Effects of Soil Salinity on Growth and Ion Content of the Inland Halophyte Hordeum jubatum

Growth and ion uptake of Hordeum jubatum L. along artificial and natural soil salinity gradients were studied. Elevated salinity levels caused a significant decrease in biomass accumulation under laboratory and field conditions. The upper limit for vigorous growth and reproduction was 1.0% NaCl. Salinity levels significantly affected the uptake and distribution of Cl-, Na+, K+, and Ca++ ions. There was a significant difference with increased salinity in the distribution of Cl-, Na+, K+, Ca++, and Mg++ ions between roots, stems, and leaves. Hordeum jubatum preferentially transported K+ ions over Na+ ions to the shoot against a strong external concentration gradient of Na+ ion