Saline water and municipal solid waste compost application on tomato crop: Effects on plant and soil

A field experiment was conducted in Southern Italy to evaluate the effects of different water quality and fertilizers on yield performance of tomato crop. In mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer and irrigation with fresh water (Electrical Conductivity, EC, = 0.9 dS m^?1) (FWF); mineral N fertilizer and irrigation with saline water (EC = 6.0 dS m^?1) (SWF); municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and irrigation with fresh water (EC = 0.9 dS m^?1) (FWC); MSW compost and irrigation with saline water (EC = 6.0 dS m^?1) (SWC). At harvest, weight and number of fruits and refractometric index (°Brix) were measured, total and marketable yield and dry matter of fruit were calculated. The results indicated that MSW compost, applied as amendment, could substitute the mineral fertilizer. In fact, in the treatments based on compost application, the tomato average marketable yield increased by 9% compared with treatments with mineral fertilizer. The marketable yield in the SWF and SWC treatments (with an average soil EC in two years to about 3.5 dS m^?1) decreased respectively of 20 and 10%, in respect to fresh water treatments. At the end of the experiment, application of compost significantly decreased the sodium absorption rate (SAR) of SWC treatment in respect of SWF (?29.9%). Significant differences were observed among the four treatments both on soil solution cations either exchangeable cations. In particular compost application increased the calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) contents in saturated soil paste respect to the SWF ones (31.4% and 59.5%, respectively). At the same time saturated soil paste sodium (Na) in SWC treatment recorded a decrease of 17.4% compared to SWF.     

Macronutrients Composition of Lettuce Plants (Lactuca sativa L.) as Affected by Mineral Nutrition Level and ION Exchange Substrate Biona-312 Supplementation

The effect of ion exchange substrate Biona-312 addition (2 or 5%) on the macronutrients composition of butterhead lettuce cv. ‘Justyna’ plants under conditions of basic (1.5-times) and intensive (3-times concentrated Hoagland solution) mineral nutrition level was investigated. Both experimental doses of Biona-312 introduced into 1.5-times concentrated Hoagland nutrient solution [electrical conductivity (EC) 2.41–2.47 dS m^?1] dropped nitrogen (N) content in roots. Simultaneously statistically proven increase in foliar concentration of total sulfur (S) as well as a decrease in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents in lettuce above- and underground organs were observed. The changes in calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) content were insignificant. Ion exchange substrate supplementation into 3-times concentrated Hoagland nutrient solution (EC 6.85–7.30 dS m^?1), significantly elevated N and K contents in above- and underground organs, raised the foliar S content, decreased Ca and Mg contents in leaves, as well as dropped P concentration in roots and increased content in leaves.     

Effect of calcium/potassium ratio ammonium supply on nutrition and yields of cucumber plants

A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to study the influence of two calcium/potassium (Ca/K) ratios (0.75 and 0.33) and ammonium supply (0 and 1 mmol/L) in the nutrient solution on nutrient uptake, mineral composition, and productivity of cucumber plants grown in sand culture. There were not significant differences in nitrate consumption between the four treatments. Calcium and potassium consumptions were directly related with the Ca/K ratio in the nutrient solution. The treatment with Ca/K = 0.75 and ammonium supply, that showed the lowest potassium and nitrogen plant levels and the highest calcium uptake and concentration in plant, offered the highest yields.     

岩棉短程栽培模式中营养液对番茄生长及果实品质的影响

为实现设施番茄短程栽培过程中营养液的高效供给及标准化管理,寻求短程栽培模式中最优的营养液供给方式,在兼光型植物工厂条件下,研究了营养液电导率值(electric conductivity,EC值)、灌溉频率对番茄植株形态和果实品质的影响.试验以岩棉为栽培基质,3水平EC值为2、4和6 dS/m,3水平灌溉频率为1、3和5次/d,采用全因子试验设计方法,进行9组处理.采用综合评价方法获取最佳的营养液EC值和灌溉频率,并对植株形态和果实品质指标进行数理统计分析.结果表明:营养液EC值和灌溉频率影响植株的株高、茎粗、叶数、叶面积、叶形指数和根面比,同时也影响果实的平均质量、可溶性固形物(soluble solids content)和果形指数.其中EC值对平均果实质量影响显著(P＜0.05),灌溉频率对叶面积和平均果实质量影响极显著(P＜0.01);试验因素的交互作用对茎粗和果形指数影响极显著(P＜0.01),对SSC影响显著(P＜0.05).EC值为4 dS/m,灌溉频率为5次/d的营养液灌溉方式能兼顾植株发育和果实品质良好,该灌溉方式下SSC与平均果实质量呈极显著负相关(P＜0.01).该研究可为设施短程栽培番茄优质高产提供指导依据.     

