Effect of sodium-vinasse application on seed germination and growth of three species differing in salt tolerance
2000
Assimakopoulos, J.H.
The produced vinasse from molasses of sugar beets contains high amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and sodium (Na-vinasse). In a pot experiment involving plant species of different tolerance to soil salts (cotton, corn, and beans), applications up to 10 t vinasse ha(-1) did not significantly affect the seed germination, and had a positive effect on plant growth of all species. Increasing the vinasse application to 20 t ha(-1) had no effect on seed germination of cotton and increased its growth. In contrast, a 20 t ha(-1) application delayed the time of germination and inhibited corn and bean growth up to one month. Subsequently, plant growth increased and plant height 52 days after sowing was similar to that with the 10 t ha(-1) treatment. For the bean plants, the negative effect of the 20 t ha(-1) application continued and resulted in a higher dry matter in leaves, but lower dry matter in stems and fruits compared to the untreated soil. A replacement of potassium by sodium in cotton and corn plants was also observed at this vinasse application. Very high application of vinasse (100 t ha(-1)) resulted in a damage of cotton and bean seeds, while a higher portion of corn seeds germinated (64%). However, corn seeds that germinated collapsed after a few days. Among the three species studied, cotton plants absorbed the highest amount of sodium, corn plants the highest amount of potassium and those of bean the highest amount of nitrogen.
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