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Ecophysiological aspects of halophyte zonation in saline sloughs

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Summary

The distribution of halophytes along the shoreline of a saline lake was studied in relation to the edaphic gradient, defined in terms of soil moisture, quality and quantity of dissolved solids, and osmotic and matric potential of the soil substrate. The edaphic gradient extends laterally from the wet depression area to the upslope drier area. The depression areas have low osmotic potential and support a luxurious growth ofSalicornia rubra but adversely affectDistichlis stricta, which grows best in the upslope area characterised by low matric potential of the substrate.

All the species examined have a range and a maximum O.P. The species O.P. is coupled to the O.P. of the soil substrate and is considered to be an important factor in their zonation. The ecological distribution of the species is further influenced by the quality of dissolved solids in the substrate. The two dominant halophytes,Salicornia rubra andDistichlis stricta, overlap in their distribution in relation to the soil Mg but not Na and K. Salicornia also had a higher concentration of salts than Distichlis. It is concluded thatD. stricta may be regarded a xerophyte.

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  1. Department of Plant Ecology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Sask., Canada

    Bansi L. Tiku

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Tiku, B.L. Ecophysiological aspects of halophyte zonation in saline sloughs. Plant Soil 43, 355–369 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01928499

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01928499

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