Effect of soil substrate on vegetative properties of Nitraria schoberi L. seedling in nursery

Today, natural vegetation is severely damaged in many arid regions due to different causes. This phenomenon leads to desertification in these areas. Afforestation by planting seedlings is one of the approaches to the prevention of desertification by planting suitable plant types (such as Nitraria schoberi L.). One of the effective factors in seedling quality is physical-chemical soil substrate properties. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of soil substrate on vegetative properties of Nitraria schoberi seedling in nursery based on completely randomized design including seven soil treatments with four replications in Zirkouh nursery in the spring of 2013. The results showed significant effects of different soil treatments on different growth properties of Nitraria schoberi L. seedlings. Based on the results of this study, mixture of clay soil, sand and animal manure (1:2:1) can be suggested as the best soil substrate in order to growth of Nitraria schoberi L. seedlings in the study site and the similar areas. Using this soil composition is recommended for the purpose of production of high quality seedling in nursery, with ecological conditions similar to this research.