Effects of pH, Bicarbonate and Salinity of Irrigation Water on Yield and Flowers Yield Components of Saffron

Water quality is important in crop production. This study investigated the effect of five salinity levels1.4 to 9.1 (dS / m)), five levels of bicarbonate from 10 to 60 (mg / lit)) and five levels of irrigation water pH from 7.05 to 8.33 on the yield of stigma and flower yield components of saffron using completely randomized design with three replications. Results showed that, all measured characters of saffron flower yield and yield componentswere significantly affected by pH, EC and bicarbonate. Under the influence of the salinity of irrigation water at level one, most of the measured parameters were at the highest amount. Yield and flower yield components decreased with increasing salinity levels. The number of flowers in the level one of salinity was 2.5 and 7 folds higher than those of the salinity level of two and five, respectively. Likewise, the dry weight of stigma at the salinity level of one was 7.5 folds higher than that of level five. The highest significant effect of water bicarbonate on measured parameters was observed in level of four. Increasing water bicarbonate to level 4 increased the stigma dry weight to 4.03 mg, which were approximately 9 folds higher than that of the level of 5. Also, the effect of irrigation water pH was significant on different pH levels. The maximum dry weight of stigma was observed at pH 7.72 - 8.05 which was 7.5 and 31 folds higher those of level 1 and 5, respectively.Finley, along with soil quality, irrigation water quality is one of the most important inputs involved in decision making saffron fields. The results also showed that yield of stigma and flower components significantly decreased under water quality especially salinity index. Therefore, it is suggested to consider this issue in planning the construction of saffron fields.