ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF ACALYPHA SHRUBS TO TOLERATE IRRIGATION WATER SALINITY USING SOME SOIL ADDITIVES

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening Res. Dept., Hort. Res. Inst., ARC, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of salinity (0, 2000, and 4000 ppm NaCl) and some soil additives (control, magnetic iron 6 g/pot, magnetic iron 6 g/pot + NPK fertilizer 3 g/pot, magnetic iron 6 g/pot + chicken manure 5 g/pot) on growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters of Acalypha wilkesiana during two consecutive seasons (2019/2020 and 2020/2021). Results demonstrated that increasing salinity significantly reduced fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, leaf and branch numbers, plant height, and nutrient uptake (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). However, soil additives, particularly magnetic iron at 6 g/pot combined with chicken manure 5 g/pot, mitigated salinity-induced stress, enhancing plant resilience. For instance, under 4000 ppm salinity, magnetic iron 6 g/pot + chicken manure 5 g/pot increased shoot fresh weight by 43% compared to the control in the first season. Similarly, chlorophyll a and b, proline levels, and nutrient concentrations improved significantly with fertilization, indicating an improvement of photosynthetic efficiency and osmotic adjustment. The interaction effects of salinity and soil additives were significant, highlighting the role of organic amendments in alleviating salt stress. These findings suggest that magnetic iron-enriched chicken manure can enhance salt tolerance in A. wilkesiana, supporting its cultivation in saline-affected irrigation water.

Keywords

Scientific Journal of Flowers and Ornamental Plants
Volume 12, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
The 8th Conference of the SSFOP "Technology and Innovation in The Fields of Ornamental, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants", April 27th, 2025, RCFF, ARC, Giza, Egypt
June 2025
Pages 105-118

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