from salt‐affected field S₂ (2,870 kg/ha). Furthermore, low yield was seen from both genotypes from both S₃ and S₄ as compared to S₁ and S₂. Q‐7 was best under all four conditions. Minimum yield was recorded from Q‐2 (1,587 kg/ha) at S₄. Q‐7 had higher SOD, proline, phenolic and K⁺ contents, and lower Na⁺ content in leaves as compared to Q‐2. High levels of antioxidants and K⁺/Na⁺ of Q‐7 helped to withstand salt stress and might be the cause of higher yields under both normal and salt‐affected soils. Seed quality (mineral and protein) did not decrease considerably under salt‐affected soils even improved seed K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Mn²⁺.     

Genetic variation in root development responses to salt stresses of quinoa

Soil salinity has become a serious environmental abiotic stress limiting crop productivity and quality. The root system is the first organ sensing the changes in salinity. Root development under elevated salinity is therefore an important indicator for saline tolerance in plants. Previous studies focused on varietal differences in morphological traits of quinoa under saline stresses; however, variation in root development responses to salinity remains largely unknown. To understand the genetic variation in root development responses to salt stress of quinoa, we conducted a preliminary screening for salinity response at two salinity levels of a diverse set of 52 quinoa genotypes and microsatellite markers were used to link molecular variation to that in root development responses to salt stresses of represented genotypes. The frequency distribution of saline tolerance index showed continuous variation in the quinoa collection. Cluster analysis of salinity responses divided the 52 quinoa genotypes into six major groups. Based on these results, six genotypes representative of groups I to VI including Black quinoa, 2-Want, Atlas, Riobamba, NL-6 and Sayaña, respectively, were selected to evaluate root development under four saline stress levels: 0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl. Contrasts in root development responses to saline stress levels were observed in the six genotypes. At 100 mM NaCl, significant differences were not observed in root length development (RLD) and root surface development (RSAD) of most genotypes except Black quinoa; a significant reduction was observed in this genotype as compared to controls. At 200 mM NaCl, significant reduction was detected in RLD and RSAD in all genotypes showing this as the best concentration to discriminate among genotypes. The strongest inhibition of root development was found for all genotypes at 300 mM NaCl as compared to lower saline levels. Among genotypes, Atlas of group III shows as a saline-tolerant genotype confirming previous reports. Variation in root responses to salinity stresses is also discussed in relation to climate conditions of origins of the genotypes and reveal interesting guidelines for further studies exploring the mechanisms behind this aspect of saline adaptation.     

Reproductive stage tolerance to salinity and alkalinity stresses in rice genotypes

Salinity and alkalinity (sodicity) seriously threaten rice production in south Asia. Improving screening methodologies for identifying sources of tolerance is crucial for breeding salt tolerant rices. Rice genotypes of varying tolerance (tolerant, semi‐tolerant and sensitive) were screened in saline soil of electrical conductivity, ECe 4 and 8 dS/m and alkali soil of pH 9.5 and 9.8 in lysimeters. Vegetative growth events were less affected by both the stresses in comparison to reproductive stage. Grain yield was reduced by 26.7%, 45.7% and 50.3% at ECe 8 dS/m in three tolerance groups respectively. At pH 9.8 the reduction was 25.1%, 37.2% and 67.6% in the three groups respectively. Higher floret fertility contributed to higher seed set and grain yields in tolerant genotypes whereas higher spikelet sterility led to poor seed set and lower grain yields in sensitive genotypes. The 1000 grains weight was also significantly reduced at ECe 4 or pH 9.8. Screening at reproductive stage for morphological traits like floret fertility is thus more useful to identify rice genotypes tolerant to both salinity and alkalinity stress. Genotypic (G) and environmental (E) effects and GE interactions were highly significant for the growth attributes and grain yield. Based on analysis of variance, genotypes tolerant to salinity and alkalinity as well to both the stresses were identified.     

