Alteration in phenological parameters, above‐ and belowground biomass, nutrient contents, and their pools with phenological stages of Salicornia brachiata Roxb

Abstract

AbstractThe present study aimed to examine the alteration in phenological parameters, above‐ and belowground biomass, nutrient contents, and nutrient pools at different phenological stages (seedling, vegetative, flowering, senescence start, senescence complete, and dry stage) of Salicornia brachiata Roxb. According to our results, plant height was significantly higher at the senescence start, senescence complete, and dry stages; however, the water content was significantly higher at the seedling stage. Furthermore, the above‐ and belowground biomass of S. brachiata was recorded in the range between 0.57–533.69 g m−2 and 0.12–15.91 g m−2, respectively while the highest above‐ and belowground biomass was documented at the senescence start stage. The nutrient contents of C, N, P, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cl− in above‐ and belowground biomass were estimated and we found significant spatial and stage‐wise variations. The aboveground pools of carbon (66.52 g m−2), phosphorus (0.40 g m−2), sodium (39.81 g m−2), potassium (3.76 g m−2), magnesium (2.85 g m−2), and chloride (64.66 g m−2) were higher at the senescence start stage. The averaged bioaccumulation and translocation factors for Na+ were 8.91 and 3.66, respectively which indicated the phytoremediation capacity of S. brachiata of salt‐affected soils. The results of the present study witnessed significant changes in phenological parameters, above‐ and belowground biomass, nutrient contents, and their pools with the phenological stages of S. brachiata. Furthermore, present findings suggest that S. brachiata may be utilized for the coastal development program of India and rehabilitation of salt‐affected soils.