Evaluating the ability of camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum Medik.) growth in saline lands of Yazd Province

In current research, some soil properties and growth of camelthorn (Alhagi maurorum Medik.) were monitored in saline lands in Yazd Province during 2019-2020 and accordingly, the ability of this species was determined for growing in the saline lands. For this purpose, seven rangelands in Yazd consisted of Bafgh, Javadieh, Bahabad, Jolgeh, Ardakan, Aghda and Abarkooh were selected, in which Alhagi was dominant vegetation. Salinity of saturated extract (ECe) and pH of soil, salinity and pH of water, fresh and dry weight were measured by sampling and apparent soil salinity (ECa) was assessed by electromagnetic induction device (EM38). The results showed that regression coefficients (R2) of estimating soil salinity using EM38 device in different regions were accepted and varied between 0.52-0.86. Soil salinity levels varied over the surveyed lands from 2.17 g salt/kg soil in Aghda to 226.5 g salt/kg soil in Ardakan for 0-30 cm soil depth and from 0.4 g salt/kg soil in Bafgh to 118.3 g salt/kg soil in Ardakan for 30-60 cm soil depth. The maximum production of ryegrass, equal to 25 tons ha-1 of fresh weight and 7 tons ha-1 of dry weight, was observed in Bafgh with water salinity of 12 dS m-1 and soil salinity of 11 g kg-1. On average, the highest production was observed in Bafgh, Bahabad, Abarkooh, Aqda and Ardakan, respectively, which was almost consistent with changes in soil salinity and acidity. It seems that Alhagi has high tolerance to water and soil salinity, however, is sensitive to soil pH. The use of EM38 device to evaluate soil salinity in lands with camelthorn cover of Yazd province was reasonably accurate, and is recommended for monitoring soil salinity of other rangelands, but calibration in each area and for each soil depth separately is necessary.