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Saline-Sodic Soil Reclamation Using Low-quality Water and Soil Amendments in Conjunction with a Rice–Wheat Cropping System

A combination of appropriate crop rotation(s) and management interventions has the potential to transform saline‐sodic soil and water resources from an environmental burden into an economic asset. We carried out 2‐year field studies in the Indus Basin of Pakistan to evaluate different irrigation and soil management options of using saline‐sodic waters (SSW) and soils for reclamation and for growing salt‐tolerant cultivars of rice (SSRI‐8) and wheat (SIS‐32). These soils have variable levels of salinity and sodicity (EC_e 9–44 dS m^?1 and SAR 83–319). The treatments on both the sites were the same and consisted of: (1) Irrigation with SSW, (2) Irrigation with freshwater (FW), (3) Soil application of gypsum at 100 % gypsum requirement of soil + SSW (G + SSW), (4) G + one irrigation with SSW and one with FW (G + 1SSW + 1FW), (5) G + two irrigations with SSW and one with FW (G + 2SSW + 1FW), (6) Farm manure at 25 Mg ha^?1 each year before rice + one irrigation with SSW and one with FW (FM + 1SSW + 1FW) and (7) FM + two irrigations with SSW and one with FW (FM + 2SSW + 1FW). Rice was grown as the first crop. After harvesting final wheat crop (fourth in sequence), maximum decrease in bulk density and increase in infiltration rate was observed with G + 1SSW + 1FW while FM + 1SSW + 1FW treatment showed higher decrease in pH_s and EC_e. Significantly the highest decrease in SAR occurred at both sites with G + 1SSW + 1FW. Maximum yields of rice and wheat were generally observed with G + 1SSW + 1FW. The crop yield and economic benefits with treatments showed a positive correlation with that of improvement in soil physical and chemical properties. Overall, the greatest net benefit was obtained from G + 1SSW + 1FW treatment. We also found that the farmers’ management skills were crucial in the overall success in improving crop yields during reclamation of saline‐sodic soils. Based on the results of this study, we propose that SSW could be used to reclaim saline‐sodic soils by using a rice–wheat rotation and a site‐specific combination of soil amendments and water application strategies.     

Preliminary Research on Seed Production and Nutrient Content for Certain Quinoa Varieties in a Saline–Sodic Soil

The aim of the present study was to compare the potential seed yield of eight quinoa varieties, to explore their mineral composition of seeds and to identify superior varieties in two locations with different soil properties. Compared with neutral soil conditions, seed yield in the marginal (saline–sodic) soil was decreased by 45 %. Under the latter soil conditions seed yield was negatively correlated with crop density, indicating that a considerable yield loss was due to poor and uneven plant density caused by adverse soil properties. Among the varieties, ‘RU–5–PQCIP–DANIDA–UNA’ produced the highest seed yield (>20 dt ha^?1) when grown under neutral soil conditions. Under marginal conditions, the above‐mentioned variety and ‘N 407’ produced seed yields up to 10 dt ha^?1 whereas the rest reached yields of only about 5 dt ha^?1. The majority of the varieties accumulated significantly more protein (20 %) in the seeds under saline–sodic soil conditions (lower yielding environment). The varieties originated from South America were superior in accumulating protein in the seeds at both locations. Mineral contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) in the seeds were significantly higher in the neutral soil. No differences were found for phosphorous (P), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and boron (B) between the two locations. The South American varieties were again superior in mineral composition. Adaptation of certain quinoa varieties even under marginal environments seems promising for seed production and/or protein and mineral content in the seeds. Agronomic data are needed in a due course, over a higher number of locations and/or various climatic conditions.     

