Multi-Temporal Soil Salinity Assessment at a Detailed Scale for Discriminating Halophytes Distribution

A multi-temporal survey of soil salinity in a salt lake, recolonized by halophytes, was performed using electromagnetic induction (EMI) providing volume integrated values of soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa). Inventories of plant communities were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet method. In each of six areas monospecific with Suaeda vermiculata, Suaeda vera, Sarcocornia fruticosa, or Arthrocnemun macrostachyum, ECa was measured intensively in two seasons. Mean and range of ECa differ for each plant community. Soil was sampled in the six areas and analyzed for ion composition of the soil saturated paste extract. The electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract (ECe) and soil properties were used for calibrating the EMI signals producing maps of predicted ECe at three incremental depths of 30 cm and maps of prediction error. Halophyte communities have been related to soil salinity in a geographical information system (GIS) as a tool for recommendations for plant restoration of the area.