Effect of Irrigation on Enhancing Plant Growth and Yield in Different Saline Soils

Soil salinity and inappropriate irrigation practices are major constraints to vegetable production in coastal and saline-prone regions, particularly under changing climatic conditions. This study evaluated the interactive effects of different irrigation regimes on the growth, physiological performance, and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) grown under three soil salinity levels: non-saline, slightly saline, and moderately saline. A controlled pot experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with six irrigation treatments ranging from no irrigation to excessive irrigation (200% field capacity), each replicated three times. Growth attributes (plant height, root length), biomass accumulation (fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots), and total yield fresh weight were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test at the 5% significance level.

The results demonstrated that irrigation significantly influenced okra growth and yield across all salinity levels, with clear soil-specific optima. In non-saline soil, moderate irrigation (75% saturation) produced the highest growth and yield, while excessive irrigation reduced performance. In slightly saline soil, full saturation (100% field capacity) resulted in the maximum yield, indicating that higher moisture helped alleviate osmotic stress by diluting salts in the root zone. In moderately saline soil, yield was again optimized at 75% saturation, whereas both deficit and excessive irrigation reduced productivity. Overall, the study confirms that optimal irrigation management is strongly dependent on soil salinity level. The findings provide practical guidance for salinity-adaptive irrigation strategies aimed at improving okra productivity and supporting sustainable agriculture in saline-affected regions such as coastal Bangladesh.

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