Consistent Variation Across Soil Types in Salinity Resistance of a Diverse Range of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes

Chickpea is considered sensitive to salinity, but the salinity resistance of chickpea germplasm has rarely been explored. This study aimed to (i) determine whether there is consistent genetic variation for salinity resistance in the chickpea minicore and reference collections; (ii) determine whether the range of salinity resistance is similar across two of the key soil types on which chickpea is grown; (iii) assess the strength of the relationship between the yield under saline conditions and that under non‐saline conditions; and (iv) test whether salinity resistance is related to differences in seed set under saline conditions across soils and seasons. The seed yield of 265 chickpea genotypes in 2005–2006 and 294 cultivated genotypes of the reference set in 2007–2008 were measured. This included 211 accessions of the minicore collection of chickpea germplasm from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The experiments were conducted in a partly controlled environment using a Vertisol soil in 2005–2006 and an Alfisol soil in 2007–2008, with or without 80 mm sodium chloride (NaCl) added prior to planting. In a separate experiment in 2006–2007, 108 genotypes (common across 2005–2006 and 2007–2008 evaluations) were grown under saline (80 mm NaCl) and non‐saline conditions in a Vertisol and an Alfisol soil. In 2005–2006 in the Vertisol and 2007–2008 in the Alfisol, salinity delayed flowering and maturity, and reduced both shoot biomass and seed yield at maturity. There was a large variation in seed yield among the genotypes in the saline pots, and a small genotype by environment interaction for grain yield in both soil types. The non‐saline control yields explained only 12–15 % of the variation of the saline yields indicating that evaluation for salinity resistance needs to be conducted under saline conditions. The reduction in yield in the saline soil compared with the non‐saline soil was more severe in the Alfisol than in the Vertisol, but rank order was similar in both soil types with a few exceptions. Yield reductions due to salinity were closely associated with fewer pods and seeds per pot (61–91 %) and to lesser extent from less plant biomass (12–27 %), but not seed size. Groups of consistently salinity resistant genotypes and the ones specifically resistant in Vertisols were identified for use as donor sources for crossing with existing chickpea cultivars.     

Saponin seed priming improves salt tolerance in quinoa

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a facultative halophyte of great value, and World Health Organization has selected this crop, which may assure future food and nutritional security under changing climate scenarios. However, germination is the main critical stage of quinoa plant phenology affected by salinity. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to improve its performance under salinity by use of saponin seed priming. Seeds of cv. Titicaca were primed in seven different solutions with varying saponin concentrations (i.e. 0%, 0.5%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25% and 35%), and then, performances of primed seeds were evaluated based on mean germination time and final germination percentage in germination assays (0 and 400 mM NaCl stress). Saponin solutions of 10%, 15% and 25% concentration were found most effective priming tools for alleviating adverse effects of salt stress during seed germination. Performances of these primed seeds were further evaluated in pot study. At six‐leaf stage, plants were irrigated with saline water having either 0 or 400 mM NaCl. The results indicated that saline irrigation significantly decreased the growth, physiology and yield of quinoa, whereas saponin priming found operative in mitigating the negative effects of salt stress. Improved growth, physiology and yield performance were linked with low ABA concentration, better plant water (osmotic and water potential) and gas relations (leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance), low Na⁺ and high K⁺ contents in leaves. Our results suggest that saponin priming could be used as an easy‐operated and cost‐effective technology for sustaining quinoa crop growth on salt‐affected soils.     

