Zonal Salinization of the Root System with NaCl and Boron in Relation to Growth and Water Uptake of Corn Plants

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Abstract
Corn seed (Zea mays L.) was germinated in the top portion of a soil column separated by thin amber wax layers into three equal horizons. Each soil unit contained 500 g of soil aggregates, a tensiometer, and tubing to facilitate irrigation and drainage. Differential treatments of NaCl and B were separately imposed for 3 to 4 weeks upon the various root zones once the plant had extended roots throughout all horizons. Each horizon was irrigated with a dilute nutrient solution with and without NaCl to have an EC of 12 mmho/cm for the NaCl treatments; and with H3BO3 to have concentrations of 10‐, 20‐, and 40‐mg B/liter for the B treatments.Results include data on plant growth, water use, and ion uptake. The NaCl treatments were associated with reductions in root growth and water use/plant in proportion to percent root system treated. However, little or no reduction in shoot weights occurred upon zonal salinization of two‐thirds of the root system. Also, the NaCl treatments did not restrict uptake of NPK to any serious extent. The B experiments showed corn plants to be injured by soil solution levels of 20 mg B/liter or greater, the degree of injury being a function of soil solution B and percent root system under treatment.

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