Salinity effect on nutrients accumulation in alfalfa shoots in hydroponic condition

Abstract

For evaluation of microelements distribution in alfalfa shoot in saline condition an experiment was conducted in hydroponic condition on four cultivars (Sistan, Golestan, FAO2566 and Hamedani) in five salinity levels as 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl in Hoagland media in a RCBD with three replicates. Results showed that increasing salinity affected all elements except P. Increasing salinity decreased K + , Ca 2+ and N concentration in leaf but increased Mg 2+ , Na + and Cl . Highest absorption of K + and Ca 2+ and least Na + concentration was obtained by Golestan and highest absorption of Na + and least K + and Ca 2+ concentration was obtained by Hamedani. K/Na and Ca/Na ratios were identified as important criterions for tolerance recognition. Tolerant cultivars can absorb Ca 2+ and K + more than Na + in saline condition and Na + exclusion is their important way to achieve tolerance. In susceptible cultivars, decreasing Ca 2+ and K + absorption beside Na + inclusion in cells produced lower K/Na and Ca/Na ratios.