Journal of Rangeland

This study investigated the effects of seasonal changes and different soil conditions on  proline, soluble sugars, and ion content of Hammada salicornica in Bafgh area, Yazd province. Three Hammada salicornica habitats with various environmental conditions were selected. The first habitat had salty soil and hardpan (Hamada habitat), the second habitat located next to playa with saline soil and high groundwater table, and the third habitat characterized by sandy soil. The plant samples were collected in four seasons with five replications. The highest Proline content in the species was observed (2.5 mg/gwt) in autumn in sandy habitat and its lowest value was found (1 mg/gwt) in Hamadat habitat. The highest amounts of soluble sugar (2.5 mg/gwt) were measured in summer in sandy and playa habitats and its lowest amount (0.87 mg/gwt) was observed in winter in sandy habitat. The highest amounts of sodium content (42 Meq/l) measured in winter in Hamada habitat and its lowest amount (.64 Meq/l) found in winter in sandy habitat. The highest amounts of potasium (31 Meq/l) were measured in winter in Hamada and sandy habitats and its lowest amount (0.6 Meq/l) were found in all habitats in winter. The highest amounts of nitrogen content (2.6 percent) were measured in Hamada habitat and its lowest amount (1.1 percent) was also found in winter in Hamada habitat. It is concluded that hammada salicornica can adjust its osmotic potential with absorbing and increasing its sodium and potassium content. This study showed that physiological responses of hammada salicornica to environmental conditions depend mostly on plant phenology and the kind of stress as well as their interactions.