Effects of Salinity and Soil–Drying on Radiation Use Efficiency,Water Productivity and Yield of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Drought and salinity reduce crop productivity especially in arid and semi‐arid regions, and finding a crop which produces yield under these adverse conditions is therefore very important. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is such a crop. Hence, a study was conducted in field lysimeters to investigate the effect of salinity and soil–drying on radiation use efficiency, yield and water productivity of quinoa. Quinoa was exposed to five salinity levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 dS m^?1) of irrigation water from flower initiation onwards. During the seed‐filling phase the five salinity levels were divided between two levels of irrigation, either full irrigation (FI; 95 % of field capacity) or non‐irrigated progressive drought (PD). The intercepted photosynthetically active radiation was hardly affected by salinity (8 % decrease at 40 dS m^?1) and did not differ significantly between FI and PD. Radiation use efficiency of dry matter was similar between salinity levels and between FI and PD. In line with this, no negative effect of severe salinity and soil–drying on total dry matter could be detected. Salinity levels between 20 and 40 dS m^?1 significantly reduced the seed yield by ca. 33 % compared with 0 dS m^?1 treatment owing to a 15–30 % reduction in seed number per m², whereas the seed yield of PD was 8 % less than FI. Consequently, nitrogen harvested in seed was decreased by salinity although the total N‐uptake was increased. Both salinity and drought increased the water productivity of dry matter. Increasing salinity from 20 to 40 dS m^?1 did not further decrease the seed number per m² and seed yield, which shows that quinoa (cv. Titicaca) acclimated to saline conditions when exposed to salinity levels between 20 and 40 dS m^?1.     

Field Trial Evaluation of Two Chenopodium quinoa Genotypes Grown Under Rain‐Fed Conditions in a Typical Mediterranean Environment in South Italy

Chenopodium quinoa Willd. or ‘quinoa’ is a plant having many uses as a food. Importantly, it offers an alternative to normal cereals in coeliac diets because its seeds are gluten‐free. For this reason, it is worthwhile to determine the properties of quinoa and to evaluate the suitability of this crop for the south of Italy. At the CNR‐ISAFoM’s experimental station in Vitulazio (CE), a 2‐year (2006–2007) field trial under rain‐fed conditions was carried out to compare the two quinoa genotypes: KVLQ520Y (KV) and Regalona Baer (RB). Comparison was also made between two sowing dates for KV. The results showed that April was the best sowing time for quinoa in our typical Mediterranean region. Of the two genotypes, RB recorded better growth and productivity, apparently being more tolerant to abiotic stress (high temperatures associated with water stress). Chemical analyses reveal the potential of quinoa seed as a valuable ingredient in the preparation of cereal foods having improved nutritional characteristics.     

Paclobutrazol improves salt tolerance in quinoa: Beyond the stomatal and biochemical interventions

Quinoa is gaining importance on global scale due to its excellent nutritious profile and environmental stress‐enduring potential. Its production decreases under high salt stress but can be improved with paclobutrazol application. This study showed involvement of some potential protective mechanisms in root and leaf tissues of quinoa plants treated with paclobutrazol (PBZ) against high salinity. The treatment levels were based on preliminary experiments, and it was found that salt stress (400 mm NaCl) markedly reduced growth and photosynthetic pigments while PBZ (20 mg/L) application significantly improved these attributes. Stomata density and aperture declined on adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves due to salinity. Paclobutrazol application significantly improved the stomatal density on both surfaces of leaves. Concentration of proline and soluble sugars increased in root and leaf tissues under salinity, which was more obvious in PBZ‐treated plants. Salinity stress induced the oxidative damage by increasing lipid peroxidation (MDA) level in roots and more specifically in leaf tissues. However, PBZ treatments ameliorated the drastic effects of salinity and markedly reduced oxidative damage in salt‐stressed quinoa plants. Enhanced activity of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) was triggered by PBZ application, more pronounced in leaf than root tissues. Based on these findings, we conclude that PBZ application improves the salt tolerance in quinoa by activation of the above‐mentioned physiological and biochemical mechanisms specifically in leaves.     

