A vegetation reconstruction method to plant Sedum spectabile Boreau using drip-irrigation with saline water on a coastal saline soil in region around Bohai Gulf

Abstract

Soil salinity and saline groundwater are major constraints to the cultivation of crops and landscape plants in coastal regions. With the rapid industrialization and urbanization in these areas, there is an urgent need to improve the landscape to meet the increasing demand of living environments for cities and districts. The aim of this study was to propose a method to plant Sedum spectabile Boreau, a common landscape flower plant, on a very heavy coastal saline soil using drip-irrigation with saline water in region around Bohai Gulf. The salinity levels of irrigation water were 0.8, 3.1, 4.7, 6.3a, nd 7.8 dS/m, respectively. The results showed that the revegetation method, which mainly included ‘ridge planting + saline water drip-irrigation’, was effective in planting Sedum spectabile Boreau for reclaiming coastal saline silt soil. An soil matric potential (SMP) higher above −5 kPa after transplanted and −10 kPa after growing season ended, and 6 mm of irrigation water can be used as indicators for Sedum spectabile Boreau drip-irrigation scheduling with 100 % survival rate when irrigated with saline water at <7.8 dS/m in initially saline soils with a gravel–sand layer after tillage. This method is combined with comprehensive utilization of the saline water, agronomic measures, collaborative repair of the soil and plants to offer new views and theoretical support for the protection and development of saline land in coastal regions.