Physiological response of some forage halophytes under saline conditions
2012
Banakar, Mohammad Hossein , Members of Scientific Staff, National Salinity Research Center, Yazd, Iran | Ranjbar, Gholam Hossein , Members of Scientific Staff, National Salinity Research Center, Yazd, Iran | Soltani, Vali , Researcher Assistant, National Salinity Research Center, Yazd, Iran
Salinity stress is a major limiting factor for biomass production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. Furthermore, the existence of vast areas of saline lands, and various halophytic species tend to utilize saline soil and water resources. To evaluate some physiological traits of fodder halophytes, an experiment was conducted at Salinity Research Station of Chah-Afzal, Yazd in 2009-2010. Nine forage halophytic species were propagated in the greenhouse, and then transferred to the field. The statistical design was complete randomized block with three replicates. During the growth season, plants were irrigated with saline water (8.39 dSm-1). At the end of the experiment, some physiological characteristics including water content, ash percent, canopy broadness and some mineral elements (Na+, K+, Cl-) were measured. Results showed significant physiological differences among halophytes, which could be related to different fodder potential of the halophytes. Among the halophytes, K. indica, S. aculeata and A. halimus could be considered as the most promising species in forage production based on the higher forage yield, low ash content and low amounts of Na and Cl ions. Considering the fact that high salt content in halophytes caused some limitations for forage palatability, S. aculeata could be selected as a suitable fodder species based on low ash content and low Na+/K+ ratio.
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