Relationship between growth of atriplex species and some soil properties in Khoor (Iran)

Abstract

Atriplex species are planted in the desert area of central of Iran for prevent the spread of blowing sand. Atriplex species have tremendous ability to grow in saline conditions. The study was carried out to investigate the effects of soil properties on growth of Atriplex species in Khoor plain (Iran). Khoor plain is in Naeen area and is located in the Eastern of Isfahan province (the center of Iran). Soil properties such as electrical conductivity (EC), soil reaction (pH), the percentage of clay and sand, the percentage of calcium carbonate and gypsum, sodium ions, chloride ions, potassium, phosphorus and total nitrogen were measured. Atriplex physiological parameters including height and top were measured. The evidences provided by this experiment that the soil EC, pH, sodium ions, chloride ions and the percentage of clay had negative effects on Atriplex physiological parameters but the percentage of sand and calcium carbonate had positive effects on Atriplex physiological parameters. The percentage of gypsum, potassium and total nitrogen did not have significant effects on plant physiological parameters.