The Korean Journal of Crop Science ISSN:0252-9777(Print) 2287-8432(Online) 한국작물학회지

This experiment was conducted to identify the variations in inorganic nutrients and plant growth in millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) due to soil salinity. The soil series was Munpo and soil texture was silt loam. The experimental soil was amended so that the soil had salinities of 0.8 dS m^-1, 1.6 dS m^-1, 3.2 dS m^-1 and 4.8 dS m^-1. Millet was transplanted 15 days after sowing. As soil salinity increased, the degree of reduced growth was in the order of seed production > root dry matter > plant dry matter > culm length > tiller number > stem thickness > Panicle length. Seed production was decreased to 18.9% in soil salinity of 1.6 dS m^-1, 36.9% in of 3.2 dS m^-1, and 50.7% in EC of 4.8 dS m^-1. Root dry matter decreased to 35.8% in EC of 3.2 dS m^-1, and to 40.5% in EC of 4.8 dS m^-1. As soil salinity increased, Total nitrogen content increased in all aboveground parts, roots and seeds. However, There was no difference in CaO, P₂O₅, K₂O and, MgO in soils of different salinity. On the other hand, Na₂O content was higher in the order roots> shoots> seed, and in the case of roots, Na₂O content increased to 1.02% in soil salinity of 4.8 dS m^-1. However, up to soil salinity of 1.6 dS m^-1, the Na₂O content of the seed was similar to that in plant grown in the Control conditions(0.8 dS m^-1). In conclusion, taking into consideration economic factors, millet could be cultivated in soil with salinities of up to approximately 1.6 dS m^-1, and seed produced from reclaimedland would be suitable for human consumption.