scholarly journals BIOMASS AND CHLOROPLAST PIGMENTS IN JACKFRUIT SEEDLINGS UNDER SALINE STRESS AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 622-631
Author(s):  
FRANCISCO ÍTALO FERNANDES DE OLIVEIRA ◽  
ANTÔNIO GUSTAVO DE LUNA SOUTO ◽  
LOURIVAL FERREIRA CAVALCANTE ◽  
WILIANA JÚLIA FERREIRA DE MEDEIROS ◽  
SHERLY APARECIDA DA SILVA MEDEIROS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ammonium Sulfate ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Nitrogen Sources ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Saline Stress ◽  
Chloroplast Pigments ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
Chlorophyll A And B

ABSTRACT Irrigation with saline water is a worldwide necessity an excess of salts in water or in soil causes growth inhibition, and negatively affects the productivity of many crops. Application of nitrogen fertilizers may be a way of mitigating the effects of salts on plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of biomass and the chlorophyll pigment content in jackfruit seedlings irrigated with water of increasing salinity level in soil with nitrogen sources. The treatments were distributed in randomized blocks with four replicates and three plants per plot, arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, related to electrical conductivity levels of the irrigation water of 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 dS m-1, in soil without nitrogen, with ammonium sulfate and with urea, in a split application 60 and 75 days after sowing. An increase in the salinity of the water increased the salinity levels of soil, which was intensified by a dose of 150 mg of N, mainly when applied in the form of ammonium sulfate, inhibiting dry matter production and chlorophyll content in jackfruit seedlings. The greatest reductions in chlorophyll a and b content occurred in jackfruit seedlings irrigated with water of 4.0 dS m-1 conductivity in the soil without nitrogen fertilization. Urea is the most suitable nitrogen source for the production of seedlings under conditions of high salinity.

scholarly journals Saline water and nitrogen doses in the cultivation of West Indian cherry in the post-grafting phase

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. e3312
Author(s):  
Francisco Wesley Alves Pinheiro ◽  
Geovani Soares de Lima ◽  
Hans Raj Gheyi ◽  
Adaan Sudário Dias ◽  
Lauriane Almeda dos Anjos Soares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
West Indian ◽  
The West ◽  
Relative Growth ◽  
Saline Waters ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
Chlorophyll A And B

This study aimed to evaluate the photosynthetic pigments and growth of the West Indian cherry cv. BRS 366 Jaburu in the post-grafting phase as a function of the salinity levels of the irrigation water and nitrogen fertilization under greenhouse conditions, in the municipality of Campina Grande-PB. The study was performed in randomized blocks, consisting of two levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.8 and 4.5 dS m-1) and four nitrogen doses (70, 85, 100, and 115% of the recommended dose for the crop), with three replications. The synthesis of chlorophyll a and carotenoids in the West Indian cherry plants was inhibited with ECw of 4.5 dS m-1. Nitrogen fertilization in the estimated doses of 92 and 80% of N reduced the effects of salt stress on the contents of chlorophyll a and b in West Indian cherry plants, at 630 days after transplanting. The increment in nitrogen fertilization increases quadratically the absolute and relative growth rate of the diameter in the rootstock of the West Indian cherry plants under irrigation with saline waters.

Nitrogen fertilization stimulates germination of dormant pin cherry seed

1979 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 514-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. Auchmoody
Keyword(s):  
Ammonium Sulfate ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Calcium Nitrate ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Triple Superphosphate ◽  
Breaking Dormancy ◽  
Muriate Of Potash

Nitrogen fertilizers triggered germination of dormant Prunuspensylvanica L. seed naturally buried in the forest floor of 60-year-old Allegheny hardwood stands. Neither triple superphosphate nor muriate of potash applied with urea increased germination over that which occurred with urea alone. Rates as low as 56 kg/ha N from urea and calcium nitrate and 112 kg/ha N from ammonium sulfate stimulated germination. Nitrate was apparently responsible for breaking dormancy.

scholarly journals DANO NA MEMBRANA CELULAR E PIGMENTOS CLOROFILIANOS DE CITROS SOB ÁGUAS SALINAS E ADUBAÇÃO NITROGENADA

Irriga ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jônatas Raulino Marques de Sousa ◽  
Hans Raj Gheyi ◽  
Marcos Eric Barbosa Brito ◽  
Francisco De Assis França Dantas Da Silva ◽  
Geovani Soares De Lima
Keyword(s):  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Electrolyte Leakage ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Membrane Damage ◽  
Cellular Damage ◽  
Saline Stress ◽  
Cell Membrane Damage ◽  
Citrus Spp

