Examination of soils and crops after the inundations of 1st February, 1953. II. The influence of salt on the chief vegetable crops.

Abstract

Eleven trial fields were selected on the islands of South Holland in an investigation of the reactions of vegetables to the salt content of the soil. The C index (number of grams of NaCl per litre of soil moisture) was calculated for the 5-20 cm. soil layer, and varied from normal to 8. In fields with a high C index the following effects were observed: Before rain leaching, seed germination of leeks, spinach and carrots was poor. Seed germination of chicory was also poor where the soil structure had deteriorated; soil structure was improved by gypsum applications. The crops grew more slowly and were harvested at a later date than in normal soils. Bolting was stimulated in cabbage lettuce and spinach. Lettuce, endive and savoy cabbage showed marginal leaf scorch, and leeks showed tipburn. Phaseolus beans, peas and strawberries were very sensitive to even a low salt content. There were only slight differences in yields of brassicas sown in situ and transplanted; with leeks sowing in situ was inferior to transplanting. The forcing quality of chicory roots from salty soils was approximately the same as of those from normal soils. The cauliflower crop failed in the trial fields. Yields of leafy crops were better in soils with high than with low moisture contents. Brussels sprouts and red cabbage were more susceptible to attack by Phoma lingam [Leptosphaeria maculans] in the salt trial fields than in normal soils. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)