POTASSIUM DYNAMIC IN THE RHIZOSPHERE OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) GROWN UNDER INDUCED SALINE SODIC CONDITION

To study the fate of potassium in the maize rhizosphere under induced saline sodic conditions an experiment was conducted at Department of Soil Science, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan) during year 2019. In a factorial experiment six potassium levels i.e. 0, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 kg ha(-1) and three NaCl concentrations viz. 60, 120 and 180 mM were investigated. Different soil and agronomic parameters were studied. The result showed that in the treatments where no potassium was applied the pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) was increased and potassium declined by increasing the NaCl to 180 mM. The increment of potassium has significantly reduced pH, EC and SAR and increased potassium in the soil. Comparing the uptake of potassium by shoot and root of maize it has showed greater uptake of potassium in the shoot as compared to the roots. However, the potassium levels significantly influenced the uptake of potassium under severe saline sodic conditions. The growth parameters including chlorophyll contents, plant height and root size was significantly influenced by application of potassium levels and high concentration of salts. The fresh and dry weight of shoot and root were also significantly influenced by the application of potassium levels and increasing salt concentration. It was evident that the fresh and dry shoot and roots tend to tolerate the salt content more effectively by increasing levels of potassium. From the research it is concluded that increment of potassium at higher level under induced salt condition may improve the soil properties and growth of crop.