DANO NA MEMBRANA CELULAR E PIGMENTOS CLOROFILIANOS DE CITROS SOB ÁGUAS SALINAS E ADUBAÇÃO NITROGENADA  JÔNATAS RAULINO MARQUES DE SOUSA1; HANS RAJ GHEYI2; MARCOS ERIC BARBOSA BRITO3; FRANCISCO DE ASSIS FRANÇA DANTAS DA SILVA4 E GEOVANI SOARES DE LIMA5 1 Unidade Acadêmica de Engenharia Agrícola, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, UFCG, Rua Aprígio Veloso, 882 - Universitário, Campina Grande, PB, [email protected];2 Núcleo de Engenharia de Água e Solo, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, UFRB, Rua Rui Barbosa, 710 - Centro, Cruz das Almas, BA. [email protected];3 Centro de Ciências Agrárias do Sertão, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, UFS, Rodovia Engenheiro Jorge Neto km 3 - Silos, Nossa Senhora da Glória, SE, [email protected] Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, UFPB, Rodovia BR 079 Km 12, Areia, PB, [email protected] Unidade Acadêmica de Engenharia Agrícola, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, UFCG, Rua Aprígio Veloso, 882 – Universitário, Campina Grande, PB, [email protected].  1 RESUMO Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o dano à membrana celular e os teores de clorofila de combinações copa-porta-enxerto de citros em função da irrigação com águas de diferentes salinidades e adubação nitrogenada. Para tanto, realizou-se dois experimentos concomitantes, usando-se lisímetros de drenagem. No Experimento I estudou-se em blocos casualizados com três repetições um esquema fatorial (5x3), cinco níveis de salinidade da água (CEa) (0,6; 1,2; 1,8; 2,4 e 3,0 dS m-1), e três combinações de copa/porta-enxerto (PE1–TSKC x TRENG–256; PE2 – LCRC e PE3 – TSKC x LCRC x P. trifoliata (TR)–059) tendo laranjeira ‘Mimo do céu’ como copa. No Experimento II estudou-se a aplicação da dose de 200% de nitrogênio recomendada em plantas irrigadas com águas de CEa de 3,0 dS m-1, sendo os resultados comparados aos obtidos nas plantas irrigadas com água de 3,0 dS m-1 sob adubação nitrogenada a 100% da recomendação do Experimento I, formando um fatorial (3x2), correspondentes a três combinações copa/porta-enxerto e duas doses de nitrogênio, com três repetições cada. As plantas enxertadas no limoeiro Cravo ‘Comum’ possuem as melhores médias para o teor relativo de água e para o extravasamento de eletrólitos, porém, com base nessas variáveis, são as mais sensíveis à salinidade. O PE1 (TSKC x TRENG – 256) foi o genótipo mais tolerância com base no teor relativo de água e no extravasamento de eletrólitos. O estresse salino reduziu os teores dos pigmentos clorofilianos das plantas cítricas. O dano celular foi reduzido quando se aplicou maior quantidade de nitrogênio. Palavras-chave: Citrus spp.. Bioquímica. Estresse salino. Laranja ‘mimo do céu’.  SOUSA, J. R. M. de.; GHEYI, H. R.; BRITO, M. E. B.; SILVA, F. de A. F. D. da.; LIMA, G. S. de.DAMAGE IN CELL MEMBRANE AND CHLOROPHYLLIAN PIGMENT OF CITRUS UNDER SALINE WATER AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION  2 ABSTRACT In order to evaluate the cell membrane damage and the chlorophyll content of citrus scion-rootstock combinations under irrigation with saline water and nitrogen fertilization, two concomitant experiments in drainage lysimeters were performed. In Experiment I, five levels of saline water -ECw (0.6; 1.2; 1.8; 2.4; 3.0 dS m-1) applied to three combinations of scion-rootstock (PE1-TSKC x TRENG-256; PE2 - LCRC and PE3 - TSKC LCRC x P. trifoliata -059) with ‘Mimo-do-céu’ orange as scion were analyzed in a randomized block design with three replications in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme. In Experiment II the application of 200% of recommended nitrogen dose were applied in plants irrigated with ECw = 3.0 dS m-1 and results were compared to those obtained from plants irrigated with 100% recommended nitrogen fertilization of the first experiment, in factorial arrangement 3 x 2, corresponding to three combinations of scion-rootstock and two nitrogen levels, with three replications. The plants grafted with 'Rangpur Common' lime presented the best results for the relative water content (TRA) and electrolyte leakage, however, based on these variables, they are the most sensitive to salinity. The PE1 (TSKC x TRENG - 256) is the genotype that provides higher tolerance based on the TRA and the electrolyte leakage. Saline stress reduced levels of chlorophyllian pigments of citrus. Cellular damage was reduced when higher amounts of nitrogen are applied. Keywords: Citrus spp. Biochemistry. Salinity stress. ‘mimo-do-céu'.

