ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the salt tolerance and physiological responses of six woody native species of the Caatinga ecosystem, on a soil salinity gradient in a greenhouse. The experimental design was of randomized blocks in a split-plot scheme; six plant species native of the Caatinga in the plots, and five levels of soil salinity in the sub-plots (1.2, 2.7, 4.7, 6.7 and 8.4 dS m-1), with five replications. The results demonstrate that species of the Caatinga ecosystem display a high capacity for adaptation in soils of low and moderate salinity. However, considering the reduction in total dry matter production at the highest salinity level, it was seen that only the species M. urundeuva was tolerant to salinity, and H. impetiginosus... |