Effects of Saline–Alkali Conditions on Turfgrass Establishment

Saline and alkaline (i.e. high pH) conditions commonly coexist in nature. In addition to osmotic and ionic stresses induced by salinity, alkalinity interferes with plant nutrient uptake; thus, increasing stress severity. In this research, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, perennial ryegrass, zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, and alkaligrass were germinated under 10 saline-alkali conditions [2 salinity levels (25 and 50 mM) x 5 alkalinity levels (pH = 7.1, 8.1, 8.8, 9.4, and 10.4)] under a controlled environment. Plants were evaluated on final germination percentage and daily germination rate. Alkaligrass and Kentucky bluegrass showed the highest and lowest germination at both salinity levels. Limited variation in germination was observed in other species, except bermudagrass showing lower germination under higher salinity level (50 mM). Alkalinity had no influence on turfgrass during germination.