Morpho-physiological Responses of Olive Saplings (Olea europaea L. cv Chetoui) to Partial Root Drying Irrigation Technique with Salt Water

The effect of partial root drying (PRD) irrigation with salt water on split root olive (Olea europaea L. cv Chetoui) saplings was investigated. Four irrigation treatments were applied such as: FI- and FI+ (irrigation on both sides of root system with nutritive solution and NaCl was added respectively at 0 and 130mM), PRD- and PRD+ (irrigation on one side of the root system switched to the other every 4 weeks with nutritive solution and NaCl was added respectively at 0 and 130mM). Results showed that olive plant growth and the total biomass were unaffected by irrigation treatments. Also the leaf water statute especially the relative water content was similar for all treatments. The biochemical statute of leaves presented none variation in proline and soluble sugars content. The SPAD index decreased in FI+. As regards the soil quality it was found that PRD reduced the quantity of salt incorporated in the root zone.