Interaction of salinity, nitrogen, and phosphorus fertilization on wheat

Abstract

This study determined whether the application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) could ameliorate salt‐induced reduction in wheat production. Saline irrigation water (0.5, 4.0, 8.2, and 12.5 dS/m) and N and P fertilizers (150 kg N/ha and 37.5 kg P₂O₅/ha) were applied to wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Saka 92') grown on a calcareous soil in a greenhouse experiment. Plants received equal amounts of each fertilizer, but the time and frequency of application differed. All salinity levels reduced straw and grain yields, leaf soluble proteins, nitrate (NO₃) content, actual and potential nitrate reductase activity (NRA), and grain protein content. The delay in pollen meiotic cell division increased with salinity. Under saline conditions, applying N and P fertilizers at the end of the grain filling stage improved yield and metabolic performance of the plants compared to other fertilizer treatments.

Notes

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