Physiological studies on salinity VI. Changes in water content and mineral composition of some plants over a range of salinity stresses

Summary Sand culture technique was used to study the effect of irrigation with saline nutrient solutions on the water and mineral elements content of leaves of safflower, sunflower, wheat and radish. Saline culture solutions were prepared by adding NaCl and CaCl₂ to Pfeffer's nutrient solution. The water content of wheat leaves was not affected by salinity, whereas that of leaves of safflower, sunflower and radish was significantly decreased at the high salinity level (6000 ppm) only.Sodium and calcium content of all test plants was generally increased progressively with salinity. The total nitrogen content of safflower and sunflower leaves was significantly increased, whereas that of wheat and radish leaves was almost significantly decreased by salinity. Salinity induced nonsignificant effect on phosphorus content of all test plants. Potassium content of the test plants was significantly reduced by salinity. Magnesium content of safflower and sunflower was significantly decreased by salinity, but the effect was non-significant in case of wheat and radish leaves. re]19760625