The Effects of Salinity on Ground Cover Plant Growth

by: Melanie Northrup

Pachysandra terminalis and Hedera helix Baltica were subjected to varying salt concentrations to determine the effects of salinity on these two ground cover plant species. Salt treatments of low (0.03M), medium (0.07M), and high (0.10M) concentrations were sprayed onto the soil and shoots of the plants three times a week for four weeks. A control group was watered with only tap water and used as a means of comparison against the varying salt treatments. Pachysandra terminalis showed significant growth in all of the treatment groups except for the medium treatment. Hedera helix Baltica only showed significant growth over time in the low treatment group. There was no difference in growth over time between the two species. A significant difference in chloride accumulation was detected among treatments in Pachysandra terminalis, but there was no significant difference in sodium accumulation. A significant difference in sodium concentration was detected among treatments in Hedera helix Baltica, however, there was no  significant difference detected for chloride accumulation in this species over the four week treatment period.

Research Advisor: Beverly J. Brown, Ph.D., Nazareth College