THE ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF SALICORNIA PLANTATION ON THE LIBYAN COAST

Abstract

Salicornia is a leafless plant made up of tissue branches that are used as feed for animals. Its seeds are also extracted from edible oil. This plant is also used in the manufacture of fertilizers, paper and soap. Salicornia grows in the temperate desert environment. It is narrated by salty sea water. Its economic importance is the development of potential saline crops to exploit the dry land environment, where it is difficult to grow other crops, as it is one of the most tolerant plants for soil salinity, so it grows naturally on the shores of salt seas and lakes. Libya is considered to be a vast desert area, with 98% of its territory being desert and its Mediterranean coastline at 1850 km. The north-central region is a suitable environment for cultivating salt plants as desert areas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, making this agriculture economically viable. Dry land is also distributed in many of its coastal areas. This study attempts to shed light on the economic and environmental importance of Salicornia cultivation, which proved successful in many dry areas of the world, in addition to the study of ingredients Planting, and suggesting some areas where it can be settled. The first topic deals is the definition of Salicornia plant and its economic and environmental importance. The second axis deals with the most important natural ingredients for cultivating the Salicornia crop, while the third axis deals with the experiences of some countries and the success of planting it with economic feasibility and proposing some suitable areas for cultivation on the shores of Libyan lands.