SHORT COMMUNICATION: Effect of Salt Stress on Peruvian Germplasm of Chenopodium quinoa Willd.: A Promising Crop

Soil salinity is a major problem in today’s agriculture. Quinoa has become an important crop because it exhibits high levels of salinity tolerance. In addition, its seeds contain an excellent balance of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proteins for human nutrition. The quinoa germplasm includes almost 2500 accessions, some of which have been tested under salt stress. Here, we report the effect of NaCl on the germination of 182 previously untested accessions. When seeds were irrigated with saline water at 30 dS m^?1 EC, the stress appeared to be too high: all accessions showed less than 60 % germination. In contrast, irrigation with 25 dS m^?1 EC saline water allowed over 60 % germination in 15 accessions. These latter accessions’ agricultural traits were then evaluated. The overall coefficients of variation indicated that quinoa genotype and salt treatment dramatically influence root dry mass per plant, but do not noticeably affect the length of the plant’s life cycle. Unexpectedly, salt treatment resulted in increased plant height, leaf dry mass and grain yield. Using Euclidean distance for the simultaneous selection of these five agricultural traits, accessions 100, 136, 127 and 105 proved to be the best performing genotypes under salt stress.     

Water Relations and Transpiration of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Under Salinity and Soil Drying

Drought and salinity are the two major factors limiting crop growth and production in arid and semi‐arid regions. The separate and combined effects of salinity and progressive drought in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) were studied in a greenhouse experiment. Stomatal conductance (g_s), leaf water potential (Ψ_l), shoot and root abscisic acid concentration ([ABA]) and transpiration rate were measured in full irrigation (FI; around 95 % of water holding capacity (WHC)) and progressive drought (PD) treatments using the irrigation water with five salinity levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 dS m^?1); the treatments are referred to as FI₀, FI₁₀, FI₂₀, FI₃₀, FI₄₀; PD₀, PD₁₀, PD₂₀, PD₃₀, PD₄₀, respectively. The measurements were carried out over 9 days of continuous drought. The results showed that increasing salinity levels decreased the total soil water potential (Ψ_T) and consequently decreased g_s and Ψ_l values in both FI and PD. During the drought period, the xylem [ABA] extracted from the shoots increased faster than that extracted from the roots. A reduction in Ψ_T, caused by salinity and soil drying, reduced transpiration and increased apparent root resistance (R) to water uptake, especially in PD₀ and PD₄₀ during the last days of the drought period. The reasons for the increase in apparent root resistance are discussed. At the end of the drought period, the minimum value of relative available soil water (RAW) was reached in PD₀. Under non‐saline conditions, Ψ_l decreased sharply when RAW reached 0.42 or lower, but under the saline conditions of PD₁₀ and PD₂₀, the threshold values of RAW were 0.67 and 0.96, respectively. In conclusion, due to the additive effect of osmotic and matric potential during soil drying on soil water availability, quinoa should be re‐irrigated at higher RAW in salt‐affected soils, i.e. before the soil water content reaches the critical threshold level causing the drop in Ψ_l resulting in stomatal closure.     

Effect of high temperature on pollen morphology,plant growth and seed yield in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has gained considerable attention worldwide during the past decade due to its nutritional and health benefits. However, its susceptibility to high temperatures has been reported as a serious obstacle to its global production. The objective of this study was to evaluate quinoa growth and pollen morphology in response to high temperatures. Pollen morphology and viability, plant growth and seed set, and several physiological parameters were measured at anthesis in two genotypes of quinoa subjected to day/night temperatures of 22/16°C as a control treatment and 40/24°C as the heat stress treatment. Our results showed that heat stress reduced the pollen viability between 30% and 70%. Although no visible morphological differences were observed on the surface of the pollen between the heat‐stressed and non‐heat‐stressed treatments, the pollen wall (intine and extine) thickness increased due to heat stress. High temperature did not affect seed yield, seed size and leaf greenness. On the other hand, high temperature improved the rate of photosynthesis. We found that quinoa has a high plasticity in response to high temperature, though pollen viability and pollen wall structure were affected by high temperatures in anthesis stage. This study is also the first report of quinoa pollen being trinucleate.     

