Interactive effects of potassium and saline water on yield, nutrient accumulation and uptake by rice

Abstract

A pot culture experiment was conducted to assess the interaction effects of salinity and potassium nutrition on rice during 2018.A pot experiment was conducted in CRD with three replications and twelve treatments consist of four levels of saline water (0, 2, 4 and 8 dS m-1) and three doses of potassium (60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1). The crop received a common dose of N @ 120 kg ha-1 (in splits) and P @ 60 kg ha-1. The crop received saline water irrigation up-to saturation point at 30, 45, 60 and 80 DAP (days after planting). The study indicated that the cumulative application of saline water @ 4 and 8 dS m-1 decreased the grain yield and straw yield, yield components, potassium content and uptake by rice whereas, sodium content and uptake increased significantly at higher level of salinity (4 and 8 dS m-1). The adverse effect of Na was reduced with application of potassium. The grain and straw yield, yield component, potassium content and uptake by rice was increased with increasing the dose of potassium. The sodium content and uptake by rice was reduced significantly with higher dose of potassium (180 kg ha-1) application. Based on the present study, split application of potassium @ 180 kg ha-1 is recommended for rice in saline soil. The K+/Na+ ratio in soil and plant can be considered as a best indicator in evaluating crop performance in saline soil.