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INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF SALINI1Y AND WATERLOGGING ON GROWfH AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION IN ATRIPLEX AMNICOLA PAUL G. WILSON

FARKHUNDA ALA, SHOAIB ISMAIL, RAFIQ AHMAD AND HUMAlRA MARYAM

Abstract: The interactive effects of different salt concentrations (EC: 0, 10 and 20 dS.m^-1) and waterlogging levels of 75, 100 and 125% water holding capacity on growth of Atriplex amnicola Paul G. Wilson in sandy loam and silty loam soils was studied. Plant growth in terms of shoot volume decreased in salinity treatments, with no significant differences at waterlogging treatments. There was an increase in shoot volume in silty loam soil as compared to sandy loam soil. Leaf area: weight ratio (LA:W) showed definite responces to both salinity and waterlogging treatments. Silty loam soil produced higher biomass as compared to sandy loam soil. High salt contents of EC: 20 dS,m^-1 at 125% WHC showed adverse effects on biomass production. In sandy loam soils, different plant parts showed non-significant variation in organic matter and ash contents for salt levels, whereas, lib contents increased and organic matter decreased at waterlogging levels. Silty loam soil exhibited low percentage of organic matter than sandy loam soils. Shoot biomass productivities correlated to both soil alinity and plant volume data. Regression equations have been calculated to determine the estimated biomass over a period of time.

Biosaline Research Laboratories, Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan