Department of Botany, Ambrose Alii University, P. M. B. 14, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
The effect of high salinity and low pH on germination and seedling establishment of Leucaena Jeucocephala were investigated in a growth chamber. Artificially salinised dredge dump materiaLwas used in this study whereas low pH levels were simulated by watering with various solutions of pH regimes ranging from 4–8. The pH treatment did not significantly affect germination whereas salinity suppressed germination and in some cases (2.0–3.5% NaCl) led to the death of the sedlings after emergence. The maximum concentration permitting germination under flooded conditions did not exceed 1.50% NaCl compared to 3.50% NaCl for non-flooded conditions. Field experiments revealed that Leucaena Jeucocephala can be established in habitats where the pH levels of the soil are between 4–8 and salinaity equivalent to 2.0% NaCl or less.
