THE EFFECT OF LEACHING AND IRRIGATION ON THE GROWTH OF ATRIPLEX SEMIBACCATA

Mining activities along the west coast of South Africa will lead to sa linization of the soil if sea-water is used in the mining process. Lab oratory studies were conducted to determine the influence of leaching depth and the amount and frequency of irrigation on the growth of Atri plex semibaccata R. Br. Leaching depth as well as the amount and frequ ency of irrigation had no significant effect on biomass production. Ho wever, the interaction between leaching depth and amount of irrigation did influence the biomass production of Atriplex semibaccata. Root:sh oot ratio increased as the amount of irrigation decreased.