| To address the positive impacts of desulfurization gypsum and halophytes on saline soils, a field experiment was set up in a Na2SO4 saline soil of Hetao Inner Mongolia. Desulfurization gypsum was added into the soil and then Aneurotepidimu chinense were planted. The monitored parameters included salts and basic soil properties. The results showed that spring irrigation largely reduced the levels of pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and salt ions in all soil layers. Adding desulfurization gypsum resulted in further reduction of alkalinity. The main ions of Na+ and SO42- were reduced by more than 80% and 39%, respectively. However, the addition induced the increases of EC value and nutrient leaching. Aneurotepidimu chinense had a good positive response to desulfurization gypsum, increasing dry matter by 30%. But phosphorus content in plant tissues was decreased by 22%. The contents of N and K in plant tissues were not significantly influenced by adding desulfurization gypsum. Aneurotepidimu chinense cultivation resulted in significant decreases of Na+ and SO42- in soil to 3.38 and 132.27 mg·kg-1, respectively, but increases of soil organic matter and alkaline-released N by 12% and 37%, respectively. The better improvement on soil fertility was obtained when Aneurotepidimu chinense was grown along with the addition of desulfurization gypsum. It was evident that there was a positive interaction between Aneurotepidimu chinense and desulfurization gypsum, which accelerated the amelioration of saline soil. Additionally, it should be noticed that addition of PK fertilizers might be needed to compensate loss of soil available P and K nutrients. |