Sustainable Restoration of Desert Ecosystems Through BIOGEMI-Based Soil Amendment: Improvements in Chlorophyll Content and Soil Properties in Haloxylon ammodendron

Drought is one of the most significant limiting factor for plant growth in arid regions, and traditional methods such as irrigation and fertilization offer limited effectiveness. In this context, BIOGEMI technology presents an innovative approach to mitigating drought stress by improving the biological and physical properties of soil and increasing its water-holding capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of BIOGEMI on improving soil characteristics and chlorophyll content in Haloxylon ammodendron in the Fesaran area of the Sagzi Plain in Isfahan Province, a region characterized by saline and calcareous soils. The experiments were conducted using ۱۴۴ Haloxylon seedlings, divided into BIOGEMI-treated and control groups. Parameters such as biomass, chlorophyll content, and relative water content (RWC) were measured and compared between treatments. Soil samples were also analyzed at the beginning and end of the experiments to assess physical and chemical changes. Results showed that chlorophyll a and b levels in the treated plants were ۱۵% and ۱۱۱% higher respectively, than in the control group, indicating a significant improvement in photosynthesis. The fresh and dry weight of aerial parts increased by ۴۸% and ۳۲.۸%, respectively. Soil conditions also were improved after treatment: salinity decreased by ۸۸.۶%, and organic matter content increased by ۵۰%. Additionally, the RWC in treated plants was ۴۱.۶% higher than in the control group, indicating enhanced drought tolerance. Overall, these findings confirm that BIOGEMI technology can serve as an effective tool for desertification control and the sustainable management of soil and water resources.

کلیدواژه ها:

Desert Ecosystem Restoration ، chlorophyll content ، relative water content (RWC) ، Soil Salinity ، Haloxylon ammodendron