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How much water can a crop abstract from below a saline water table and how does the salinity affect yield? These questions are important because shallow groundwater may represent a substantial resource in flat, low-lying areas, but may also represent a threat to sustainability where salinity is high. A series of experiments in a glasshouse aimed to elucidate irrigation management practice under salinity conditions and to develop a root uptake model under both osmotic and matric stresses. The extraction of soil water and groundwater by lettuce and perennial ryegrass crops were measured in three instrumented lysimeters. Water table depths were 0.6,0.9 and 1.2 rn below the soil surface. The lysimeters were initially saturated with saline water (electrical conductivity 4.5 dS m- 1 for lettuce, 9.4 dS m- I for the first crop of ryegrass and 0.4,7.5 & 15.0 dS m-1 for the second crop of ryegrass) and drained until an equilibrium soil water profile was attained. Water with the same electrical conductivity was then supplied by Marione siphons to maintain the constant water table. The water table contribution was recorded and water losses from the soil profile were estimated from daily readings of soil water potential using tensiometersa; nd gypsum blocks. Solute samples were extracted periodically for salinity measurement. The cropping period of lettuce was 90 days from sowing and the lst & 2nd cropping periods of ryegrass were 223 & 215 days respectively. The first ryegrass experiment showed that the water table depth (60,90 and 120 cm) did not have significant contribution (37,36 and 36 mm) on either total soil moisture use or groundwater contribution. Similar results were found for total soil moisture use for lettuce, though the groundwater contribution varied significantly. The second ryegrass experiment showed that salinity at the water table strongly influenced total soil moisture use, but the total groundwater contribution varied only slightly. The overall crop experiments show that the groundwater contribution was within the range of 25-30% of the total water use, except for the 15 dS m7l treatment where the contribution was greater than the soil moisture use. Groundwater contribution rate was higher when the plants were subjected to more osmotic and matric stresses. Yield component data show that increasing salinity leads to a reduction in total yield, but the drymatter proportion was higher. Higher salinities occurred in the upper 15 cm of the root zone, because of the greater soil moisture depletion. Below that depth the salinization rate was smaller, because of the greater groundwater contribution in the later part of the season. There is reasonable agreement between measured and estimated (based on convective transport theory) values soil salinity. Salinities increased in the root zone by about 3-fold of initial salinity for lettuce and around 4-fold for ryegrass in the top 5 cm depth, but below 15 cm depth it was less than 2 fold. Finally, a simplified model was developed to describe the interaction of root-zone salinity and water uptake, considering salinity and water stress as additive. The model shows that the higher the root-zone salinity stress, the higher the predicted water uptake while plant uptake considered -1.5 MPa. This variation is ranged from 4 to 17% for 0.4 to 9.4 dS m-1 and 30 % for 15 dS m-1. The model was developed in a climate with low atmospheric demand, but needs testing in a more severe environment.

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Soil salinity is one of the major problems in and and semi-arid zones, affecting up to 50% of arable land in Syria. Salt-affected soils are usually desalinized by leaching the excess salts out of the soil profile. Some studies have shown that applying the leaching water intermittently instead of continuously may result in more efficient leaching. This thesis aims to investigate, theoretically and experimentally, the benefits and limitations of intermittent leaching and to develop mathematical models able to simulate solute transport through structured soils under such conditions. Laboratory leaching experiments were conducted on bi-continuum media, as an analogue of structured soils, created by packing porous aggregates (ceramic spheres or soil aggregates of uni- or multi- diameters) in glass columns. The columns were either leached continuously or intermittently and with different pore-water velocities. Intermittent leaching was undertaken either under saturated or drained conditions. Under "saturated conditions" the column remained saturated throughout the experiment, while under "drained conditions" the column was allowed to drain at the beginning of each rest period and remained like this until being saturated again for the next leaching period. The solute concentration in the leachate was monitored continuously (either using a flow-through conductivity cell, or by using ion-selective electrodes for Ký and Br' ) to produce breakthrough curves. These curves were used to investigate solute transport through such media and validate the developed models. The experiments showed that water savings of up to 22% under intermittent leaching from a soil aggregate column were possible under saturated conditions. Such saving increased with aggregate size, flow velocity and duration of rest period. Under drained conditions, for ceramic spheres, 12% more solute was leached with the same amount of water under intermittent leaching. Two models were developed, the SIL (Saturated Intermittent Leaching) and the DIL (Drained Intermittent Leaching) models, for saturated and drained conditions respectively. The SIL model simulated solute transport in structured soils under intermittent leaching. The governing equations during displacement period were the mobile-immobile convection-dispersione quations. During the rest period the flow is stopped, and the solute transfers only by diff-usion between immobile and mobile water regions. The DIL model simulated solute transport when the soil drained. Here, during the displacement period, the mobile water was drained. The model simulated this using the equations of the SIL model by assuming that air displaced the solution in a piston-type displacement. During the rest periods the solute difluses within the aggregates establishing a more uniform concentration in the immobile water across the aggregate. The models can be used with a wide range of column conditions and for both sorbed and non-sorbed solutes. Both models were verified against experimentarel sults.

