Drought and salinity: A comparison of their effects on mineral nutrition of plants

Abstract The increasing frequency of dry periods in many regions of the world and the problems associated with salinity in irrigated areas frequently result in the consecutive occurrence of drought and salinity on cultivated land. Currently, 50% of all irrigation schemes are affected by salinity. Nutrient disturbances under both drought and salinity reduce plant growth by affecting the availability, transport, and partitioning of nutrients. However, drought and salinity can differentially affect the mineral nutrition of plants. Salinity may cause nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, due to the competition of Na + and Cl – with nutrients such as K + , Ca 2+ , and NO $ _3^- $ . Drought, on the other hand, can…