不同营养液浓度对温室黄瓜叶片光合特性的影响

为了探究不同电导率（electrical conductivity,EC）的营养液对温室黄瓜叶片光合特性的影响,该文于2009年10月至2010年7月在江苏大学Venlo型温室中进行试验,采用4种EC值的营养液浇灌黄瓜,对4种EC值条件下温室黄瓜叶片的光合速率、叶绿素荧光、叶绿素含量及产量进行了测定,并对EC对黄瓜叶片叶绿素仪读数、光合速率和最大电子传递速率的影响及其之间的关系进行了分析。研究结果表明,营养液的电导率值对温室黄瓜下部叶片的叶绿素仪读数值、最大光合速率、光能初始利用率和电子传递速率有较大的影响,中部叶、上部叶片的叶绿素仪读数值、最大光合速率、光能初始利用率、电子传递速率和产量在不同处理间无论是秋冬茬还是早春茬均表现为：营养液的电导率为2.5 dS/m和营养液的电导率为2.2 dS/m差异不显著,但显著大于营养液的电导率为1.5 dS/m和营养液的电导率为0.036 dS/m;构建了最大光合速率与叶片叶绿素仪读数值、光能初始利用率与叶片叶绿素仪读数值的关系模型;光合速率与电子传递速率之间呈幂指数函数关系。该研究为通过叶片光合速率进行营养液管理提供了理论依据。     

营养液浓度对水培生菜生长和硝酸盐积累的影响

该文研究了4种营养液浓度处理(山崎生菜配方的1/4(1/4s)、1/2(1/2s)、1(1s)和2(2s)单位)对水培生菜(品种为“弘农”和“绿领”)生长、硝酸盐积累和品质的影响。结果表明,1/2单位营养液浓度处理下生菜地上部和根的鲜重、叶长和叶宽最大,而2个单位营养液浓度处理下上述指标最小。不同营养液浓度处理下叶片硝酸盐积累的高低顺序为2s>1s>1/2s>1/4s,2个单位营养液浓度处理下生菜生长发育后期叶片中的SOD活性和M DA含量最高。对采收时生菜品质的分析表明,生菜体内的硝酸盐含量随着营养液浓度的增加而迅速上升,2个单位营养液浓度处理下生菜叶片中硝酸盐、可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白质R含量最高。综合考虑产量和品质,采用1/2单位的山崎生菜配方是适合生菜水培的营养液配方。     

Effects of Coconut Husk and Sphagnum Moss-Based Media on Growth and Yield of Romaine and Buttercrunch Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) in a Non-Circulating Hydroponics System

A comparison was made to investigate the effects of two potting methods: coconut husk/ sphagnum moss and a plastic forestry tube with a peat-based medium (Sunshine® mix #1, Sungro Horticulture, Agawam, MA, USA), on the growth and yield of Romaine ‘Ridgeline’ and Buttercrunch ‘UH Manoa’ lettuce (Lactuca sativa) using a non-circulating hydroponics system. Two-week old lettuce seedlings were transplanted into 5 cm holes, 20 × 30 cm apart on polystyrene bead boards fitted on top of a 0.6 m wide, 1.2 m long and 25 cm deep hydroponics tanks. A standard hydroponics nutrient solution was prepared using Chem Gro® (Hydro-Gardens, Colorado Springs, CO) (8-15-36 + micronutrients), calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄). Each tank contained either one lettuce variety, replicated 12 times in completely randomized design. Growth and yields significantly increased in both lettuce varieties grown in coconut husk/sphagnum moss plugs which were attributed by their relatively greater water holding capacities and a more favorable media that allowed better root growth.     

The effect of chloride and sulphate salts on the nitrate content in lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L.)

