PJB-2023-9
Response of agronomic traits of dual-purpose millet and sorghum to soil salinity at jointing stage in Hetao Irrigation District of Inner Mongolia, China
Hongzhu Liang
Abstract
In this study, we analyzed the response of agronomic traits of 2 dual-purpose crops to different soil salinity levels at jointing stage. A total of 2 millet varieties (“ZZ13” and “ZZ19”) and 2 sorghum varieties (“F438” and “2562”) usable both in food and forage were selected as experimental materials. The field experiments were conducted in saline-alkali soils in the Hetao Irrigation District of Inner Mongolia, China. Correlation analyses conducted for agronomic traits and soil electrical conductivity (EC). The results showed that soil salt absorption capacity of millet was better than that of sorghum at the jointing stage. This implied that millet was more salt-tolerant than sorghum and therefore more suitable for saline-alkali soils in the study area. The number of visible leaves dropped significantly with increasing soil EC, inhibiting crop growth. High levels of soil EC significantly inhibited plant height and stem diameter of the crops. Leaf area was sensitive to soil salinity, even low level of soil EC significantly reduced leaf area. Correlation analysis showed that stem diameter, plant height, leaf area and visible leaves of the crops were significantly negatively correlated with soil EC at jointing stage; indicating that soil salinity inhibited growth periods of the crops. This finding provided scientific basis for further studies on adaptative mechanisms of dual-purpose crops in high saline soils. This is critical for optimizing traditional cultivation practices in saline-alkali soils in the study area and beyond.
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