Oxygation of rhizosphere with subsurface aerated irrigation water improves lint yield and performance of cotton on saline heavy clay soil

Salinity in agricultural soils has large impact on plant performance. Waterlogging and anoxia due to poor soil structure is a major problem for crop production in saline heavy clay soils. Inadequate oxygen concentration in the rhizosphere exacerbates the effect of salt and leads to poor plant performance. An experiment in the screen house was conducted to investigate growth and yield performance of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) supplied with subsurface aerated water or non-aerated water to soil with four different salinity (ECe) levels of 2, 8, 14, 20 dS/m. The interaction between salinity and aeration was found to be non-significant for the variables measured. Cotton produced a significantly higher dry matter and lint yield with aerated water, irrespective of soil salinity level. The increase in yield was accompanied by an increase in root mass, canopy light interception and harvest index.