Breeding and selection for salt tolerance has been limited because of the large heterogeneity of natural saline soils and the lack of efficient criteria for measuring salt tolerance. Regulation of salt balances in leaves is an important aspect of salt tolerance. This work analyses the relationship between leaf ion concentrations and salt tolerance with the aim of using these traits as indicators of salt tolerance. This is done both in solution culture (hydroponics) and field trials (sprinkler irrigation with saline water). Varieties were found to differ in the amounts of ions accumulated in their leaves. However, these differences did not relate directly with their level of salt tolerance. The lack of correlation was partly due to difficulties in estimating salt tolerance in the field. Also, the Triple Line Sprinkler system (TLS) used in the field experiments posed several problems, the most important ones being related to direct ion absorption by the leaves. The high concentrations of CaC12 (in addition to NaCl) used in the irrigation water added a further complication. In hydroponic experiments, a minimum of 2 mol in-' Ce' was enough to prevent an indiscriminate entry of Na' and to ameliorate the growth inhibition of plants growing at 200 mol in-' NaCl. Higher Caý' concentrations (50 mol in-' CaCl2) reduced even more the concentrations of Na' in leaves without significantly affecting growth. At these high levels of CaCl2 any toxic effect was probably caused by high Clconcentrations.

Two aspects of salinity in arid land were investigated as part of the present dissertation: the first was the potential re-use of industrially generated brine for irrigating landscape plants, and the second was the ecological restoration of saline farmland. The following is a summary of the most important points. With water conservation efforts accelerating in arid environments, industrial wastewater is considered a candidate for re-use. We investigated the use of high EC (electrical conductivity) cooling-tower water to irrigate nine common landscape plants in an urban environment. Each plant (replicated in a block design) was irrigated according to water demand determined by the soil moisture deficit, with one of three water treatments: blowdown water (3.65 dS m⁻¹), well water (0.52 dS m⁻¹) and a 1:1 blend (2.09 dS m⁻¹). Results indicate the salinity of the irrigation water did not have a significant effect (P>0.05) on growth or water use but, soil salinities were higher in basins irrigated with blowdown water compared to those irrigated with well water. The overall feasibility of reusing industrial brines to irrigate urban landscapes is discussed in light of the results. Restoring abandoned arid farmland can be challenging because topographic, geomorphic and hydrologic features have been degraded and cannot support a diverse native plant community. Typical amelioration practices depend upon good quality water to restore the soil’s physiochemical properties, however the long-term availability of any water is rare. A mitigation banking project to return 432 hectares of farmland to an open-space designation involved the collaboration of scientists, landscape architects and engineers to achieve five main goals: water management, erosion control, decreasing soil salinity, and increasing species diversity and vegetation cover. Two strategies evolved in the planning process that work in tandem to achieve these goals: a water management system that redirects storm water and run-off to discrete areas of the site for subsurface storage as plant-available water, and the introduction of a diverse mix of native plants. Field trials tested the strategies and also investigated different soil surface treatments, seeding methods and irrigation regimes against the germination and establishment of a customized native seed mix. Results from vegetation data indicate a combination of soil ripping and imprinting leads to the highest germination and establishment rates and drip irrigation helped establish transplanted seedlings. The project was designed so the longterm outcome does not depend on continual inputs and maintenance.

