Relationship between soil salinity and alkalinity with Alhagi camelorum growth in hypersaline and hyperarid environments

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  • In this research, the growth and distribution of Alhagi camelorum Medic. as a potential crop was monitored for producing forage in hypersaline and hyperarid regions. For this purpose, seven Alhagi-dominated rangelands were selected in its original homeland at the south of the Great Salt Desert. The soil salinity of selected regions is very variable, and ranged from 3.6 dS m-1 to 725 dS m-1 and from 0.4 dS m-1 to 366 dS m-1 at 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm soil depths, respectively. The annual mean of maximum and minimum air temperature is around 30 and 6 degrees C, respectively, and the mean annual precipitation is less than 150 mm. The plant growth characteristics assessed by canopy cover, canopy height, shoot fresh weight (SFW), and dry weight (SDW) had a negative relationship with soil salinity and pH. The highest SFW (24.97 t ha-1) and SDW (6.98 t ha-1) of Alhagi were obtained where soil salinity was 13 dS m-1 and soil pH was the lowest (7.1). Alhagi maintained the minimal growth and production of 20 cm canopy height and 50% canopy cover even in the saltiest conditions with a soil salinity of 395 dS m-1; hence it can serve as a potential crop for haloculture systems. In Aqda, the canopy cover increased with increase in the soil salinity up to 7-10 dS m-1 but decreased as the salinity levels increased further. The study revealed that A. camelorum not only has a very high tolerance to salinity but a moderate salinity up to 10 dS m-1 can also stimulate the growth. However, soil pH had a greater effect on growth, and Alhagi does not have a high tolerance to soil alkalinity. Therefore, Alhagi species could not be a bio-indicator for soil salinity, while well-established plants with good canopy could be considered as a sign for low alkalinity in arid terrestrial ecosystems.