The Effect of Rice Husk Ash on Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L. ‘Sembada Merah’) on Salinity Stress

Abstract

Salinity stress adversely affects rice growth. To increase rice tolerance to salinity stress can be done by application rice husk ash (RHA) as potential source of beneficial element silicon (Si). This study aimed to determine the effect of rice husk ash on growth of rice (Oryza sativa L. ‘Sembada Merah’) on salinity stress. Three weeks-old rice seedlings were transferred to soil media containing rice husk ash with doses 0. 4, and 8 t ha-1, then the next two weeks were treated with salinity stress (0 dS/m: control, 3 dS/m: low, 7 dS/m: moderate, 10 dS/m: high). Growth parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves and tillers. Measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, proline, chlorophyll and carotenoid levels were carried out at 6 weeks after salinity stress treatment. Results showed that salinity stress results in plant height, number of leaves and tillers being lower than control. Chlorophyll and carotenoid levels and SOD activity decreased with increasing salinity stress, while proline level in salinity treatment did not differ from control. Application RHA increase SOD activity as a response to salinity. The application of RHA 4 t ha-1 could increase rice growth up to moderate salinity stress.