A field experiment was conducted for evaluating the effect of brackish water on citrus growth and soil
chemical properties during 2008-2009. For the study, one-year-old citrus seedlings were transplanted and were
drip irrigated with two types of brackish (saline) water. One with high salinity (SW) having an electrical
conductivity (ECi) of 7.16 dS/m. The other with low salinity (GW) having ECi of 1.36 dS/m. Results of the
study revealed that, only 14% of the total transplanted seedlings were succeeded with limited growth under SW
compared to 82% with increased growth parameters under GW. Results of soil properties revealed accumulation
of salts at the fringe of the irrigated area under the emitter in both irrigation waters, but the phenomenon was
largely accelerated under SW. Frequent irrigation with saline water increased the accumulation of Na and Cl
which decline soil chemical propertied, cause nutrients imbalance and increase toxicity, consequently plant
damage.