Effects of gypsum and brassinolide on soil properties, and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) growth, yield and chemical composition grown on saline soil

This study evaluated the effect of gypsum and brassinolide (Br) application on soil properties and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) growth and yield during two subsequent growing seasons (2008/09 and 2009/10). A randomized complete block experimental design with a split-plot arrangement was used, where gypsum (0 and 5 t ha⁻¹) was included as a main-plot factor and Br (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg L⁻¹ of water) was included as a subplot factor. It was found that gypsum reduced the electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of the soil, but did not affect soil pH. Both gypsum and Br had a significant effect on leaf chlorophyll, green and dry fodder yield, and the contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and crude protein of berseem. However, neither treatment had a significant effect on potassium (K) levels or the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of berseem. The findings of this study will help to improve the cultivation of berseem in saline soils and may also be applicable to other crops grown under similar conditions.