Ecological and Botanical Diversity in <i>Haloxylon Persicum</i> Community at Al-Qassim Region in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Haloxylon persicum is a vital species in desert environment. Not only does it play a role in stabilizing sand dunes, but also conserves soil and water and reduces the rate of desertification. However, the fact that the plant species is endangered poses serious consequences. Haloxylon persicum is native to northwestern China, Russia and the Middle East and can withstand extreme drought. This study was conducted in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia and the research areas were selected based on how they represent the ecological and botanical diversity of the H. persicum species. The researcher chose nine sites from the three areas. The researcher estimated the vegetation parameters like the species coverage, density and frequency. Moreover, soil analysis was also conducted in all the three selected areas of research. Physical tests to ascertain the soil types were conducted to find the electrical conductivity (EC) Mmoh / cm, pH, total dissolved salts (TDS) as parts per million (ppm), Sodium Ions, Potassium, and soil texture. The results show that soil factors play an important role in the survival and distribution of H. persicum species starting with the emergence as well as establishment of the seedlings. The researcher concludes that to protect the H. persicum community, it is important to stop overgrazing the plants and using it as the main source of wood for charcoal. It is critical that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other nations in which H. persicum exists protect the species because of the role it plays to the desert topography.

Predicting optimal habitats of Haloxylon persicum for ecosystem restoration using ensemble ecological niche modeling under climate change in southeast Iran

“…Better regeneration of this species appears to occur in sandy soils and the species is more often found on top of sand dunes than on dune slopes and interdune lowlands (Song et al 2005; Alkhalifan & Shanavaskan 2007; Xu et al 2014). This species allocates a high proportion of growth to belowground parts especially root length and root area and plasticity in root allocation may help it survive in water‐ and nutrient‐limited soils (Xu et al 2014; Alghanem 2018). In addition, while this species is not strongly associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, it does show a positive growth response to fungi inoculation in non‐saline soils (Asghari & Cavagnaro 2010).…”

Allelopathic Potential of Haloxylon persicum against Wheat and Black Mustard with Special Reference to Its Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity

“…Haloxylon persicum Bunge ex Boiss and Buhse (locally known as Al-Ghada) is a wellknown desert plant used in rehabilitating pastures, afforesting desert roads, furniture, paper, and dyes manufacturing [33]. The geographical distribution of H. persicum extends to cover several countries, including Central Asia, West Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Russia, China, Sinai desert, and many other countries [33][34][35][36].…”

Facilitation by Haloxylon persicum Shrubs Enhances Density and Richness of Soil Seed Bank of Annual Plants in a Hyper-Arid Ecosystem

“…It has both economic and ecological benefits in arid zones because it plays vital roles in stabilizing sand dunes, conserving soil and water, reducing desertification rate [ 51 ] and enhancing biodiversity by improving environmental conditions and providing shelter for many other plant associations [ 52 ]. The plant is also a potential source of firewood and used in furniture, paper, and dye manufacturing [ 53 ].…”