Effect of NaCl salinity on the growth and mineral nutrition of one month old Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC seedlings

The effect of NaCl salinity on the growth and mineral nutrition of one month old Prosopis juliflora seedlings was studied with the help of sand culture experiment. The seedlings were treated with 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl concentrations, respectively. It was found that there was stimulation in plant growth at low concentrations of salt, while at higher concentrations it was hampered causing a marked decrease in the fresh (60%) and dry weight (80%). The level of sodium, chloride and calcium was found to increase in the roots as well as leaves with increasing levels of salinity in the rooting medium. The level of potassium and phosphorus however, was found to decrease in the leaves and roots of seedlings grown under NaCl stress.