Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)

Influence of Irrigation Water Electrical Conductivity (EC) Growth and Yield of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

https://doi.org/10.58928/ku25.16205
Volume 16, Issue 2 - Issue Serial Number 2
Spring 2025
Page 32-40
Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Arsalan Azeez marif 1
Niyan Jalal Qadir 2
Nabaz Omer Hamabor 3
sarkawt zorab mohammed 4
hawzhin khalid hamarashid 2

1 Garden Design Department, Bakrajo Technical Institute BTI, Sulaimani Polytechnic University SPU, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

2 Protective Agriculture Department Bakrajo Technical Institute BTI, Sulaimani Polytechnic University SPU, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

3 Garden Design Department Bakrajo Technical Institute BTI, Sulaimani Polytechnic University SPU, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

4 Food Science and Quality Control Department (5), Bakrajo Technical Institute BTI, Sulaimani Polytechnic University SPU, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Abstract
This research, conducted at Bakrajo Technical Institute in a multi-span greenhouse during the 2024-2025 growing season, investigates the impact of irrigation electrical conductivity (EC) on various growth parameters of plants, such as plant height, leaf number, chlorophyll content, fruit diameter, fresh weight, root weight, and dry matter yield. The study reveals a clear negative correlation between higher EC levels and plant development, with lower EC values (0.750 dS/m) promoting optimal growth across nearly all the measured parameters. Plants exposed to the 0.750 dS/m EC level exhibited the highest average values for key growth metrics, including plant height (42.0 cm), leaf number (45), and chlorophyll SPAD readings (87.4), indicating superior growth and photosynthesis. As the EC levels increased, plant performance steadily declined. Specifically, EC values above 2.67 dS/m resulted in significant reductions in growth indicators, including plant height, leaf number, and fruit size. This decline in performance is attributed to osmotic stress and nutrient uptake limitations caused by high salinity. The study also found that excessive salinity severely affected other growth parameters, leading to marked reductions in fresh weight, root weight, and dry matter yield, especially at EC levels of 3.98 dS/m and 4.4 dS/m. Further correlation analysis confirmed strong positive relationships between several growth parameters, such as plant height, leaf number, and yield. The findings of this study underscore the critical importance of effectively managing irrigation EC levels in order to maintain plant health and optimize agricultural productivity. It suggests that excessive salinity in irrigation water can hinder plant growth, limit nutrient absorption, and negatively affect overall plant development, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and control of EC in irrigation systems.

Keywords

Electrical Conductivity (EC)
Salinity Stress
Plant Growth
Yield Parameters
Irrigation Management
Subjects
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