Ameliorative effect of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) planting on physico-chemical and biological properties of seashore saline soil

Biological amelioration of seashore saline soil by planting castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) was conducted at Yancheng, North Jiangsu of China. After planting castor bean for two growing seasons, soil salinity was 0.92% and lower than that under the control scenario (2.86%) and the value of EC is also decreased significantly. In addition, castor bean planting treatment showed significant ameliorative effects on soil bulk density and soil nutrient condition. The activity and biodiversity of soil microbial communities also increased markedly in the planted plots compared with that of the control. There were also similar increases on functional bacteria such as halophilic, phosphate-solubilizing, potassium-solubilizing, cellulose decomposing, ammonifying and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in planted plots.