ABSTRACT
High salinity levels trigger harmful effects on plant mineral nutrition, causing production losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of using pulse or continuous drip irrigation with brackish water on the accumulation and exportation of nutrients in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) crops. A randomized block experimental design with four replications was used, in a 6×2 factorial arrangement consisting of six levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw: 0.2, 1.6, 2.8, 4.0, 5.2, and 6.4 dS m-1) and two irrigation regimes (pulse and continuous). Accumulation and exportation of macronutrients, sodium, and chloride were quantified at 63 days after sowing. Pulse irrigation mitigated the harmful effects of high salinity levels on peanut crops and promoted greater nutrient accumulation by plants compared to continuous irrigation. The descending order of nutrient accumulation by plants under pulse and continuous irrigation was: K > N > Ca > Mg > P > S. Pulse irrigation is effective in mitigating the detrimental effects of using brackish water on peanut crops.
Key words:
Arachis hypogaea; salinity; nutritional disorder; water management; nutritional management
HIGHLIGHTS:
Nutrient accumulation and exportation by peanut crops decrease under high salinity levels.
High salinity levels increase Na+ and Cl- accumulation in peanut leaves.
Pulse irrigation mitigates the harmful effects of nutritional disorders caused by saline water.