Effect of Naturally Occurring Soil Salinity on Chlorophyll Content in Amaranthus Viridis L.

Soil salinity is a crucial environmental stress factor which has negative impacts on growth and development of plants, including the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments which are essential for photosynthesis and overall plant metabolism. This study investigates the effect of soil salinity on chlorophyll content in Amaranthus viridis L., a fast-growing leafy green vegetable known for its nutritional value. The samples of plant leaves and supporting rhizospheres saline soil supporting the plants were collected from three different salt-affected sites from Baramati Tahsil and an estimation of the pH and EC of soil and chlorophyll content in leaves was carried out. The levels of EC in soil ranged between 7 dS/m - 8 dS/m and the observed soil was saline in nature. To assess salinity impact on chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, and overall chlorophyll levels. Findings indicated a significant decline in chlorophyll levels as salinity increased. Chlorophyll a and b contents decreased progressively, with the highest reduction observed at the highest salinity level. The study concludes that soil salinity impairs chlorophyll synthesis in Amaranthus viridis L., suggesting that salinity stress effect the plant’s physiological process photosynthesis. The findings also highlight the high salt tolerant potential of Amaranthus viridis L. and future alternative crop for saline areas.