scholarly journals Growth and gas exchanges in soursop under irrigation with saline water and nitrogen sources

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 776-781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evandro M. da Silva ◽  
Geovani S. de Lima ◽  
Hans R. Gheyi ◽  
Reginaldo G. Nobre ◽  
Francisco V. da S. Sá ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saline Water ◽  
Calcium Nitrate ◽  
Nitrogen Sources ◽  
Potassium Nitrate ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Water Salinity ◽  
Gas Exchanges ◽  
N Sources ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
The Individual

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) fertilization has been tested for the mitigation of salt stress in some species including fruit crops. However, special attention should be paid to the source of N, due to the different compositions and saline indices of the fertilizers, particularly when irrigation is conducted using waters with salinity levels that are restrictive to agriculture. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of fertilization with N sources on the growth and gas exchanges of soursop irrigated with saline water after transplanting. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse at the Center of Technology and Natural Resources of the Federal University of Campina Grande, and treatments were arranged in randomized blocks, in 4 x 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to electrical conductivity of water - 0.5, 1.1, 2.5 and 3.5 dS m-1, and the N sources urea, ammonia sulfate, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate, with three replicates. Growth and gas exchanges of soursop at 110 days after transplanting were not influenced by either the interaction between water salinity and N sources or the individual action of N, but were inhibited by the increase in water salinity from 0.5 dS m-1. Increasing water salinity inhibited stomatal opening and carboxylation in the leaves.

scholarly journals Lettuce Growth in Different Pot Volumes and Irrigation Frequencies Under Saline Stress

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana J. de O. Targino ◽  
Francisco de A. de Oliveira ◽  
Mychelle K. T. de Oliveira ◽  
Lúcia R. de L. Régis ◽  
Helena M. de Morais Neta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Variance Analysis ◽  
Saline Stress ◽  
Irrigation Frequency ◽  
Daily Events ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
Lettuce Growth ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Damaging Effects

This study aimed to evaluate lettuce production in different pot volumes and different irrigation frequency under saline stress. The experiment was carried out at the Department of Environmental and Technological Sciences of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid, in Mossoró, RN, Brazil. Randomized block experimental design was used in factorial scheme of 2 × 3 × 3, with 3 replicates. Treatments were consisted of 2 water’s salinity levels (0.5 and 2.0 dS m-1), 3 frequencies of irrigation (6, 9, and 12 daily events), and 3 different pots (0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 L). Data from parameters evaluated at harvest were submitted to variance analysis and means were compared. We verified that when the lower saline water (0.5 dS m-1) was used lettuce production increased when cultivated in pots of 3.0 L and submitted to 6 daily events of irrigation. When 3.0 dS m-1 water was used the best results were obtained in 0.5 L and nine daily events of irrigation. The combination of 0.5 L pot and six or nine daily events of irrigation better inhibited the damaging effects of salinity.

scholarly journals Physiological Indicators in Two Lettuce Cultivars Under Saline Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Marcos Antonio Dantas de Oliveira ◽  
Paulo Torres Carneiro ◽  
Maria Claudjane Jerônimo Leite Alves ◽  
Thayse Valéria e Silva ◽  
Gilberto da Cruz Gouveia Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stomatal Conductance ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Net Photosynthesis ◽  
Water Salinity ◽  
Saline Stress ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Osmotic Effect ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
Green Index

