Grass to legume facilitation in saline-sodic steppes: influence of vegetation seasonality and root symbionts.
Abstract: Aim Identify key factors driving legume seedlings performance in saline-sodic soils. Methods Five plots were established in paired subhumid steppes with saline-sodic soils dominated by Distichlis spicata or Panicum coloratum. In each plot, Lotus tenuis was sown in autumn and individual plants were collected close to nurse plants (dominant species), and in open areas, at the end of the cold and warm seasons.