Response of Plant Growth to Different Salinization in Root Zone

ABSTRACT

General objectives in this study were to investigate differences in movement of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) through a soil profile, to assess the effect and relationship of salt movement or concentration in soil on plant and root growth, and to evaluate the role of ion uptake based on the relation with osmotic adjustment. It was proposed that additional salt unexpectedly was not dispersed through the soil profile during the experiment. Hence, in salinized plants, the concentration of Na decreased corresponding to an increase in salt levels, while shoot dry weight increased in all species. We noted the positive correlation between Na concentration of root and Na concentration of surrounding soil of root. Zonal salinization of soil did not affect plant calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) content. This suggested that adequate accumulation of potassium (K) in shoots and Na in roots might be corresponded to osmotic adjustments in salinized plants. Large interspecific differences in root responses to a salt layer were observed.

Keywords:

• glycinbetaine and amino acids
• ions
• plant growth
• root-box
• zonal salinization