The effect of chloride and sulphate on the nitrate accumulated in lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L., cv. deci minor) under low light conditions was examined. The plants were grown on a complete nutrient solution for circa 45 days and then chloride was substituted for the nitrate in the nutrient solution. In another experiment, sulphate was substituted for the nitrate in the nutrient solution. Approximately 5 days later a reduction in growth occurred. The nitrate in the plants was not completely exhausted and was very slowly available for reduction both in the leaf blades and midribs. It was immaterial whether sulphate or chloride was substituted for nitrate in the nutrient solution. Chloride was taken up from the solution but sulphate was not. In plants in both treatments, sugars accumulated concomitantly with the decrease in nitrate content.

The actual nitrate reductase activity in the leaf blades decreased several days after the chloride and sulphate treatments began and was negligible on day 12. Nevertheless, the potential nitrate reductase activity of the treated plants was still 50% of the control.

It is suggested that the availability of nitrate from the storage pool is the limiting process for nitrate reductase activity, and is independent of the metabolic demand. For commercial growers it may be of advantage to use hydroponics in which the nitrate can be removed easily several days before harvest, to reduce high nitrate contents in vegetables, particularly under low light conditions.     

Gas exchange,water relations,and Ion concentrations of salt‐stressed tomato and melon plants

Abstract

Tomato and melon plants were grown in a greenhouse and irrigated with nutrient solution having an EC of 2 dS m^?1 (control treatment) and 4, 6, and 8 dS m^?1, produced by adding NaCl to the control nutrient solution. After 84 days, leaf water relations, gas exchange parameters, and ion concentrations, as well as plant growth, were measured. Melon plants showed a greater reduction in shoot weight and leaf area than tomato at the two highest salinity levels used (6 and 8 dS m^?1). Net photosynthesis (Pn) in melon plants tended to be lower than in tomato, for all saline treatments tested. Pn was reduced by 32% in melon plants grown in nutrient solution having an EC of 4 dS m^?1, relative to control plants, and no further decline occurred at higher EC levels. In tomato plants, the Pn decline occurred at EC of 6 dS m^?1, and no further reduction was detected at EC of 8 dS m^?1. The significant reductions in Pn corresponded to similar leaf Cl^? concentrations (around 409 mmol kg^?1 dry weight) in both plant species. Net Pn and stomatal conductance were linearly correlated in both tomato and melon plants, Pn being more sensitive to changes in stomatal conductance (g_s) in melon than in tomato leaves. The decline in the growth parameters caused by salinity in melon and tomato plants was influenced by other factors in addition to reduction in Pn rates. Melon leaves accumulated larger amounts of Cl^? than tomato, which caused a greater reduction in growth and a reduction in Pn at lower salinity levels than in tomato plants. These facts indicate that tomato is more salt‐tolerant than melon.     

营养液浓度对水培生菜生长和硝酸盐积累的影响

该文研究了4种营养液浓度处理(山崎生菜配方的1/4(1/4s)、1/2(1/2s)、1(1s)和2(2s)单位)对水培生菜(品种为“弘农”和“绿领”)生长、硝酸盐积累和品质的影响。结果表明，1/2单位营养液浓度处理下生菜地上部和根的鲜重、叶长和叶宽最大，而2个单位营养液浓度处理下上述指标最小。不同营养液浓度处理下叶片硝酸盐积累的高低顺序为2s>1s>1/2s>1/4s，2个单位营养液浓度处理下生菜生长发育后期叶片中的SOD活性和MDA含量最高。对采收时生菜品质的分析表明，生菜体内的硝酸盐含量随着营养液浓度的增加而迅速上升，2个单位营养液浓度处理下生菜叶片中硝酸盐、可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白质R 含量最高。综合考虑产量和品质，采用1/2单位的山崎生菜配方是适合生菜水培的营养液配方。     

