The effect of leaching and irrigation on the growth of Atriplex semibaccata

Abstract

Mining activities along the west coast of South Africa will lead to salinization of the soil if sea-water is used in the mining process. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the influence of leaching depth and the amount and frequency of irrigation on the growth of Atriplex semibaccata R. Br. Leaching depth as well as the amount and frequency of irrigation had no significant effect on biomass production. However, the interaction between leaching depth and amount of irrigation did influence the biomass production of Atriplex semibaccata. Root:shoot ratio increased as the amount of irrigation decreased.