Salinity and nitrogen nutrition studies on peanut and cotton plants

Abstract

The effect of the nitrogen form (NH₄ ⁺ or NO₃ ^‐) added to the nutrient solution and salinity levels (NaCl) was studied in peanut and cotton plants grown in hydroponics. Salinity levels particularly affected the growth of NH₄ ⁺‐fed plants. Salinity and nitrogen form had different effects in the levels of K⁺ and Na⁺ in the shoots of these two species. Salinity only reduced photosynthesis in severely stressed cotton plants. A high correlation was observed between the level of K⁺ and stomatal conductance. Ammonium resulted in a less efficient use of nitrogen under saline conditions for both species.