Stoichiometric variation of halophytes in response to changes in soil salinity

Abstract

Variation in soil salt may change the stoichiometry of a halophyte by altering plant ecophysiology, and exert different influences on various plant organs, which has potentially important consequences for the nutrition of consumers as well as nutrient cycling in a saline ecosystem. Using a greenhouse pot experiment, we investigated the effect of salinity variability on the growth and stoichiometry of different organs of Suaeda glauca and Salicornia europaea - two dominant species of important ecological and economic value in the saline ecosystem. Our results showed that appropriate salt stimulated the growth of both species during the vigorous growth period, while high salt suppressed growth. Na significantly increased with increased salt in the culture, whereas concentrations of other measured elements and K:Na ratio for both species significantly decreased at low salt treatments, and became more gradual under higher salt conditions. Furthermore, with the change of salt in culture, variations in leaf (degenerated leaf for S. europaea, considered as young stem) stoichiometry, except N:P ratio, were large and less in stems (old stems for S. europaea) than in roots, reflecting physiological and biochemical reactions in the leaf in response to salt stress, supported by sharp changes in trends. These results suggest that appropriate saline conditions can enhance biological C fixation of halophytes; however, increasing salt could affect consumer health and decrease cycling of other nutrients in saline ecosystems.

Seasonal Dynamics of Leaf Stoichiometry of Phragmites australis: A Case Study From Yangguan Wetland, Dunhuang, China

“…Among these dominate factors, SS was positively correlated to LC and LN, which was in line with other studies [ 37 , 38 ]. Sun et al [ 37 ] found that optimum SS can enhance carbon fixation of halophytes.…”

“…Among these dominate factors, SS was positively correlated to LC and LN, which was in line with other studies [ 37 , 38 ]. Sun et al [ 37 ] found that optimum SS can enhance carbon fixation of halophytes. This may be attributable to a significant increase in photosynthesis, or an increase in solute uptake to induce cell expansion to maintain the pressure potential in plant tissues.…”

Atriplex mollis Desf. Aerial Parts: Extraction Procedures, Secondary Metabolites and Color Analysis

“…The majority of studies on Atriplex spp. investigated adaptive morphological and physiological responses under salinity stress [ 13 ] and the potential use as a fodder for livestock [ 14 ], without considering this native Algerian species as a suitable candidate to be used as a cash crop (edible and ornamental plant, fodder, bio-fuel, folk medicine, and source of chemicals) or investigating the chemical composition. In recent years, the polyphenol market has increased attention on nutraceutical and functional foods for human consumption, and prompted research towards the development of extractive technologies to accomplish the requirements of food industry.…”

Trade-off strategies of leaf functional traits of desert halophyte Lycium ruthenicum in the lower reaches of Heihe River, Northwest China: response to soil moisture and salinity

“…Severe moisture and salinity stress decreases plant growth rate, leaf area, and biomass accumulation [31]. However, previous studies suggest that appropriate saline conditions can enhance the biological carbon xation of halophytes [32]. Other stoichiometric research in an oasis-desert region also indicates that soil conductivity is highly positively correlated with leaf C and N contents [20], but there is a signi cantly negative correlation between leaf P content and soil salinity, and conversely, a positive correlation between the ratios of leaf C:P, N:P ratios, and soil salinity [33].…”