Influence of different salinity levels on morphological aspects of eucalyptus urograndis seedlings

Abstract

This study was set up in protected environment at the Agricultrural Engeneering Department, FCA – UNESP, Botucatu – SP. Washed thin sand were used in black PVC pots (14 L volume), whose water content were mantained close to-0.01 MPa. The objective was to evaluate the influence of five levels of salinity: 1,41; 2,50; 4,50; 6,45 and 8,33 dS m -1 on Eucalyptus urograndis seedlings through some morphological parameters. Ten replicates under completely randomized design were used. The results showed that the most of morphological characteristics decreased followed by increased soil salinity: until 8,33 dS m -1 did not afected initial seedling growth; from 4,50 dSm- 1 , there was height and diameter growth decrease after 30 days of stress; there was less aereal part and root dry matter up to 4,50 dSm -1 . Leaf área was the most affected variable under salinity applied, with visible decrease from 4,50 dS m -1 electric conductivity.