The present study was conducted to investigate the water relations of individual plant cells and the biophysical parameters controlling plant growth in the context of salt stress. Growth and water relations were studied in growing as well as in mature zones of the first emerged leaf of wheat seedlings (cv. Flanders, a British variety) in the context of NaCl stress. Various levels of NaCl (0,25,50,75,100,125 and 150 mol m) -3 were used to salinize the media. I In the case of leaf elongation rate a two phase response was found i. e. an immediate decrease and then, a recovery in the elongation rate. Leaf elongation rate decreased within 1-2 minutes of the onset of stress and, later, a recovery started 1-2 h after the salt addition. The time taken for the recovery was proportional to the levels of external salinity. After 24 h the elongation rate was almost fully recovered for all the NaCl concentrations. A similar response was observed when equi-osmolar concentrations (with NaCl) of mannitol were added to the media. In control plants turgor pressure of the expanding cells was about 0.45 MPa while tissue osmotic pressure was equal to 1.1 MPa showing that the cell had a low water potential (-0.6 MPa). The transpiration tension was equivalent to 0.1 MPa. Turgor pressure in th e growing cells did not change after the salt addition (0- 150 mol m-3 NaCl), however, the tissue osmotic pressure continuously increased with time. Turgor pressure dropped when more -3 than 150 mol m NaCl were applied to the media i. e. 200 and 250 mol m. -3 This is presented as evidence that growing leaf cells - maintained their turgor pressure In response. to . the salt stress by taking up osmotically -active solutes present in the cell wall. The salt stress had not any effect on Instron tensiometric measurements of elastic and plastic extension of the cell wall. A different turgor pressure response was found in the mature cells. Turgor pressure was about 1.0 MPa, almost twice that in the growing cells, while tissue osmotic pressure was similar to that found in the growing cells i. e. 1.1 MPa. After the application of the stress the turgor pressure dropped within 15- 20 min of the application of all the concentrations of NaCl. The osmotic pressure of osmotically active solutes present in the cell wall, nwr was almost negligible i. e. 4 0.1 MPa, in mature cells and so could not contribute to turgor maiýtenance. The extent of decrease was proportional to the external stress of 25, 50 and 75 mol m-3 NaCl only. Turgor pressure recovery, due to osmotic adjustment, started after about 10-12 h of the stress initiation. Complete turgor recovery was achieved after 24-48 h of the onset of stress depending on the applied NaCl concentration. Tissue osmotic pressure increased continuously with time. An increase in the nw was inferred during the whole experimental period and after 6d of the stress application that appeared to correspond to the magnitude of external stress. The concentrations of major ions and sugars were determined to measure their contribution towards the osmotic adjustment. Under control conditions Na +, ci-, PO 4 3- ' so 4 2- , glucose, fructose and sucrose were present in small amounts, while, K+ and No 3- were the-major osmotica. Their concentrations were about 200. mol _m-3. After the stress a large increase in the concentrations of Na + and Cl was observed, the sucrose concentration increased to a small extent. However, other osmotica remained Uniform for whole of the experimental time. A small decrease was observed in k+ concentration in response to higher salt levels. volumetric elastic modulus, -c, of mature cells was remained unchanged by the salt stress. However, the apparent resistance of the root cortex to osmotically driven water flow increased with the increase in stress level. No conclusion could be drawn about the contribution of these parameters to the control of growth and to leaf water relations in the context of salt stress. The possible use of turgor pressure recovery in the mature cells was investigated for assessing the extent of salt tolerance of various Pakistani wheat varieties. These varieties were previously rated according to their performance in absolute grain yield in response to NaCl stress. No simple correlation was found.

