Accumulation and Combined Effect of Salinity and Heavy Metals on Growth, Yield and Uptake of Green Pea Grown in Piped Hydroponics

This research is to study the accumulation and combined effect of three salinity levels (750, 1500 and 3750 ppm) and of heavy metals (3.26, 3.2, 2 ppm, 2, and 0.2 of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Mo, respectively) on growth, yield, and uptake of green pea plants grown in piped hydroponic. Due to freshwater shortages, the use of hydroponic growth system was encouraged and used. The experiment consists of planting green peas from seeds into a 6” PVC piped system. After 2.5 months of growing, the experiment was stopped and plants parts were separated and divided into pods, leaves, stems, and roots, Then, physical, and chemical measurements conducted on them. Results indicated that (1) Salt concentration above 1500 mg/l was detrimental on the growth of green pea, (2) the best growth, yield, and biomass weight were observed at salinity of 750 mg/l, (3) heavy metals had positive effect on stems and roots of plants, but declined effect plant growth in general, (4) lines with nutrient deficiency were deficient in growth too, (5) sodium increased in plant’s organs in response to increased salinity in the feed solution, (6) the largest concentration of copper and zinc were found at the roots of the highest salinity level lines (36.05 and 211.58 mg/kg dry plant, respectively), (7) the hydroponic system proved to be efficient and economical and therefore, it is recommended for use for Palestinian farmers, and (8) results obtained in this study agree with previously published research with extent differences.