Evaluation of some sesbania sesban genotypes for their salt tolerance, biomass yield, nutrient composition and soil ameliorative response

Abstract

Background and Objective: Soil salinization has threatened the sustainability of fodder tree production in arid and semi-arid region around the globe. The present study has been aimed to evaluate of some Sesbania sesban genotypes for their salt tolerance, nutrient composition and soil ameliorative response. Materials and Methods: Five selected Sesbania sesban genotypes were subjected to four salinities levels 0, 10, 15 and 20 dS mG1 and farther assessed under field condition of salt affected soil for their amelioration. Results: Aggravated salinity stress caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in all measured parameters and the highest salinity showed more detrimental effect compared to other tested genotypes. Salinity effect on Sesbania sesban germination (%), physiology and increase in chlorophyll content was seen in ILRI-1198, ILRI-15036 and ILRI-10865T at 20 dS mG1salinity, whereas ILRI-1178 and ILRI-1198 genotypes showed increased shoot length at the same salinity levels compared to other tested genotypes and better ameliorative response to salt affect soil. However, crude protein and metabolizable energy were higher in ILRI-1178 and ILRI-1198 genotypes under higher salinity levels. Conclusion: ILRI-1178 and ILRI-1198 genotypes can be used to increase fodder production and livestock productivity in salt-affected lands in Ethiopia due to its large dependence on livestock sector.