Effect of excess MgSO4 or Mg(HCO3)2 in irrigation water on corn growth

Abstract

Some irrigation waters have a high Mg/Ca ratio. The objective of the experiment reported herein was to compare the effect of high Mg in combination with different anions and different EC levels on the growth of corn (Zea mays L.). Corn was grown in the greenhouse in a calcareous soil equilibrated and irrigated with the following waters: 1) tap water (check, EC = 0.078 dS/m, SAR = 0.1); 2) Mg(HCO₃)₂, EC=1 dS/m; 3) Mg(HCO₃)₂, EC = 3; 4) MgSO₄₎ EC=1; 5) MgSO₄, EC=3; 6) MgSO₄, EC = 6; and 7) and 8) mixed salts (Ec = 3 & 6 dS/m, SAR = 5, Ca: Mg = 3: 1, Cl: SO₄ = 2: 1). Yield depressions of top growth caused by mixed‐salt waters (EC = 3 & 6) were 17 and 26%, respectively, compared to yields obtained with tap water. Single‐salt MgSO₄ waters (EC = 1, 3 & 6) reduced corn tops 19, 38, and 59%, respectively, more than the mixed‐salt solutions at equivalent soil salinity levels probably due to Mg‐induced Ca deficiency. The Mg(HCO₃)₂ waters (EC = 1 & 3) reduced top growth 45 and 87% more than the mixed salt solutions. Thus Mg (HCO₃)₂ was more than twice as depressive on corn top growth as MgSO₄. Corn root growth depression was similar to top growth depression. Leaf Ca: Mg ratio was related to their ratio in the soil solution. The leaf Ca and Mg concentrations were almost the same for plants irrigated with Mg(HCO₃)₂ or MgSO₄ at EC = 1. Therefore, Mg: Ca ratio of leaves did not explain the yield differences between the two Mg salts. Nutrient imbalances and a high pH of 9 were possibly responsible for the lower yields in the presence of Mg(HCO₃)₂.     

Growth,nutrient acquisition,and physiological responses of three olive cultivars to induced salt stress

Three olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars Nabali Baladi (NB), Nabali Muhassan (NM), and Grossi Di'Espagna (GE) were evaluated under salt stress. Seedlings were treated with salinity induced by a 3:1 ratio of calcium chloride and sodium chloride to four concentration levels measured as electrical conductivity (EC) [1.2, 4.1, 7.0, and 14.0 dS/m] for 122 days. Olive seedlings varied in their response to salinity. In all treatments, NB had the highest root; stem and leaf dry weights had among the highest total plant dry weights, specific stem length (SSL) and relative water content (RWC). NB seedlings maintained the highest stomatal conductance at 7.0 dS/m and highest chlorophyll index at 14.0 dS/m. Olive seedlings that tolerated salt tolerance developed mechanisms of nutrient acquisition and distribution in the organs, by storing minimal amounts of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^?) in the stems and loading the most in the leaves and roots.     

Effect of Humic Acid on Plant Growth,Nutrient Uptake,and Postharvest Life of Gerbera

Humic acid (HA) might benefit plant growth by improving nutrient uptake and hormonal effects. The effect of HA on growth, macro—and micronutrient contents, and postharvest life of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) cv. ‘Malibu’ were examined. Different levels of humic acid (0, 100, 500, and 1000 mg/L) were applied to nutrient solution.

Root growth increased at 1000 mg/L HA incorporated into the solution. Macro- and micronutrient contents of leaves and scapes including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) were significantly enhanced by HA. However, high levels of HA decreased some nutrient contents.

Five-hundred mg/L HA increased the number of harvested flowers per plant (52%). Higher HA levels extended the vase life of harvested flowers by 2—3.66 days and could prevent and delay bent neck incidence. These postharvest responses were most probably due to Ca accumulation in scapes and hormone-like activity of HA.     

Factors affecting reduction of selenate to elemental selenium in agricultural drainage water by Enterobacter taylorae

Microbial reduction of selenate [Se(VI)] to elemental selenium [Se(0)] is a useful technique for removing Se from agricultural drainage water. A series of batch experiments were conducted in the laboratory to determine the effects of yeast extract (50-1000 mg/L), salinity (EC, 5-75 dS/m), and NO(3)(-) (5-100 mg/L) on the removal of Se(VI) (2000 microg/L) from drainage water by Enterobacter taylorae. Results showed that relatively high amounts of yeast extract (500 mg/L) were needed for E. taylorae to effectively reduce Se(VI) to Se(0). During a 7-day experiment, approximately 95% of added Se(VI) was reduced to Se(0) in the low-salinity drainage water (5 dS/m) with NO(3)(-) values of 5-50 mg/L. In the high-salinity drainage water (50-75 dS/m), reduction of Se(VI) to Se(0) was limited. E. taylorae was also capable of reducing Se(VI) to Se(0) in the San Joaquin Valley drainage water, with a reduction of the added Se(VI) to Se(0) (73.8%) and Se(-II) (20%). This study suggests that E. taylorae may be used to treat Se(VI)-contaminated drainage water in the field.     

