Field experiments on the growth conditions of halophytes from Daebudo Tidal Flats, West Sea of Korea

Abstract With the aim to restore the colonies of four halophyte species (Salicornia europaea, Suaeda glauca, Suaeda japonica, and Suaeda maritima) that live in upper tidal flats, we performed sowing in the tidal flats of Daebudo Island in the West Sea by varying the altitude, sowing time, and sowing depth and measured the germination density, growth rate, and soil environment of the target sea area. We also investigated the growing conditions of large natural colonies of S. japonica formed around the area. The results indicated that altitude and mean grain size strongly influenced halophyte germination and growth. S. europaea, S..glauca, and S. maritima were influenced by altitude, and S. japonica by average grain size. For the same sowing time, germination density was higher for S. japonica and S. maritima without vernalization and S. europaea with vernalization. The more the sawing depth, the higher the germination density and growth of all species. Furthermore, the germination density of S. glauca was significantly lower than that of the other species, making it difficult to evaluate the influencing environmental factors. This is the first study to report germination experiments on tidal flats in Korea, and continuous research will be required to ensure that the halophytes are conserved as second nature by monitoring for environmental pressures and cultivation.