Phytoremediation of saline soils using Glycyrrhiza glabra for enhanced soil fertility in arid regions of South Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) as a biological tool for reclaiming saline soils in the arid regions of South Kazakhstan. Licorice was cultivated over three growing seasons in weakly, moderately, and highly saline soils to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing soil salinity and improving soil fertility. The results show that licorice cultivation significantly reduced total salt concentrations and improved organic matter content in weakly saline soils. For instance, in some areas, total salts decreased by 50%, and humus content increased from 1.55% to 1.70%, indicating enhanced soil fertility. In moderately saline soils, the reduction in salt levels was less significant, and the plant's biomass yield dropped to 40 t/ha, compared to 50 t/ha in weakly saline soils. However, licorice still demonstrated its ability to moderately improve soil structure and nutrient availability. In strongly saline soils, licorice's effectiveness was considerably limited, with only minor reductions in salinity and a significant decrease in biomass yield to 20-30 t/ha. The study concludes that while Glycyrrhiza glabra is highly effective in reclaiming weakly saline soils, its impact in moderately and highly saline soils requires supplemental interventions, such as leaching, to optimize its phytoremediation potential. These findings suggest that integrating biological and traditional soil reclamation methods can offer a sustainable solution for managing saline soils in arid regions.

Keywords

• Glycyrrhiza glabra
• soil salinity
• phytomelioration
• biological reclamation
• soil fertility
• saline soils

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