Comparative Studies of Grain Yield and Nutrition in Barley as Affected by the Application of Saline Water for Irrigation

A field-plot study on salt tolerance of eight barley varieties was conducted in a split-plot design, during 1978–79. The results showed significant adverse effects of salinity on germination of seeds, plant height, tillers/plant and grain yield. Grain yield was more seriously affected than other morphological characters. Salinity reduced contents of starch, Ca and K in grains. On the contrary, it increased protein and Na contents. The two varieties (K 19 and Maharaja local) owing to higher values on “Mean salinity index” and. comparatively, lower magnitude of reduction at abrupt salinities over control in germination of seeds and grain yield, were considered salt tolerant. These varieties relatively, excluded Na and intrestingly showed higher protein values than rest of the varieties.