Effectiveness of Sulphuric Acid and Gypsum for the Reclamation of a Calcareous Saline-Sodic Soil Under Four Crop Rotations

As a low‐cost strategy, the cultivation of certain salt‐tolerant crop species on calcareous saline‐sodic soils, i.e. phytoreclamation, has enjoyed great attention in recent years. A lysimeter study was carried out to evaluate whether a phytoreclamation approach alone, or in combination with some booster dose of either gypsum or sulphuric acid, is sufficient to reclaim a calcareous, moderately saline‐sodic soil. Four crop rotations, rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–sesbania (Sesbania aculeata L.); rice–berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.); Kallar grass (Leptochloa fusca L.)–alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and sesbania–berseem were tested against three treatments: (T₁) control, (T₂) sulphuric acid application 25 % of soil gypsum requirement (SGR), and (T₃) application of gypsum 25 % SGR. To decrease the sodium adsorption ratio of the saline‐sodic soil well below the threshold level, especially from deeper depth, a booster dose of gypsum or sulphuric acid 25 % SGR was quite effective. Rice–berseem and Kallar grass–alfalfa rotations were more promising in combination with inorganic amendments than the rest of the rotations. The study also suggests that better yields of wheat and rice crops can be obtained with the application of inorganic amendments like gypsum or sulphuric acid. However, Kallar grass yield was somewhat suppressed with these amendments.     

Stress Studies in Lentil (Lens esculenta Moench)

A pot experiment was conducted to see the effect of varying levels of soil sodicity on leaf growth, nitrate reductase activity, nodule development and nitrogenase activity in two lentil ( Lens esculenta Moench) genotypes. It was observed that in both the genotypes increasing level of soil sodicity decreased the plant height, leaf area, leaf dry weight, total biomass production and finally the grain yield. Nitrate reductase activity in leaf tissues and concentration of total nitrogen in different plant organs showed significant reduction with increase in soil sodicity. Increasing soil sodicity (15 and 20 ESP) was not only deleterious to nodulation and nitrogenase activity but also caused complete failure of nodulation process at 25 ESP of soil. Reduction in aforesaid characters due to increasing soil sodicity was less in variety PL-406 than that of local indicating thereby the relative tolerance of PL-406 to sodicity.
Prolonged and higher activities of nitrate reductase and nitrogenase at higher sodicity level in PL-406 might be the reasons for superiority of this variety. Significant and positive correlations were also observed between leaf characters and nitrogenase activity.     

Potassium and Silicon Improve Yield and Juice Quality in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) under Salt Stress

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress which adversely affects the yield and juice quality in sugarcane. However, the mineral nutrient status of plant plays a crucial role in increasing plant tolerance to salinity. We investigated the effects of K and/or Si on plant growth, yield and juice quality in two sugarcane genotypes differing in salinity tolerance. Addition of K and Si significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased K and Si concentrations and decreased the accumulation of Na⁺ in plants under salt stress. Cane yield and yield attributes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher where K and Si were added. Juice quality characteristics like Brix (% soluble solids in juice), Pol (% sucrose in juice), commercial cane sugar (CCS) and sugar recovery in both sugarcane genotypes were also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved with the supplementation of K and Si. For most of the growth parameters, it was found that K either alone or in combination with Si was more effective to alleviate salt stress in both sugarcane genotypes than Si alone. Moreover, the beneficial effects of K and Si were more pronounced in salt sensitive genotype than in salt tolerant genotype. The results suggested that K and Si counteracted the deleterious effects of high salinity/sodicity in sugarcane by lowering the accumulation of Na⁺ and increase in K⁺ concentration with a resultant improvement in K⁺/Na⁺ ratio which is a good indicator to assess plant tolerance to salinity.     

