Introductory Crop Physiology (1+1)

Factors Affecting Salt Absorption

Absorption of salt by the plants is affected by several factors. Some of them are discussed below.
i. Temperature

The increase in temperature increases both active and passive salt absorption processes and lowering of temperature decreases them.

ii. pH

It indirectly affects the salt absorption as the pH affects the availability of ions in the medium.

iii. Light

As opened stomata allow more transpiration and increased mass flow and photosynthesis provides energy and O2 for salt uptake, light indirectly affects the rate of salt absorption by affecting the opening and closing of stomata and the process of photosynthesis.

iv. O2 content

The deficiency of O2 decreases salt uptake as the active phase of salt absorption is inhibited by the absence of O2.

v. Interaction of other ions

The absorption of one ion may be influenced by the presence of other ion. The interaction may be associated with the availability and specificity of binding sites on carriers.

vi. Growth

Different types of growth affect salt absorption in different ways, eg., growth involving increase in surface area, number of cells, synthesis of new binding sites or carriers and volumes of water uptake stimulate salt absorption. Heavily suberised root is unable to absorb salts. Vegetative growth and increased metabolic activity accompanied with more water uptake enhance salt absorption.