Effect of soil salinity levels on growth and chemical composition ofSyzygium cuminiL.

SummarySeedlings of Syzygium cumini were grown in artificially salinized soils of conductivities 0 to 20 mmhos cm-1 for 19 months. Adverse effects on growth were seen at and above a conductivity level of 16 mmhos cm-1 of the saturation extract. As the conductivity increased, the adverse effects of growth and the extent of plant injury were intensified As salinity increased, the leaf chlorophyll content at the end of the experiment decreased. The leaf N content did not differ significantly, but the root N content was significantly lower at higher salinity levels. With increased salinity the K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe in the leaves and roots lessened, but leaf Na rose in concentration with increasing salinity. The Mn and Cu contents of leaves and roots did not differ significantly.