Effect of Salinity Stress on Growth and Yield of Forage Genotypes

Abstract

Salinity is the major limiting factor for forage productivity in southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Some introduced forage cultivars have been shown promising adaptability in saline conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the productivity and measure the agronomic characteristics of several introduced grass species with different created soil salinity levels. This study was conducted at the net house of Dr. Purnendu Gain Field Laboratory, Agrotechnology Discipline, and Khulna University during the period from December 2017 to February 2018. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design with seven replications. The experiment consisted of two factor viz. soil salinity levels (S1 = 0.48, S2 = 5.8, S3 = 7.9, S4 = 9.4, S5 = 15 d·Sm−1) and thirteen forage genotypes. Salinity levels and forage genotypes significantly (p 1 at 90 DAS while the shortest plant (24.53 cm) was obtained in S5 at 90 DAS. Soil salinity had a significant difference (p 1, whereas the lowest (0.48) was in S5 at 75 DAS. Soil salinity had a significant difference (p 1, while the lowest biomass wt. (3.52 g) was obtained in S5 at 60 DAS. Soil salinity had a significant difference (p 4, while the lowest DM (18.74%) was obtained in S1 at 60 DAS. Soil salinity had a significant difference (p 1 + S2 + S3 + S4 + S5). Soil salinity had a significant difference (p 1 + S2 + S3 + S4 + S5). The highest (DM%) was found in Endropogan (24.68%), while the lowest DM (18.37%) was obtained Spelindida. Soil salinity had a significant difference (p < 0.001) on DM at 90 DAS. It can be concluded that Pakchong appears to be highly salt tolerant.