Response of soil properties and vegetation to reclamation period using drip irrigation in coastal saline soils of the Bohai Gulf

Abstract

Soil salinization is a major soil degradation threat worldwide. Sparse vegetation and soil desertification are widespread phenomena in coastal saline land due to high salt content in soil, poor soil structure and freshwater shortages. In recent years, a method of vegetation reconstruction using water–salt regulation by drip-irrigation technology combined with agronomic engineering has been developed and successfully applied in coastal regions around Bohai Gulf, China. This study aimed to investigate the effect of this reconstruction method on soil properties and vegetation during reclamation periods of 0–3 years. The results showed that soil salinity and sodium adsorption ratios decreased with time that significantly reduced in the first year and gradually became stable after that, especially at shallow soil depths. Soil microbial numbers especially bacteria significantly increased and followed a linear relationship with time. Weeds eventually germinated naturally in soils; thus, vegetation coverage and species number significantly increased from initial values of 1.67% and 1 to 82.67% and 15, respectively. These findings showed that a good soil and plant ecosystem was established after reclamation and offered insight into ecosystem restoration and construction in coastal saline land.