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is considered as the main leafy vegetable in Brazil. In the last decades, there had been many changes in the predominant varietal types in the country, however, issues regarding the use of saline water inhibit the growth by the osmotic effect. The aim of this study is avaliate the effect of water salinity on physiological in lettuce cultivars. The experiment was carried out at the Alagoas Federal University, Arapiraca Campus, in a completely randomized design and with a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with six replications. Five treatments of water salinity levels were analyzed (ECw: 0.14, 1.54, 2.94, 4.34, and 5.74 dS m-1 at 25 °C) in two types of lettuce crops (Saia Véia and Vitoria Verdinha). Stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, leaf temperature, and green index were assessed at 10, 20, and 30 days after the application of the treatments. The saline stress caused by the increase in saline concentrations decreased the photosynthesis and transpiration rates, which were associated with the reduction of stomatal conductance in both cultivars. Nevertheless, Saia Véia cultivar was higher tolerance in all tested saline levels compared to Vitória Verdinha. The green index for Vitoria Verdinha was seven times higher when compared to Saia Véia from the lowest to the highest saline levels. The cultivars differ in salt sensitivity, which could be useful for producers to choose the cultivar that is most adapted to the region and breeders regarding improvement prospects for adaptation of the lettuce under saline stress. In addition to osmotic stress, which is the first to happen, there are others.

scholarly journals Fertilizantes Nitrogenados em Cobertura para Pastagem Marandu (Brachiaria brizantha) no Mato Grosso do Sul

UNICIÊNCIAS ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Jose Antonio Maior Bono ◽  
Rodrigo Dos Santos Rufino ◽  
Rafael Capriolli Gonçalves
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Ammonium Sulphate ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nitrogen Sources ◽  
Brachiaria Brizantha ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul ◽  
N Use

Atualmente, a Brachiaria é o gênero que domina as áreas de pastagem no Brasil ocupando cerca de 200 milhões de hectares. A adubação nitrogenada nas pastagens formadas com esse gênero é de suma importância, pois o nitrogênio no solo não é suficiente para suprir as necessidades das forrageiras. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito das fontes nitrogenadas de ureia e sulfato de amônio de forma individual e associada na produção de matéria seca de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu na região de Bonito, MS. O experimento foi conduzido em um Neossolo Regolítico, constituído de doses e fontes de Nitrogênio (N) aplicado em cobertura, em um delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com 4 repetições. As doses de N foram de 0, 30, 60, 120 e 240 kg ha-1 tendo como fontes a ureia (UR com 45% N), ureia encapsulada (UR + E com 30% de N), sulfato de amônio (SA, com 20% N) e a mistura delas (UR + SA) em uma proporção de 50% de N de cada fonte. A eficiência do uso do N pela forrageira proveniente da ureia encapsulada foi maior que das outras fontes de N testadas. A mistura de sulfato de amônio e ureia na proporção de 1:1 na base de N possui eficiência mais elevada em relação às fontes sem a mistura, até a dose de 185 kg ha-1. Palavras-chave: Forrageiras. Adubação. Nitrogênio. Capim-Brachiaria. Abstract Brachiaria is a genus that dominates the pasture areas in Brazil occupying about 200 million hectares of pasture. The nitrogen fertilization on pastures is very important, because the nitrogen in the soil is not sufficient to meet the forager needs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen sources of urea and ammonium sulfate on an individual basis and associated with the dry matter production of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu at Bonito region, MS. The experiment was conducted in a soil classified as Regolithic Neosol, consisting of doses and sources of nitrogen (N) applied in covers , in an experimental design of random blocks with 4 replications. The N doses were 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 kg ha-1 having as sources urea (UR with 45% N), encapsulated urea  (UR + and 30% N), ammonium sulphate (SA, with 20% N) and mixing them (UR + SA) in a ratio of 50% N for each source. The use of encapsulated urea increases the efficiency of N use by Brachiaria brizantha CV. Marandu and the mixture of ammonium sulphate and urea in the ratio of 1: 1 on the basis of N increases their efficiency as the sources without the mixture. Keywords: Forages. Fertilization. Nitrogen. Grassland.

scholarly journals Initial Development of Safflower Submitted to Irrigation Water Salinity Levels

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 200
Author(s):  
William Fenner ◽  
Edna Maria Bonfim-Silva ◽  
Tonny José Araújo da Silva ◽  
Túlio Santos Martinez ◽  
Thiago Henrique Ferreira Matos Castañon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Water Salinity ◽  
Saline Stress ◽  
Root Volume ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Irrigation Water Salinity ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
Plant Emergence

Safflower cultivation is an alternative to tropical cropping systems, with a good rusticity and some tolerance to saline stress in some cultivars. With the increase of irrigated areas around the world, salinization of the soil is an inherent concern, being the management of irrigation and cultivated species fundamental. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and initial development of safflower culture submitted to irrigation water salinity levels. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design consisting of five irrigation water salinity levels (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS m-1) and six replications. The saline solution was prepared using NaCl and measured with a conductivity meter. Plant height, number of leaves and stem diameter at 26 and 41 days after emergence, and shoot dry weight were evaluated; root volume; root dry mass; total dry mass and dry root/shoot mass ratio at 41 days after plant emergence. There was no visual influence of salinity levels in the evaluations at 26 days after plant emergence. However, 41 days after plant emergence, the increase in salinity levels promoted a decrease in all analyzed variables, except for root volume. Safflower does not tolerate irrigation with saline water. The damages occur from 2 dS m-1, but the largest reductions in the initial development of safflower occur from 6 to 8 dS m-1.

