Seedling growth and development of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. in different soil types of industrial and non-industrial areas

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30918/AMPR.81.20.012

Abstract

The problem of environmental pollution has been growing rapidly for the last couple of years as a result of discharge of various kinds of pollutants from unplanned industrialization, particularly in developing countries and affecting air, water soil and vegetation. The effects of different soil types on seedling growth performance of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. were recorded. Seedlings of P. julliflora which were grown in soils of Indus Battery Factory, Universal Chemicals Factory, Haroon Textile Factory and National Foods Ltd. Factory showed significant (p < 0.05) variation in growth variables like root, shoot, seedling length, plant cover, leaf area, root, shoot and leaf dry weight and total plant dry weight of P. julliflora as compared to plants grown in soil of control area (Karachi University Campus). It was concluded that the seedlings of P. julliflora showed significantly (p < 0.05) more root, shoot, seedling length, plant cover and leaf area in Haroon Textile Factory soil compared to Indus Battery Factory and Universal Chemicals Factory soil treatment. The root, shoot, leaf and total plant dry weight of P. julliflora was also decreased in these industrial areas soil as compared to Karachi University Campus soil. Soil of Haroon Textile Factory promoted shoot and seedling length of P. julliflora relative to the seedlings of P. julliflora grown in control soil (Karachi University soil).

Keywords: Biomass production, seedling growth, soil pollution, soils types.

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