The effects of salinity and alkalinity of soil on growth of Haloxylon sp. in Segzi plain (Iran)

This study evaluated the effects of salinity and alkalinity of soil on growth of Haloxylon sp. in Segzi plain. Segzi plain is located in the Eastern part of Isfahan province in the center of Iran and is about 40 kms from Isfahan center. The phenomena of salinity and alkalinity are the key factors in the process of desertification that are mainly created in semiarid and arid regions. One way to prevent the spread of desert areas from blowing sand is to apply the biological fixation by means of resistant plant species which haloxylon sp. is the most suitable plant for this purpose. In order to do this research, Total 10 profiles as a vertical transect were studied and from each depth profiles of 0-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm sampling was conducted. For each soil sample, chloride ion, pH, electrical conductivity and sodium absorption ratio were measured in the extract 1:1. Plant parameters, including plant height, Top environment and Top diameter were measured. It should be noted that in the study area all of Haloxylon sp. were the same age and nearly 18 years old. After preparing the data, measure were taken to analysis and compare the statistics and averages using the SPSS software. The results showed that the effects of salinity and alkalinity of soil on growth and development of Haloxylon sp. are negative. The electrical conductivity and sodium absorption ratio in the third depth are most negative correlation with plant parameters.