Response of leaf nutrients, yield, growth parameters, and evapotranspiration of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata Sturt) to shallow and saline groundwater depths

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to assess the effects of main and interactive groundwater salinities (GWS) (GWS₁:0.38, GWS₂: 5.0, and GWS₃: 10 dS m⁻¹) and groundwater depths (GWD) (GWD₁: 0.30, GWD₂: 0.55, and GWD₃: 0.80 m) on yield and growth parameters of sweet corn. The canned seed yield in the GWS₂ and GWS₃ treatments reduced by 21.97% and 54.87%, respectively, as compared to the GWS₁. Increasing GWS from 0.38 to 5.0 and 10.0 dS m⁻¹ decreased aboveground fresh biomass by 16.67 and 37.95%, respectively. The groundwater contribution to ET varied from 26.80% to 87.10%, and capillary rise from groundwater to plant root zone decreased significantly with increasing GWD. The results showed that plant growth was not significantly affected under 0.38 dS m⁻¹ GWS conditions at 0.55 m GWD, while the groundwater contribution to ET was about 52%. Stomata and SPAD values increased by 36.36% and 4.34%, respectively, in GWD3 treatment compared to GWD₁ treatment. Besides, GWS decreased the leaf’s K⁺, K⁺/Na⁺, and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios at different depths. In conclusion, it can be suggested that GWD should be at least 0.80 m to achieve high sweet corn production in regions with moderately or highly saline groundwater.

KEYWORDS:

• Sweet corn
• canned seed yield
• groundwater contribution
• stomatal conductivity
• soil salinity

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.