The effect of salinity on soil chemical characteristics, enzyme activity and bacterial community composition in rice rhizospheres in Northeastern Thailand.

Saline soil is one of the major problems limiting rice productivity in the Northeastern area of Thailand. Thus, the aims of this study were to determine soil physicochemical analysis and soil enzyme activities, and bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of 'RD 6' rice grown in salt-affected rice fields. The Ban Thum sample showed the highest electrical conductivity (EC; greater than 6 dS m) and total Na, while the EC in other fields were at non- or slightly saline levels.