The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between salinity levels of the water and the use of biofertilizer soil electrical conductivity of soil, initial growth, gas exchange and mineral content in cowpea plants. The experiment was performed conducted under greenhouse of the Department of Soil Science - UFC. The sowing of seeds was done in pots, using as a substrate Alfissol and two plants per pot. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 5 x 2 factorial, with 5 levels of salts and 2 levels of biofertilizer. The increase in salinity levels of irrigation water inhibited the initial growth of the plant, being less affected in the presence of biofertilizer. The high salinity combined with application of biofertilizer caused an increase in soil salinity. Increasing salinity of irrigation water caused reduction in gas exchange, being less affected by the presence of biofertilizer. The extraction of essential elements and sodium followed the order: Ca> K> Na> P. The application of biofertilizer was effective to increase the P concentration in plant and increase the total extracted K, Ca and P, regardless of salinity level applied. However, the beneficial effects of application of biofertilizer on growth, gas exchange and nutrient uptake, were less significant in the highest levels of irrigation water salinity.
Vigna unguiculata; salinity; irrigation; organic fertilizer
