Effect of Salinization of Soil on Growth and Nutrient Accumulation in Seedlings of Prosopis cineraria

ABSTRACT

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the effects of salinization of soil on emergence, seedling growth, and mineral accumulation of Prosopis cineraria (Linn.) Druce (Mimosaceae). A mixture of chlorides and sulfates of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) was added to the soil and salinity was maintained at 5.1, 7.2, 9.3, 11.5, and 13.3 dS m^?1. A negative relationship between seedling emergence and salt concentration was obtained. Seedlings did not emerge when soil salinity exceeded 11.5 dS m^?1. Results suggested that this tree species is salt tolerant at seed germination and seedling stages. Elongation of stem and root was retarded by increasing salt stress. Young roots and stem were most tolerant to salt stress, followed by old roots and leaves. Leaf tissue exhibited maximum reduction in dry-mass production in response to increasing salt stress. However, production of young roots and death of old roots were found to be continuous and plants apparently use this process as an avoidance mechanism to remove excess ions and delay onset of ion accumulation in this tissue. Plants accumulated Na in roots and were able to regulate transfer of Na ions to leaves. Stem tissues were a barrier for translocation of Na from root to leaf. Moreover, K decreased in root tissues with increased salinization. Nitrogen (N) content significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in all tissues (leaf, stem, and root) in response to low water treatment and salinization of soil. Phosphorus (P) content significantly (P < 0.01) decreased while Ca increased in leaves as soil salinity increased. Changes in elements-accumulation patterns and the possible mechanisms for avoidance of Na toxicity in tissues and organism level are discussed.