Comparative Plasticity Responses of Stable Isotopes of Carbon (δ(13)C) and Nitrogen (δ(15)N), Ion Homeostasis and Yield Attributes in Barley Exposed to Saline Environment

Salinity is a major threat to agricultural productivity worldwide. The selection and evaluation of crop varieties that can tolerate salt stress are the main components for the rehabilitation of salt-degraded marginal soils. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate salinity tolerance potential, growth performance, carbon (δ(13)C) and nitrogen isotope composition (δ(15)N), intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), harvest index, and yield stability attributes in six barley genotypes (113/1B, 59/3A, N1-10, N1-29, Barjouj, Alanda01) at three salinity levels (0, 7, and 14 dS m(−1)). The number of spikes m(−2) was highest in Alanda01 (620.8) while the lowest (556.2) was exhibited by Barjouj. Alanda01 produced the highest grain yield (3.96 t ha(−1)), while the lowest yield was obtained in 59/3A (2.31 t ha(−1)). Genotypes 113/1B, Barjouj, and Alanda01 demonstrate the highest negative δ(13)C values (−27.10‰, −26.49‰, −26.45‰), while the lowest values were obtained in N1-29 (−21.63‰) under salt stress. The δ(15)N was increased (4.93‰ and 4.59‰) after 7 and 14 dS m(−1) as compared to control (3.12‰). The iWUE was higher in N1-29 (144.5) and N1-10 (131.8), while lowest in Barjouj (81.4). Grain protein contents were higher in 113/1B and Barjouj than other genotypes. We concluded that salt tolerant barley genotypes can be cultivated in saline marginal soils for food and nutrition security and can help in the rehabilitation of marginal lands.