Increasing salinity reduced the number and weight of the nodules In pea in sand culture. Growth of rhizobia and general root growth suppression under saline conditions did not appear to be responsible for reduced nodulation. Desalinisation (45 days after sowing) increased the production and growth of the nodules. The production and growth of the nodules during the first 25 days after desalinisation was faster in the desalinised than in control plants. Salinity reduced the development of leghemoglobin in the nodules and brought about an enhanced senescence, whereas desalinisation reversed these effects to varying levels. The nodule nitrogen, total plant nitrogen and the ratio of plant dry matter to plant nitrogen indicated reduced nitrogen fixation by the plants growing under saline conditions. Salinity appeared to have a greater effect on nitrogen fixation than on dry matter production. Desalinisation led to their partial recovery.
