Wheat growth and phytoavailability of copper and zinc as affected by soil texture in saline-sodic conditions

International audienceNutrient disorders in saline-sodic soils can adversely affect crop growth. In order to evaluate the growth response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Cu and Zn and the phytoavailability of these essential elements, a pot experiment was conducted in three different textured saline-sodic soils [sandy loam (SL), sandy clay loam (SCL) and clay (C)] having an ECe 8.63, 8.80, 8.98 dS m-1 and SAR 21.66, 23.48, 24.84 (mmol L-1)1/2 respectively. Seven treatments including levels of Cu (4, 6 and 8 mg kg-1) and levels of Zn (4, 6 and 8 mg kg-1) were separately applied together with a single control treatment. Dry matter yield (straw + grain) of wheat increased up to 35.2% with Cu and up to 31.2 % with Zn application relative to the control. As soil clay content increased, dry matter yield decreased up to 39.2% in SCL and up to 62.7% in C soil when compared to SL soil. Application of Cu increased the concentration in both wheat straw and grains up to 2.46 and 2.20 mg kg-1 DW respectively relative to the control. Zinc concentration in wheat straw and grains was also increased up to 29.97 and 29.40 mg kg-1 DW respectively relative to the controls. Copper application significantly increased Zn concentrations in wheat plants