Response of soybean (Glycine max) varieties to salinity stress during early growth in the Sahelian Savannah, Nigeria.

Abstract

Salinity is a major environmental constraint affecting crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi arid regions. This study investigated the response of Soybean varieties to salinity stress During early growth of three soybeans (Glycine max) varieties—TGX 1904-6F, TGX 1951, and TGX 1448-2E— with the aim of identifying the most tolerant variety and the threshold of salinity most detrimental to growth. A pot experiment was conducted using four sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations (0.00, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 g per 3 kg of soil) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, root length, and fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots, were measured. Results showed that increasing salinity significantly reduced all measured growth traits. Although differences among the varieties were not statistically significant, a significant interaction between NaCl concentration and variety indicated varying degrees of sensitivity among them. The study highlights the negative impact of salinity on early soybean growth and underscores the importance of implementing salinity management strategies to sustain soybean production in salt-affected areas of the Sahelian Savannah.