Agricultural production in Monterey County, California is a multi-billion dollar industry. Near the coast, seawater intrusion has threatened to degrade the groundwater quality due to over-pumping of the aquifer. The Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency (MRWPCA), in partnership with the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, has provided recycled water since 1998 to over 12,000 acres of prime agricultural farmland in the northern Salinas Valley in an effort to reduce groundwater removal. The dominant soil types in the region are clay loam and clay soils, which are both susceptible to sodium (Na) accumulation and water infiltration problems. Recycled water blended with well water is used to irrigate cool season vegetables (i.e., artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, celery, cauliflower, and lettuce) and strawberries. A long-term study was implemented by MRWPCA to monitor salinity levels in commercial vegetable fields because of grower concerns that salts in the recycled water would have long term effects on soil quality. Accumulation of salts over time would make the soil less productive. Soil salinity levels were monitored at three Control and three Test Sites beginning in the spring of 2000. The Control Sites received well water, and the adjacent Test Sites received an approximate 2:1 blend of recycled and well water, respectively. Control and Test Sites were paired based on location to compare the same soil, crop, drainage systems, and farming practices. The soil was sampled three times per year from all sites: spring (before planting), mid-summer after harvest of the first crop, and late fall after the second crop harvest. Composites of four cores were collected at each site from the zero to 36-inch depth at 12-inch intervals. Each 12-inch interval soil sample was analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), extractable cations (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+) and extractable anions (Cl-, NO3-, and SO4-). After 10 years of monitoring, the data showed that using recycled water blended with well water at the Test Sites increased the ECe of the soil profile from 2.1 to 2.5 dS/m and increased the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) from 3.0 to 3.9. The data also showed that using well water at the Control Sites increased the ECe of the soil profile from 1.4 to 2.6 dS/m and the change in SAR was negligible. The Test and Control Sites were significantly different for ECe and SAR, which was expected considering a higher salt content in the recycled water compared to the well water. The significant differences for ECe and SAR were associated with the significant differences in soil Na+ levels between the Test and Control Sites. The SAR and ECe of soil samples from all sites were in a range acceptable for vegetable production. The use of recycled water for irrigation of cool season vegetables and strawberries in the study area has not shown an indication of degraded soil productivity. Based on vegetable production and the slow increase of salts in the soil, recycled water can be used for long-term irrigation with proper management.

Salinity has been shown to reduce vegetative growth, crop quality, and yield in agricultural crops. Remote sensing is capable of providing data about large areas. This project was designed to induce salinity stress in a crop, pak choi, and thereafter monitor the response of the crop as expressed by its spectral reflectances. The project was conducted in the National Taiwan University Phytotron, and spectral data was collected using a GER 2600. Yield and soil salinity (ECe) were also measured. After three seasons of data were collected, wavelengths sensitive to salinity were selected. These wavelengths, which are within the spectral response of biochemicals produced by plants as a response to soil salinity, were used to create two indices, the Salinity Stress Index (SSI) and the Normalized Salinity Stress Index (NSSI). After creating the indices tests were conducted to determine the efficacy of these indices in detecting salinity and drought stresses as compared to existing indices (SRVI and NDVI). This project induced salinity and drought stress in a crop, pak choi, and thereafter monitored the response of the crop as expressed by its spectral reflectances. The SSI and NSSI correlated well to both ECe and marketable yield. Additionally the SSI and NSSI were found to provide statistical differences between salinity stressed treatments and the control treatment. Drought stress was not detected well by any of the indices reviewed although the SSI and NSSI indices tended to increase with drought stress and decrease with salinity stress. As a final test, specific ion toxicities of sodium and chloride were tested against the developed indices (SSI and NSSI) and existing indices (NDVI, SRVI, and NDWI). There were no differences in SSI and NSSI responses to specific ion concentration in the high salinity treatments. These results indicated that the SSI and NSSI are not sensitive to the specific ion concentration in irrigation water. However, the SSI and NSSI were higher for the sodium water than the choride water in the low salinity treatments. It is likely that this difference was caused by the fact that the high SAR water decreased infiltration and caused water stress.

Soil salinity (due to ingress of excess amounts of dissolved salts in soil pores) and soil sodicity (due to excess amounts of sodium ions attached to the clay surface) are significant forms of land degradation in many parts of the world in particular in arid and semi arid regions. In Australia, soil salinity has long been identified as the major form of land degradation and the greatest environmental threat. Saline soils cover almost 6% of Australia’s land mass and impose severe threats on agricultural productivity and built infrastructure with an estimated annual loss of $250 million. In recent years, ‘soil sodicity’ is recognised as a far more significant form of land degradation and a severe environmental problem both in terms of affected land area and impact on the environment than is salinity as a problem in Australia. One third of Australian land mass is occupied by sodic soils costing an estimated $2 billion each year in lost production alone, with further significant impacts on the economy due to extensive damage to infrastructure facilities and the environment. [...] / Doctor of Philosophy