Ionic and water relations of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) as influenced by various rates of K and Na in soil culture

• Main Authors: L. Ali, Rahmatullah, A.M. Ranjha, M.A. Cheema, M.A. Maqsood, S. Kanwal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Soil Science Society of Pakistan (SSSP) 2009-05-01
• Series: Soil & Environment
• Subjects: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L); ionic ratio; water potential; relative water contents
• Online Access: http://se.org.pk/File-Download.aspx?archivedpaperid=101

A pot study was conducted to investigate the growth response, ionic and water relations of two cotton varieties. Four levels of K and Na were developed after considering indigenous K, Na status in soil. The treatments of K + Na in mg kg-1 were adjusted as: 105 + 37.5, 135 + 30, 135 + 37.5 and 105 + 30 (control). Control treatment represented indigenous K and Na status of soil. Higher but non significant relative water contents were observed in treatments of135 + 30 mg kg-1 followed by 135 + 37.5 mg kg-1. The beneficial effects of Na with K application were observed greater in NIBGE-2 than in MNH-786. Both varieties varied non-significantly with respect to K:Na ratio in leaf, water potential and total chlorophyll contents. Significant relationship (R2=0.51, n= 4, average of four replicates) was found between total dry weight and relative water contents in NIBGE-2.