Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and microbial parameters changes in response to pulse and press salinity disturbance

Document Type : Research and Reference

Authors

1 Zoology department, Faculty of science, Tanta University

2 Zoology department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University

Abstract

In arid and semiarid regions, increasing the rate of soil salinization is unavoidable over the coming years, which impairs the functioning of soil ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different dimensions of salinity disturbance on soil chemical and microbial parameters as proxies of soil functioning. Soil used in the experiment was collected from an agricultural field at Meet Al Mokhles village, Zefta center, Al-Gharbia governorate, Egypt. Pot experiments were prepared and left for four months to permit soil stabilization. Six soil salinity levels were assessed, (0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15%) using NaCl, comparing to control (distilled water) at different frequencies of addition at days 0, 40 and 80, under the greenhouse condition. Soil samples were collected and analyzed from each pot on days 40, 80 and 120. The obtained results revealed that increasing disturbance intensity directly increased soil electrical conductivity, but decreased pH and available phosphorus. Organic matter content and total N% decreased in the long term under high salinity stress. Frequency of addition did not show direct influence on pH, total N, available P and organic matter content. Soil basal respiration and Microbial biomass showed significant variation in response to different intensities and frequencies of salinity. Overall, we conclude that while soil microbial parameters are resilient to different aspects of salinity disturbance, soil chemical environment may change at high intensities in the long term, which it effectively makes soil an unfit medium for plant growth.

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Delta Journal of Science
Volume 45, Issue 1
September 2022
Pages 98-114

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