Effects of saline water irrigation under different bed shapes and soil textures on the growth of maize and salt accumulation in the beds

The effects of furrow saline water irrigation (EC = 8 dS m(-1)) on the emergence and growth of maize were investigated under two different bed shapes (flattop and sloping beds) and three different soil types (SL, CL, and LiC) in a greenhouse. The results : (1) Emergence rates in the flattop beds were lower than those in the sloping beds, especially in the SL (70%). (2) Although plant heights in the flattop beds were shorter than in the sloping beds, heights in the LiC greatly increased after 21 days. (3) Dry weight showed the same tendency as that of the plant height. (4) Soil water contents at the seeding place showed the lowest (5%-15%) in the SL of both bed shapes. (5) ECe in the flattop beds after seeding was greater (10-15 dS m(-1)) than in the others, especially in the SL. (6) Salt distribution in the beds showed the highest salinity at the peak or around the peak in the sloping beds and in the surface at the shoulder in the flattop bed. (7) The early seedling growth of maize closely related with the salt distribution in the beds. These results provided useful information to elucidate the relation between salt accumulation and early seedling growth.