Factors Affecting Salt Absorption

 The absorption of salt by the plants is affected by several factors. Some of them are discussed below.

i Temperature

The increase in temperature increases both active and passive salt absorption processes and

lowering of temperature decreases them.

ii. pH

It indirectly affects salt absorption as the pH affects the availability of ions in the medium.

iii. Light

As opened stomata allow more transpiration and increased mass flow and photosynthesis provides

energy and O2 for salt uptake, light indirectly affects the rate of salt absorption by affecting the opening and

closing of stomata and the process of photosynthesis.

iv. O2 content

The deficiency of O2 decreases salt uptake as the active phase of salt absorption is inhibited by the

absence of O2.

v. Interaction of other ions

The absorption of one ion may be influenced by the presence of other ions. The interaction may be associated

with the availability and specificity of binding sites on carriers.

vi. Growth

Different types of growth affect salt absorption in different ways, eg., growth involving an increase in surface

area, number of cells, synthesis of new binding sites or carriers, and volumes of water uptake that stimulate salt

absorption. The heavily suberised root is unable to absorb salts. Vegetative growth and increased metabolic activity

accompanied with more water uptake enhance salt absorption.