Collection of Samples

During the past 2 years, we have made six collection trips to a study site near Goshen, Utah (coordinates: 39:57:06 N 111:54:03 W, 1360 m above sea level; Figure 1; Gul et al., 2009). At this study site, there are three predominant halophyte species, each native to Utah (Salicornia rubra, Sarcocornia utahensis, and Allenrolfea occidentalis; all are members of the same subfamily, Salicornioideae). Individual plants of each of the three species were removed from the ground, and samples of soil adhering to the roots and root tissue were separately collected into sterile tubes for transport to the lab. Disposable gloves were worn for each sample to avoid cross-contamination between samples and from human-associated microbes. Soil was also collected from bare areas where no plants were growing for comparison. Soil was analyzed by the BYU Soils Lab for salinity level and pH. Soil salinity was measured using a Beckman RC-16C conductivity bridge to measure electrical conductivity as dS/m. Soluble salts and pH were measured in saturated soil pastes. Soil samples were mixed with deionized water, the saturated mix was allowed to sit overnight for the soil to settle, and the pH of the liquid was measured with a standard pH meter.

Collection site south of Utah Lake near Goshen, Utah. (A) shows an overall view of the site. (B–D) are close-up photos of each of the three halophyte species: (B) Salicornia rubra; (C) Sarcocornia utahensis; (D) Allenrolfea occidentalis.