Battling the salt scourge: Keeping your ornamental blooms beautiful

Abstract

Rising soil and water salinity pose a significant threat to ornamental plant cultivation by disrupting nutrient balance, inducing osmotic and oxidative stress, and reducing growth and flower quality. This article examines the detrimental impacts of neutral and alkaline salts and highlights natural plant adaptation mechanisms. It presents a comprehensive overview of mitigation strategies, including the selection of salt-tolerant varieties, improvement of soil structure with organic matter and amendments such as gypsum and biochar, efficient irrigation practices (drip systems), the use of salt-tolerant rootstocks, mulching, and optimized fertilizer management. The article also emphasizes the importance of salinity monitoring, gradual acclimatization, mycorrhizal associations, growth regulators, and anti-transpirants. By understanding these challenges and applying practical solutions, growers can protect the health and aesthetic value of ornamental plants in saline environments.