Relationship between Halocnemum, Salicornia and Suaeda halophyte plants and soil in Rahmanloo port of Ajabshir

The southeast saline lands of Urmia Lake have more than 85,000 hectares extension. For study the relationship between soil nutrients and three halophyte species (Halocnemum, Salicornia and Suaeda) in Rahmanloo port of Ajabshir, the land unit maps were prepared and Random sampling was done from selected plants. Soil samples collected from rhizosphere, the physical and chemical properties and nutrients (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride) analyzed. Species selection for sampling with coverage percentage and presence of species in each unit was done using Kriging scale. The results showed that micronutrients content in roots was higher that shoots, whereas inverse is true about macronutrients except for calcium. Soil properties such as moisture, pH, carbonate calcium, organic matter and soil texture have been effective in different plant species according to vegetative conditions. Halocnemun was found mainly in light textured soils (sandy loam) compared to other selected plants. The soil of Suaeda plant can tolerate higher electrical conductivity and pH than Salicornia, also Salicornia ratios compare to Halocnemum. Chloride and sodium accumulation indicates that chloride and sodium content decreased significantly from Suaede to Salicornia and Halocnemum, respectively. Because of low Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) content due to high presence of calcium and magnesium, adverse effects of sodium decreased, that is a characteristic of calcareous soils. There was a significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between available soil nutrients and nutrient contents in studied plants. Therefore, due to relationship between plants and soil characteristics, these results can be used for sustainable land management in saline regions.

Keywords:

Margin of Urmia Lake , Salinity , Nutriens , Land management