Sodicity and salinity on survival and nutrient status of four scion cultivars budded on Indian jujube (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.)

Abstract

Pot culture experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of sodicity (0, 38.8, 60.5 ESP) and salinity (0, 14.8, 20.25 dS m-1) on survival and nutrient status of four promising Ber (jujube (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.)] cultivars. Survival of plants decreased significantly with the increase in exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and ECe levels. The increasing levels of sodicity and salinity caused significant decreases in N, P, and K contents. Calcium and Mg decreased in sodic soils, whereas, the reverse trend was observed in saline soils. Sodium increased to toxic levels under both soil situations. Chloride and sulphate decreased in response to socidity and increased in saline soils. Invariably, seedling and budded plants of cv. BanarasiKaraka and Kaithali contained relatively higher status of N, P, and K proving to be tolerant cultivars. Umran and Gola contained higher status of NaCl- and SO42- and proved to be susceptible cultivars in later stages of growth.