Response of chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to salt stress and organic and inorganic nitrogen sources: II. Nitrogen and water use efficiencies, and salt tolerance

the response to two nitrogen sources on water and nitrogen use efficiencies, and tolerance of salt-stressed chile pepper plants (capsicum annuum l.) cv. sandia was investigated in a greenhouse experiment. low, moderate and high (1.5, 4.5, and 6.5 ds m-1) salinity levels, and two rates of organic-n fertilizer (120 and 200 kg ha-1) and 120 kg ha-1 of inorganic fertilizer as ammonium nitrate were arranged in randomized complete block designs replicated four times. the liquid organic-n source was an organic, extracted with water from grass clippings. water use decreased about 19 and 30% in moderate and high salt-stressed plants. water use efficiency decreased only in high salt-stressed plants. nitrogen use efficiency decreased either by increased salinity or increased n rates. an apparent increase in salt tolerance was noted when plants were fertilized with organic-n source compared to that of inorganic-n source.