Dust collection and nutrient absorption by halophyte communities in Saemanguem reclaimed land

Halophyte community was established for dust prevention in Saemangeum reclaimed land from 2006 to 2008. In the present study, the functions of halophyte community were examined on-site in aspects of dust collection and nutrient absorption. In dust collection experiments, total suspended particulate (TSP) decreased through transplanted halophyte community and the reduction effect continued to 50 m leeward, which was 5.6 times of plant height. TSP reduction behind in-situ halophyte communities amounted to 25.6% on seven-monthly average. TSP collected within four halophyte communities varied among halophytic species in the field. Harvested in the reclaimed land, halophytic samples contained significant amount of nitrogen (0.84 to 1.71% of dry weight), P₂O₅ (0.05 to 0.21% of dry weight), and Na⁺ (0.08 to 3.20% of dry weight). On the basis of halophyte community area in 2006, the amount of total nitrogen, P₂O₅ and Na⁺ absorbed by Suaeda asparagoides was estimated up to 404,000, 47,000, and 498,000 kg, respectively. These results implied that halophyte communities are capable of both collecting significant dust particulates and absorbing of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium in the reclaimed land.