Effect of salinity and inoculation on growth, nitrogen fixation and nutrient uptake ofVigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Abstract

This study reports the effect of salinity and inoculation on growth, ion uptake and nitrogen fixation byVigna radiata. A soil ECe level of 7.5 dS m−1 was quite detrimental causing about 60% decline in dry matter and grain yield of mungbean plants whereas a soil ECe level of 10.0 dS m−1 was almost toxic. In contrast most of the studied strains of Rhizobium were salt tolerant. Nevertheless, nodulation, nitrogen fixation and total nitrogen concentration in the plant was drastically affected at high salt concentration. A noticeable decline in acetylene reduction activity occurred when salinity level increased to 7.5 dS m−1.