scholarly journals Growth and fluorescence of ‘Tahiti’ acid lime/rootstock on Sunki mandarin hybrids under salinity

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luderlândio de Andrade Silva ◽  
Marcos Eric Barbosa Brito ◽  
Pedro Dantas Fernandes ◽  
Francisco Vaniés da Silva Sá ◽  
Rômulo Carantino Lucena Moreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlorophyll Fluorescence ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Saline Stress ◽  
Rangpur Lime ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
Acid Lime ◽  
One Year ◽  
Drainage Lysimeter

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecophysiological behavior of ‘Tahiti’ acid lime/rootstock grafted on Sunki mandarin hybrids during the prefloration stage of the plants, in the field, under saline stress. The progenies originating from crossings of the ‘Sunki’ mandarin with ‘Rangpur’ lime and Poncirus trioliata, as rootstocks, combined with the ‘Tahiti’ acid lime as a scion. The experiment was carried out under field conditions, at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Pombal PB fields. In drainage lysimeter of 150 dm3, studying 10 scion/rootstock combinations, irrigated with two water salinity levels (CEa) (S1 = 0.3 and S2 = 3.0 dS m-1) making a 10 x 2 factorial scheme. The experimental design was a randomized block design, with 3 replicates and each plot consisting of a useful plant, totalizing 60 parcels. The scion/rootstock plants were transplanted at one year of age from the rootstocks sowing, being the beginning of the applications of the saline stress to the 15 days after the transplant lasting until the period of flowering, that is, up to 195 days after transplanting, During this period the plants were analyzed for growth and chlorophyll fluorescence a. The combinations less sensitive to salinity were composed of the ‘Tahiti’ grafted with TSKFL x (LCR x TR) - 018, TSKFL x TRBK - 011 and TSKFL x TRBK - 030, it being possible to use saline water with up to 3.0 dS m-1 in irrigation. Salinity did not damage the biochemical phase of the scion/rootstock combinations, only affecting the initial fluorescence of the lighted tissue.  

Irrigating perennial pasture with saline water: effects on soil chemistry, pasture production and composition

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Saline Irrigation ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Salinity Levels

In response to a local survey that revealed that many farmers in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria did not adhere to recommendations for safely applying saline irrigation water to perennial pasture, an experiment was conducted at Tatura. Six irrigation water quality treatments, which differed in the timing of the application of saline water, were applied to perennial pasture plots over 4 irrigation seasons. Measurements made included soil EC1:5, soil SAR1:5, soil ESP, pasture dry matter production and composition, dry matter digestibility, tissue ion concentrations and mineral ash content. After 4 seasons, in which the winter rainfall for each season was significantly lower than the long-term average, soil sodicity and salinity levels appeared to reach steady values. Plots irrigated with non-saline water (0.1 dS/m, treatment 1) performed the best in terms of lower soil salinity and sodicity levels and higher dry matter production and pasture quality levels. However, for most of these measurements and for most seasons, there were no significant differences between the control plots and those irrigated with water at 1.2 dS/m (treatment 2). Soil EC1:5 and SAR1:5 levels were highest, and dry matter production and dry matter digestibility levels the lowest (particularly for the clover component), in plots irrigated with water at 2.4 dS/m throughout the season (treatment 6). There were no significant differences in soil characteristics or biomass production between the remaining 3 treatments (treatments 3, 4 and 5) or between treatment 2. These treatments had the same amount of salt applied throughout the season but differed in the pattern of salt application — whether it occurred at the beginning or end of the season, or was alternated with fresh water throughout the season. This study confirmed that in the long term, there is a reduction in the yield of perennial pastures when saline irrigation water at levels greater than 0.8–1.2 dS/m is used on the red-brown earths of the Shepparton Irrigation Region. However, the soil and pasture were more sensitive to the total amount of salt applied rather than to the pattern of salt application throughout the season. It was concluded that farmers should monitor the salinity levels of their irrigation water to avoid a build up of Na+ and Cl– in the soil profile and consequent long-term reductions in herbage production and quality.

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