Effects of Silicon on Growth and Mineral Nutrient Contents of Cucumber under Salt Stress

Two cucumber cultivars were grown in a hydroponics culture system for the investigations of silicon(Si)on growth and mineral nutrient contents in seedling shoots and roots under salt stress.The results showed that the content of calcium ion(Ca~(2+)),potassium ion(K~+)and zinc ion(Zn~(2+)) were significantly reduced by salt stress in cucumber seedling shoots and roots,while sodium ion (Na~+),chloride ion(Cl~-)and manganese ion(Mn~(2+))increased.Addition of Si increased Ca~(2+), K~+ and Zn~(2+)content,but decreased Na~+,Cl~- and Mn~(2+)content.Additionally,it was found that the addition of Si increased cucumber dry matter and relative water content and improved the nutrient balance of salt-stressed cucumber.There were no significant differences in the changes of mineral nutrient concentration in shoots and roots of both cuhivars after exposed to NaCl.