TOLERENCE OF TREE SPECIES AT VARYING LEVELS OF SOIL EXCHANGEABLE SODIUM PERCENTAGE

摘要

Tolerance of six tree species viz. Azadirachta indica, Terminate arjuna, Acacia auriculiformis, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica and Prosopis juliflora to soil sodicity was evaluated under pot culture conditions at varying Exchangeable sodium percentages (ESP) levels (15, 30, 45, 60) created artificially. Plant survival was highest in Prosopis juliflora and lowest in Azadirachta indica. Survival percent decreased from 90 to 49% at 15-60 ESP respectively. Height, diameter and total biomass decreasedwith increasing ESP levels and calcium content. Magnesium and potassium were unaffected. The Na/Ca, Na/K and Na/Mg ratios in plant increased with increase, in ESP. A high sodium concentration in plants rais ed at highest ESP level reduced the Ca~(++) concentration.