Ion accumulation pattern of halophytes.

Abstract

Abstract Halophytes grow near the seashore, and in intertidal zones, coastal salt marshes, inland salt lakes and saline deserts under high salinity. They have socio-ecological values through their primary production, nutrient cycling, provision of wildlife habitats and stabilization of shorelines. Halophytes have attracted special attention from scientists because of their remarkable ability to tolerate higher salinity. This chapter summarizes current knowledge about ion absorption and accumulation patterns in the halophytes. These plants have different mechanisms to withstand salinity, such as succulence, salt exclusion, compartmentalization, compatible solutes and hair bladders. Halophytes that maintain higher K+/Na+ and Ca+2/Na+ ratios in their tissues are more tolerant of salinity. The electrical conductivity (salt concentration) of soils correlates well with Na+ concentrations in halophytes, and elevated soil salinity reduces halophyte species diversity.