ASSESSMENT OF FLOWERING ANNUALS FOR ADAPTATION TO SODIC SOILS

To assess the suitability of flowering annuals based on their tolerance to sodicity, marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa L.), and amaranthus (Amaranthus dubius Mart.ex Thell.) were selected.Soil with an ESP of 40 was collected from Tiruchirapalli, and treated with25%, 50%, and 100% gypsum requirement to vary the ESP levels from 16 to 32.The flowering annuals were sown in the potted soils with ESP varying from 16 to 32.The findings indicated that Gomphrena globosa and Celosia cristata exhibited superior growth traits, including plant height, dry matter production, and antioxidant activity, as well as favorable Na/K ratios, these traits were observed up to an ESP level of 24 compared to other flowering annuals.The result indicated that the Gomphrena globosa and Celosia cristata were highly suited to sodic soils up to 24% ESP without any amendment.