THE IMPACT OF SOIL SALINITY ON THE GROWTH DYNAMICS OF FOREIGN AND LOCAL COTTON VARIETIES

Abstract

This article comprehensively investigates the growth dynamics and developmental characteristics of both local and foreign cotton varieties cultivated under saline soil conditions. The empirical research was systematically conducted during the critical developmental stages of squaring, flowering, and boll formation, carefully comparing plant responses in both non-saline and moderately saline soil environments. According to the obtained results, it was conclusively determined that soil salinity significantly diminished the overall growth rate across all the examined agricultural varieties. In particular, the fundamental disruption of vital physiological processes, encompassing water exchange mechanisms and mineral nutrition absorption, served as the primary causative factor for the notable reduction in overall plant height. While the 'Bukhara-8' and 'Xinluzao-78' cultivars successfully maintained relatively superior growth indicators and demonstrated a commendable degree of resilience under adverse saline conditions, the 'Zhongmian-88' and 'Zhongmian-113' varieties were distinctly characterised by their pronounced sensitivity and vulnerability to salt stress. The scientific findings derived from this study hold paramount importance for the targeted selection of salt-tolerant varieties specifically suited for cultivation in salinised agricultural areas, the continuous advancement of contemporary breeding programmes, and the strategic optimisation of applied agrotechnical measures to ensure sustainable crop yields.