Abstract:

In order to explore the effects of soil salinization on afforestation, and use saline-alkali soil resources effectively, the degrees of mild (0.8-1.6 g/kg), moderate (2.0-3.1 g/kg), and severe (4.7-6.9 g/kg) salinity land in the Yellow River Delta were selected for afforestation with Fraxinus velutina Torr. and Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco. The survival rate, growth of plant height and diameter, and damage symptoms were investigated and analyzed. The result showed that: F. velutina grew well in mild and moderate salinization land, the survival rate were 94.1% and 83.3%, respectively. P. orientalis grew well in mild salinization land, and the survival rate was 88.9%. The growth of two species were inhibited significantly in severe saline land, and the survival rates were 22.2% and 11.1%, respectively. The injured leaves were increased to 30%-50% in severe saline land. It was proposed that to achieve good results of plantation in the Yellow River Delta, key consideration should be soil salinization, F. velutina should be a major afforestation species in mild and moderate salinization land, but P. orientalis should be only used in mild salinity land. Severe salinization land must be improved to moderate before afforestation.