The effect of moisture absorption plates on the growth of Haloxilon ammodendron (C. A. Mey.) Bunge ex Fenzl species in saline playa (Case study: Fesaran, Isfahan)

It is possible to maintain a stable balance and restore desert ecosystems by growing salinity-tolerant species. In this study, Plantebac moisture absorption plates in establishment and growth Haloxilon ammodendron (C.A. Mey.) Bunge ex Fenzl were used in the Segzi Salt Plain, in Isfahan province from 2018 to 2021. Soil analysis was also conducted before and after the use of plantbac plates. The desired treatments were the irrigation cycle treatment which was considered at two levels of two and four weeks, plant-bac and control treatment. Results showed that the Haloxilon ammodendron seedlings gradually decreased in height, canopy cover and viability.  This decline in growth, size and number of seedlings over the past year compared to the previous years was significant at the level of 1% probability for height and canopy level, and 5% for survival. This is due to unfavourable soil and water conditions in the area in terms of texture and salinity.  The Plantbac plates block the transport of these soil salts to the surface, while irrigation causes the accumulation of salts into the environment around the roots, and thus reduces the growth of Haloxilon ammodendron. The presence of plant-like plates in the soil under the seedlings stopped the capillary flow and as a result, the accumulation of soluble salts in the root zone of the plant, which leads to moisture stress in the plant.