The effect of salinity on the emergence and seedling growth of Picea mariana, Picea glauca, and Pinus banksiana

Mining operations in areas of the boreal forest have caused salinity issues to be a major concern for reclamation. One of the factors determining succ essful reclamation is the ability of species to self-propagate. The effects of salinity on the seedling emergence and early growth of three boreal for est conifers: Picea mariana, Picea glauca, and Pinus banksiana were determi ned. Seeds were planted in sand moistened with solutions of various concent rations of sodium chloride or sodium sulfate. Seedling emergence was monito red on a daily basis and growth parameters assessed after 6 weeks, The emer gence of Pinus banksiana seedlings was least affected by salinity, and at c ertain concentrations, emergence even appeared to be stimulated by the pres ence of salt. Picea glauca was the most sensitive of the species studied. H ypertrophia was observed in all species at high concentrations of Na2SO4, a nd an increase in salt levels caused a corresponding reduction in seedling height and weight, root length and number of lateral roots. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.