Tolerances of plants to drought and salinity in the western United States
Water-Resources Investigations Report
88-4070
By: Farrel Allen Branson, Reuben Fred Miller, and Stephen K. Sorenson
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Abstract
Differing capacities of plant species to tolerate drought and salinity are causative factors for presence of species and communities in various habitats. It is proposed that minimum xylem pressure potentials measured are indicative of drought tolerance and that minimum cell osmotic potentials are indicative of salt tolerance of plant species. Of 85 species measured, Nuttall saltbush (Atriplex nuttallii nuttallii) was found to be the most drought tolerant. Saltbrush (Atriplex confertifolia, A. nuttallii, A. canescens, and A. torreyi) had the lowest cell osmotic potentials measured. Although pickleweed (Allenrolfea occidentalis) grows in the saltiest soil measured, it did not have the lowest cell osmotic potential. This apparent inconsistency may be explained by the succulent characteristics of pickleweed. (USGS)
Suggested Citation
Branson, F.A., Miller, R.F., Sorenson, S.K., 1988, Tolerances of plants to drought and salinity in the western United States: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 88-4070, iv, 16 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri884070.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Tolerances of plants to drought and salinity in the western United States |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 88-4070 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri884070 |
| Year Published | 1988 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Description | iv, 16 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm. |