Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
The aim of this investigation was to grow barley as a fodder crop under highly saline conditions. Saline irrigation waters with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 2·5, 4·0, 6·0 and 8·0 mmhos/cm respectively were used to irrigate test crops of barley over two growing seasons.
It was concluded that in general more highly saline water leads to a considerable increase in soil salinity even over a short period of growth, and a close control of soil salinity through leaching is required. Saline water with an EC of 4·0 mmhos/cm may be utilized without excessively high yield reductions if the soil salinity is well maintained. The saline waters with an EC of 6·0 mmhos/cm and 8·0 mmhos/cm may lead to yield reduction, and they require careful managmeent to control soil salinity build-up.