Turfgrass Salinity Stress and Tolerance-A Review

Area of Science:

• Agronomy and Soil Science
• Plant Physiology
• Horticultural Science

Background:

• Turfgrasses are vital ground cover plants susceptible to various edaphic (soil) stresses.
• Key stressors include soil salinity, drought, flooding, compaction, nutrient imbalance, and pollutants, impacting turf quality and function.
• Soil salinity is a critical stressor, often interconnected with drought and heat, originating from irrigation, fertilization, and atmospheric deposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in turfgrass salinity tolerance.
• To identify promising turfgrass species and strategies for improved salt tolerance.
• To provide insights for future turfgrass development meeting evolving environmental demands.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on turfgrass responses to soil salinity.
• Analysis of interspecific and intraspecific variations in salinity tolerance within turfgrass species.
• Examination of research trends and practical applications in enhancing turfgrass salt tolerance.

Main Results:

• Turfgrasses exhibit a wide range of salinity tolerance, from sensitive to halophytic.
• Soil salinity significantly degrades turfgrass quality, economic value, and functional performance.
• Active research is ongoing to enhance turfgrass salinity tolerance through breeding and management.

Conclusions:

• Developing turfgrasses with superior salinity tolerance is crucial for sustainable turf management.
• Understanding the genetic and physiological basis of salt tolerance is key to future advancements.
• Future research should focus on identifying and cultivating salt-tolerant turfgrass varieties for diverse environmental conditions.