Some important characteristics of salt-affected well waters and their impact on the germination and chemical composition of wheat on saline-sodic soils rich in magnesium in south western tracts of Bihar were studied. Most of the well waters contain more soluble Mg than Ca. The concentration of Na, CO3 and HCO3 is also very high. The characteristics of well waters like E.C., S.A.R., S.S.P. and R.S.C. are found to be signifinantly correlated (negatively) with germination percentage. The correlation between soluble calcium percentage (SCP) and germination percentage is positively correlated. Positive correlations exist between SSP of water and sodium of plants. Na+Mg/Ca of irrigation water is positively (significantly) correlated with Na and Mg. A prediction value (Na+Mg/Ca) has been evolved for judging the quality of well waters on the basis of adverse effect of sodium and magnesium and favourable effect of Ca on the germination. The predicted value is highly correlated (negatively) with germination percentage.
Quality of well water, germination and mineral composition of wheat
