Tolerance evaluation of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) to residual sodium carbonate in irrigation water

Abstract

India is the largest producer and consumer of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) in the world, with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat as major production centres. However, farmers of these regions often suffer from crop losses due to problems of salt affected soil and use of poor quality groundwater with high RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate) and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) for irrigation. Due to increased interest in the utilization of sodic water with/without prior reclamation for irrigation, there is a need for information on sodicity tolerance of various economically important plants including seed spices; that could be recommended for growing in areas where sodic groundwater is being used for irrigation. The present study was carried out to evaluate the suitability of coriander under water qualities varying in RSC for irrigation in the lysimeter facilities at the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute-Karnal, Haryana. The experiment consisted of irrigating the crop with normal irrigation water (RSC nil), 2.5 meL-1 RSC water, 5 me L-1 RSC water, RSC 5 meL-1 + gypsum (to neutralize 2.5 meqL-1 RSC) and RSC 5 meL-1 + sulphur (to neutralise 2.5 meL-1 RSC). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications in lysimeters of 2x2x2 m3 size. The crop was grown with standard agronomic practices. The study indicated that application of RSC water affected the germination, growth, development and yield of coriander compared to irrigation with normal water. The highest germination percentage was recorded in control plots (78.9%) and the lowest in plots treated with RSC meL-1 5 water (43.3%). The maximum decrease in growth and yield with delayed development and highest stress as observed by the membrane injury index was recorded in plants treated with RSC 5 meL-1 water. The seed yield (11.38 q ha-1) obtained with fresh water (control) decreased to 10.25, 9.56 and further to 6.85 q ha-1 with RSC 5 meL-1+ gypsum, RSC 5 meL-1 + sulphur and RSC 5 meL-1 +sulphur RSC 5 meL-1, respectively. Plants treated with RSC 5 meL-1+ gypsum(to neutralize2.5 meL-1 RSC)performed better than that treated with RSC 5 meL-1 + sulphur(to neutralize 2.5 meL-1 RSC); as indicated by parameters like growth, dry matter production, membrane injury and seed yield of the crop.