Silicon application effect on salinity tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass

This experiment was conducted in order to investigate morphological and physiological responses of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) to salinity and silicon application in horticultural science department at the University of Zanjan in 2015. The salinity levels (0, 40 and 80 mM NaCl) and sodium silicate (0, 0.75 and 1.5 mM) were applied in complete nutrient solutions. Salinity reduced root and shoot growth, visual turf quality, leaves chlorophyll and potassium content, whereas electrolyte leakage, proline and sodium content increased with increasing salt concentration in nutrient solution. Silicon application ameliorate adverse effects of salinity in all factors except in potassium content and this effect was more pronounced in 80 mM NaCl. Although there was no significant difference between 0.75 and 1.5 mM sodium silicate in visual turf quality, root growth and chlorophyll content, altogether, application of 1.5 mM silicon had better results to increase salinity tolerance in Kentucky bluegrass, suggesting that higher concentrations of silicon must be evaluated.