EFFECT OF SODIUM-CHLORIDE SALINITY OF CATION EQUILIBRIA IN GRAPEVINE

The addition of various sodium chloride (NaCl) doses (2-150 meq/L) to a balanced standard nutrient solution brought about an increase in the sodium (Na) content of all the vegetative organs of grapevine. The Na - potassium (K) antagonism was shown by the decrease in K content, even at low NaCl doses. The calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents of the various plant organs were also decreased as the NaCl content of the nutrient solution was increased. The cationic sums for the various plant organs remained constant, with the exception of the highest NaCl dose which was lethal after two months.