The effect of magnetic saline water on absorption of sodium and potassium in Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) leaves

Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus L.) is a medicinal plant that is relative adaptation to salinity. This experiment was conducted as a completely randomized factorial design with three salt irrigation treatments including 0 (control), 3, 6 dS/m NaCl and four magnetic water levels (Zero, 3000, 6000 and 10000 Gauses) with three replications in green house. Seeds were sown into round plastic pots. 120 days after planting, growth, dry weight and sodium and potassium concentration were measured. Analysis of variance showed that salt and magnetic stress had significant effects on morphological parameters and potassium concentration. Salinity (non-magnetic) reduced plant height and increased dry weight. The use of water magnetization increased growth parameters and amount of potassium. Salinity decreased plant height and increased fresh and dry weight of leaves. Statistical comparison showed that with increasing salinity, reduced amount of potassium but there was no significant difference in amount of sodium. Although, the levels of magnetic field had different effect on potassium absorption. But, generally, the field of 6000 gauss showed better performance than all of treatments.