不同铵硝配比营养液对典型生菜硝酸盐吸收动力学的影响

利用100%NO3--N、10%NH4+-N+90%NO3--N、10%NH4+-N+100%NO3--N营养液来研究生菜吸收NO3-的动力学特征。结果表明,生菜吸收NO3-的速率随着营养液中NO3-浓度的增加而增加,增加的幅度随着营养液中NO3-浓度的增加而减少。NH4+-N的存在对生菜吸收NO3-有明显抑制作用。与100%NO3--N处理相比,生菜在10%NH4+-N+90%NO3--N1、0%NH4+-N+100%NO3--N处理中吸收NO3-的速率和Vmax有明显下降,Km有少量增加,但差异不显著。申选1号在有NO3--N的营养液中吸收NO3-的速率均大于耐热耐抽苔生菜,且随着营养液中NO3-浓度的增加,两者的差距逐渐加大。在NH4+-N的存在情况下,耐热耐抽苔生菜Vmax下降的程度大于申选1号,而Km增加的程度小于申选1号。     

Enhancement of salinity tolerance in tomato: Implications of potassium and calcium in flowering and yield

Abstract

Five tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) cultivars were grown in sand nutrient culture experiment in a greenhouse to investigate the effects of salinity on growth and yield. Nutrient solutions were made saline with 50 mM NaCl (EC = 5.5 mS/cm or supplemented with 2 mM KNO₃ (EC = 6.8), 20 mM Ca(NO₃)₂ (EC = 7.5), and combination of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) (EC = 8.0). Seedlings were irrigated with saline treatments commencing two weeks after transplanting. Determination of sodium (Na) and K in tomato leaves and fruits were by flame photometry. Accumulation of Na in tomato fruits was higher than in leaves under control or saline conditions for all tomato cultivars. The amount of K in the tomato leaves was higher in control than in saline‐grown plants. Addition of K and Ca to the nutrient solution resulted in a 3 to 7 fold increase in K accumulation in all cultivars tested. Stem and leaf growth were significantly reduced with salinity but growth was enhanced following irrigation when K was added to the nutrient solution. Flowering and fruit set were adversely affected by NaCl stress. Reduction of flower number was 44% relative to the control plants. Fresh fruit yield decreased by 78% when plants received 50 mM NaCl. Growth and development of tomatoes under saline conditions was enhanced in this study following the application of K to the saline nutrient solution. Amelioration in growth was also achieved when Ca was used but to a lesser extent. Our results suggest that ion accumulation and regulation of K and Ca contribute to salt tolerance and growth enhancement.     

RESPONSE OF LIME THYME TO SALINITY AND IONIC CONCENTRATION IN NUTRIENT SOLUTION

□ Plants from 60-day-old Lime Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) cuttings were potted in a medium of coconut fiber and peat moss and were treated with three different nutrient solutions: T1, T2, and T3. T1 was a standard nutrient solution; T2 was incremented with macronutrients up to an electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.8 dS m^?1; and T3 was the same as T1 but incremented up to an EC of 2.8 dS m^?1 with sodium chloride. The plants were then grown for 90 days in a greenhouse with natural daylight in Almería, Spain. Root growth was not affected by the treatments. The dry weight of the leaves and the total dry weight of the plants benefited from the salinity. The specific salinity of the sodium chloride negatively affected growth compared to the same salinity in the complete nutrient solution.     

