This paper focuses on a preliminary study of the use of halophytes to manage the characteristics of soil. Halophytes, such as switchgrass and salt bush, are capable of altering the characteristics of the soil over time, possibly reducing conductivity and corrosivity. These types of plants have environmental benefits as well. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a noninvasive biomass that can be converted to biofuels after cutting. The root system of switchgrass can reach depths of six feet or more. It can also serve as a forage for wildlife. Plants such as salt bush (Atriplex canascens) are also forages as well as a food source for bees and other pollinators.
The purpose of this preliminary study is to determine if a more in-depth study is needed to explore the use of halophytes as a method to manage, or alter, the characteristics of soil in shared-use environments. Those environments include, but are not limited to, utility right-of-ways, railroads, and highways. In these environments, buried infrastructure may cross, or run parallel to, infrastructure at the ground line or in the air. Those interactions often lead to corrosion and failure.
Halophytes, such as switchgrass and salt bush, are salt tolerant – salt loving plants capable of altering characteristics of the soil over time, possibly reducing conductivity and corrosivity. These types of plants have environmental benefits as well. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a noninvasive biomass that can be converted to biofuels after cutting. The root system of switchgrass can reach depths of six feet or more. It can also serve as a forage for wildlife. Plants such as salt bush (Atriplex canascens) are also forages as well as a food source for bees and other pollinators.
Figure 1 shows the location of the study at Auburn University’s E.V. Smith Plant Breeding Unit, three miles west of I-85, between Shorter and Tallassee, AL, and fifteen miles east of Montgomery, AL.
