Assessing the nutritional potential of sodium in combination with potassium for the growth of tomato in soil culture

Abstract

The role of sodium (Na) in combination with potassium (K) in the growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was studied in soil culture. Sodium was applied at 0, 5, 10, 20 mg / kg soil as NaCl and K at 0, 20, 40, 80 mg / kg soil as KCl. Records of components of growth and mineral nutrient uptake and accumulation in plant tissue were taken. Sodium application at levels above 10mg / kg improved number of leaves and root dry matter yields, while number of flowers and shoot dry matter yields were depressed. The application of K to varying levels of Na reversed the antagonistic effects of Na on plant growth. However, Na applied at levels lower than 10 mg / kg increased tissue N, P and Ca and decreased Mg and Na. A complimentary relationship between Na and K at a ratio of 1:8 or 1:16 was observed to have enhanced the growth and yield of tomato.

Key words: Sodium nutrition, tomato, dry matter yield, tissue elemental content

Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 183-190