Effects of nutrient levels on growth and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) grown on different substrates

Radish grown in sand or granulated rockwool was irrigated with nutrient solutions of different concentrations. The EC value in the root environment aimed at ranged between 1.0 and 6.0 dS/m at 25°C. Four crops were grown, three crops in the spring‐summer season and one crop in winter. For the spring‐summer grown radish highest plant weights were obtained with EC values in the root environment of about 2 dS/m. In the winter grown crop an EC value between 2 and 4 gave highest plant weights. With too low EC values the yield reduction was more serious in winter than in spring‐summer. High EC values reduced yield especially in the spring‐summer season. In winter, the number of blind plants was strongly affected by the EC value. The bulb/leaf ratio was higher on sand than on rockwool and increased with EC value. Sponginess appeared in the spring‐summer crops and was reduced by increasing EC values. The mineral absorption of the radish was equal for the different crops. The water absorption, however, differed a factor four between winter and spring‐summer. So the nutrient absorption concentration in winter was about four times higher in winter than in spring‐summer.     

Relationship between water and nitrogen uptake in nitrate‐ and ammonium‐supplied Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants

Sole ammonium supply provokes negative effects on dry‐mass formation, leaf growth, and water uptake of ammonium‐sensitive plants. To study the effects of N form on nutrient and water uptake and aquaporin expression, French bean plants were grown in a split‐root system. Five treatments were compared: homogeneous nitrate (NN) and ammonium (AA) supply; spatially separated supply of nitrate and ammonium (NA); and half of the root system supplied with N‐free nutrient solution, the other half with either nitrate (N0) or ammonium (A0). Ten days after onset of treatments, root dry mass (DM) and water‐uptake rate (WUR) were significantly reduced under ammonium compared to nitrate supply. WUR from nitrate‐supplied vessels was 80% higher than that from N‐free nutrient solution, while WUR from N‐free nutrient solution was 130% higher than that from ammonium‐supplied vessels. Potassium uptake was lower under ammonium supply and the ratio of N : K uptake of treatment AA was significantly higher compared to others. High K uptake from N‐free nutrient solution of A0 plants resulted in a ratio of N : K uptake comparable to nitrate‐supplied plants, but shoot growth resembled that to plants under sole ammonium supply. Within 24 h after onset of treatments, expression of aquaporin was lower under ammonium compared to nitrate supply. From these data, it can be concluded that reduced root water transport under ammonium supply is directly related to aquaporin activity.     

RESPONSES OF SOME ENZYMES AND KEY GROWTH PARAMETERS OF SALT-STRESSED MAIZE PLANTS TO FOLIAR AND SEED APPLICATIONS OF KINETIN AND INDOLE ACETIC ACID

The study examined the effects of kinetin (KIN) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) applied as seed treatment or sprayed on leaves of salinity stressed plants. Five -week old maize (Zea mays L. cv. ‘DK 647 F1’) plants were grown in pots containing peat and perlite in 1:1 (v/v) mixture. Different treatments used were: 1) control (nutrient solution alone), 2) salt stress [100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)], 3) 100 mM NaCl and 1 mM kinetin (KIN), 4) 100 mM NaCl and 2 mM KIN, 5) 100 mM NaCl and 1 mM indole acetic acid (IAA), 6) 100 mM NaCl and 2 mM IAA, 7) 100 mM NaCl and 25 mg L^?1 KIN and 8) 100 mM NaCl and 25 mg L^?1 IAA. In treatments 7 and 8 application was to the seeds, for treatments 3-6 it was applied to foliage. The seeds were soaked in KIN or IAA solution for 12 h. Salt stress reduced the total dry matter, chlorophyll content, and relative water content (RWC), but increased proline accumulation, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD; EC. 1.11.1.7), catalase (CAT; EC. 1.11.1.6) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO; 1.10.3.1) and electrolyte leakage. Both foliar applications of KIN and IAA treatments overcame to variable extents the adverse effects of NaCl stress on the above mentioned physiological parameters. However, seed treatments with KIN or IAA did not improve salinity tolerance in maize plants. Furthermore, foliar application or seed treatments with KIN and IAA reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the salt stressed-plants. Salt stress lowered some macronutrient concentrations [calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) in leaves and roots, phosphorus (P) in roots] but foliar application of both KIN and IAA increased Ca in both leaves and roots and P in leaves. Foliar application of IAA increased K concentrations in leaves of the salt-stressed plants. Foliar application of KIN and IAA, especially at 2 mM concentration, counteracted some of the adverse effects of NaCl salinity by causing the accumulation of proline and essential inorganic nutrients as well as by maintaining membrane permeability.