Responses of Acacia gerrardii and Vachellia origena Seedlings to Mineral Fertilization and Salinity Stress in Saudi Arabia

D. Shetta, Nader; Z. Zayed, Mohamed

doi:10.21608/asejaiqjsae.2016.2508

Responses of Acacia gerrardii and Vachellia origena Seedlings to Mineral Fertilization and Salinity Stress in Saudi Arabia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Nader D. Shetta ¹
Mohamed Z. Zayed ²

¹ Forestry and Wood Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt. Range and Forestry Applied Research Unit, Plant Production Department, College of Food & Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.

² Forestry and Wood Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt.

10.21608/asejaiqjsae.2016.2508

Abstract

This study has investigated, over two seasons, salinity stress, and two mineral nitrogen fertilizer effects on Acacia gerrardii (Benth.) and Vachellia origena (Hunde.) growth. Photosynthesis and growth characteristics both responded positively to fertilization. Vachellia origena growth improved and become more tolerant to salinity stress by aid of fertilization. Calcium nitrate fertilization has induced the highest seedling height, diameter, and dry weight. The salt concentrations negatively affected growth, particularly 5000 ppm. Calcium nitrate or ammonium sulfate can improve the growth and the biomass of the tree seedlings and increase tolerance to high salinities either in nursery or in the field.

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