Atriplex canescens, a valuable plant in soil rehabilitation and forage production. A review

Abstract

A. canescens (Pure) Nutt. is a halophytic forage shrub distributes in arid and semiarid regions, which has great use potential in disturbed lands for its strong adaptability and feeding value. At present, land degradation caused by salinization, desertification and heavy metal pollution is still expanding all over the world, meanwhile, stock raising in arid and semi-arid areas may face more shortage of forage supply. Although A. canescens is much accounted of in some regions, its application values are not widely concerned in some countries such as China. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding is needed to promote its application in these regions. In the review, we introduced the morphological and physiological characteristics of A. canescens, summarized its ecological and economic values, and we also discussed its use prospect and main problems in China. This review could be helpful for understanding of A. canescens adaptive characteristics and application values, thus promote its reasonable popularization and use in areas in need.

Keywords: A. canescens (pure) Nutt.; Abiotic stress tolerance; Adaptability; Browse; Soil restoration.