In order to study the effect of prime treatment (salt hardening) on maize seeds
(variety Ghouta 82) and type of irrigation water on the plant response to salt stress through
the effect on the productivity and the plant tissue contents Cl, Na and K.
Maize seeds were
soaked in Euphrates fresh water (EC:1.03 dS.m-1), or in agricultural drainage water (EC:
5.89 dS.m-1) for (12) hours, the seeds therefore were dried and planted in plots of (15 m2)
for each replicate and then irrigated with four different types of water; (100 % Euphrates
water, 50% Euph. water + 50% agri. drain. water, 33 % Euph. water + 67 % agri. drain.
water, and 100% agri. drain. water) during the growing season. K, Na, and Cl in plants
were determinated, 1000 grains weight, and grain yield production were estimated in kg.h-1
for each replicate and treatment.
The results showed that, it is possible to have 3 tons of grain / hectare by irrigation
with agricultural drainage water, which is acceptable, under semi-arid conditions. Salt
hardening of maize seeds increased seed yield by (32.80%), which is considered
satisfactory under the experimental conditions.
