Growth and physiology of maize under water salinity and nitrogen fertilization in two soils

The nitrogen fertilization, in general, minimizes the effects of salinity on plants, but the mitigating action depends on plant species, cultivar, soil texture and plant age, among other factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation water salinity and nitrogen fertilization on maize physiology and growth (Zea mays) in soils with different textures. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in Fortaleza City, CE, Brazil, in PVC soil columns (100 x 20 cm). The design was completely randomized using the factorial 2 x 2 x 4, referring to two soils, an Ultisol and a Quartzipsamment, nitrogen doses of 105 and 210 kg ha-1, under irrigation with saline water of 0.5, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 dS m-1, with four repetitions. With the exception of stem diameter, salinity of water impaired plant growth and leaf gas exchanges. The Ultisol provided better growth and physiological responses compared to the Quartzipsamment. The nitrogen doses did not mitigate growth variables except root biomass. The gas exchanges increased with the highest nitrogen dose, without interaction with the salinity.