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Halophytes as an option for the restoration of degraded areas and landscaping

Abstract:

The presence of saline soils is widely extended at worldwide level. Plants grown under saline conditions suffer an osmotic and ionic effect at cellular level resulting in yield decrease. These effects are exacerbated especially in ornamental plants due to the salt sensitivity and the loss of aesthetic value due to the presence of visual damages associated to Na and Cl, resulting in losses of incomes for the growers. On the other hand, anthropogenic activities have reduced the environmental diversity; therefore the restoration and creation of new green areas are crucial. Moreover, the increase of salinity has resulted in a decline of the use of native plants in urban and peri-urban environments. Halophytes comprise several botanical families (123), and they are distributed in a broad range of environments, from arid regions to coastal marshes. Under these circumstances and considering the high degree of adaptability among halophytes to survive in different habitats, the use of halophytes with attractiveness, floral color, or fragrance can be an environmental and sustainable choice for the restoration of urban and degraded areas.