藜麦研究进展及发展前景

藜麦(Chenopodium quinoa),苋科藜属植物,原产于南美洲安第斯山脉高原地区,具有大约5000~ 7000年的种植历史,是当地印加人备受推崇的主要粮食作物之一,近些年因为其全面的营养价值和均衡的氨基酸比例以及药用保健价值收到追捧,引起了许多科研工作者的兴趣。为了给科研工作者提供一些研究方向的参考,通过对国内外对藜麦的研究文献进行汇总,归纳了在藜麦的引种栽培、营养成分分析、产品开发利用、遗传谱系研究、抗逆性研究、抗病虫害研究等方面的最新研究进展,提出了一些在研究中尚未解决的问题,如藜麦在低海拔地区产量和品质降低、藜麦的多种药用保健作用、藜麦副产物的利用等,将成为未来研究的重点方向,并分析了藜麦作为一种杂粮作物在中国西北地区的引种栽培以及发展潜力。     

Effect of Gypsum Application on Long Term Changes in Soil Properties and Crop Growth in Sodic Soils under Field Conditions

In a field study, conducted on farmer's waste sodic soils, Aquic Natrustalf, 12.5 t/ha gypsum was surface mixed. Effect of gypsum application on soil properties and crop yields of rice and wheat grown in succession was evaluated after one to five years of gypsum application. The results showed that soil pH, electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate and soil dispersion decreased, whereas organic carbon, hydraulic conductivity, water infiltration and storage increased considerably after five years of gypsum application. In the initial years the improvement in soil properties was more in the surface layers and extended to lower layers slowly in the following years. Average grain yields of rice and wheat in the first year were 4.2 and 1.8 t/ha, respectively. The yields further increased to 6.1 and 2.5 t/ha in the 5th year, but the yields were lower than the yields obtained in research experiment. Relationships between wheat grain yield and pH of 0–15 and 15–30 cm layers were established. Wheat yield reduced by 45 percent when pH of 0–15 cm layer increased from 9.0 to 9.5. The sodicity of sub soil was still too high to permit the cultivation of deep rooted crops even after five years of gypsum application. Normal crop production is possible in these sodic soils, given sufficient time to reduce the sub soil sodicity.     

On-farm seed priming for barley on normal,saline and saline–sodic soils in North West Frontier Province,Pakistan

“On-farm” seed priming (soaking seeds in water prior to sowing) has been shown effective in producing earlier germination, better establishment and increased yields in a range of crops in many diverse environments. We carried out microplot, on-station and on-farm field experiments and participatory trials in several environments, including saline, saline–sodic and normal (non-saline, non-sodic) soils, in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan over a number of years to assess the effect of priming on barley yields. In general, priming was found to increase yields of both grain and straw (an important product in NWFP agriculture). Grain yield increases due to priming were up to 53% in the participatory trials. Optimum duration of priming was between 12 and 16 h, and the response to priming was better in low potential environments than under better conditions. Priming was also more advantageous on saline–sodic than on saline soils, possibly as a result of the water content of the soil. It was concluded that “on-farm” priming of barley could be recommended to farmers in NWFP and in similar environments in other parts of the world who produce barley both for grain and for fodder.     

A rapid method for assessing sodicity hazard using a cation exchange membrane

Ion exchange reactions which occur between the soil and synthetic resin surfaces have been used to approximate nutrient movement and uptake by plants. Similar exchange principles govern the proportion of sodium which will exist on the soil exchange. This study investigated the use of a cation exchange membrane (CEM) in estimating the sodicity of soil. For soils ranging in salinity from non to extremely saline, the saturated paste extractable sodium was not well related to the CEM exchangeable amounts. However, the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was closely related to the CEM exchangeable Na (r² = 0.95), suggesting a link between Na on the soil exchange complex and that adsorbed by the CEM. The factors which control the ion exchange dynamics of the soil exchange complex appear to similarly control cation exchange onto the CEM. This premise was used as the basis for a simplified measure of exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). Sodium occupying the CEM, expressed as a percentage of the entire CEM capacity, showed a one to one correspondence with ESP measured using standard methods (r² = 0.91). Exchange membranes, therefore, offer a simple and rapid method of assessing soil sodicity.