The effects of saline water on the yield and quality of wheat

This study was carried out to determine the water-salinity-yield relations of winter wheat and crop salt tolerance level along with salt distribution in the plant organs during the 2009 and 2010 growing seasons at the Experiment Field and Greenhouse of the Irrigation and Agricultural Structures Department of Çukurova University Faculty of Agriculture. A line source sprinkler irrigation system was used to create different salt and water gradients.The results revealed that different irrigation water with different qualities affected dry matter yield, LAI, leaf water potential and grain yield. As the salinity level of the irrigation water increased crop water use and grain yield decreased. Saline irrigation water resulted in increased soil salinity in the profile and higher salt concentration in the soil affected some physical properties of the soil (field capacity, wilting point, bulk density etc.). In addition, as a result of applying saline water, salt accumulation on the leaf surfaces and in the leaf tissues were determined. Irrigation water use efficiency increased, however water use effacing decreased as a result of saline irrigation application. Salinity threshold level of 5.107 dS/m was found for winter wheat from two year experimental data. Application of saline water with sprinkler system resulted in yield reduction at relating lower salinity levels. Under greenhouse conditions, yield response factor of 1.46 was determined due to weather condition inside greenhouse and soil salinity.