Effect of salinity-heavy metal interactions as evaluated by soil extraction and plant analysis

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of salinity on growth and heavy metal uptake by maize (Zea mays) plant. The results of the study show that NaCl and NaCl+CaCl2 treatments decreased the growth of maize plant (plant height, shoot weight and root weight) significantly. The proportion of viable roots and root fresh weight declined with time. In contrast, salinity treatments enhanced root length. NaCl and NaCl+CaCl2 treatments increased the accumulation of Cd, Zn and Cu in maize plant considerably both in shoot and root.