Saltgrass Germplasm Evaluation for Revegetation of Saline Soils.

Saltgrass, native to western U.S., is a species showing promise for reclaiming saline soils.  Specific traits such as rapid establishment, high plant density, and high shoot biomass production are desirable for the success of revegetation.  From 2004 to 2006 we collected saltgrass ecotypes along major rivers in western U.S.  Ninety-two ecotypes were planted in 2006 and 2007 for field observation.  Data obtained for this study were: establishment as indicated by saltgrass coverage, density, height, yield, spring green-up, and fall color retention.  Data showed significant differences exist among saltgrass ecotypes for establishment (coverage).  In addition, significant correlations existed between vegetation density and biomass yield from both years in which ecotypes were planted.  Data for plant year 2006 showed vegetative coverage was correlated to plant height and density.  However, vegetative coverage was only correlated to shoot density in plant year 2007.  Thirty ecotypes grown in the field exhibited higher coverage and density than the other germplasm lines according to Tukey’s HSD method of analysis.  Information from this study can be used to further investigate saltgrass lines for revegetation purposes.