The use of saline water for irrigating rice in northern Australia

Abstract

A pot trial to assess the effect of salt water on growth and yield of rice in the Northern Territory of Australia was conducted in 1962-63. Two varieties were irrigated with three levels of salinity for varied durations in either the establishment or reproductive phases. Plant emergence was significantly depressed by soil conductivities in excess of 4 m-mhos/cm at 25¦C. The restricted use of up to 3000 p.p.m. total soluble salts from 10 days after emergence and of up to 6000 p.p.m. from 20 days after emergence, followed by fresh water, had no effect on flowering time, vegetative or grain yields. The application of 3000 and 6000 p.p.m. total soluble salts in the reproductive phase reduced mean panicle number and grain yield of both varieties and straw yield of one variety. Use of saline water in the establishment phase followed by fresh water and drainage, reduced soil conductivity. In the reproductive phase it nullified the effect of previous fresh water flushing and tended to increase soil conductivity above original levels.