Analysis of the soil conditions in the natural habitats of a climate-resistant species Nerium oleander L.

Abstract

As climate change intensifies, plant species with high adaptive capacity are gaining importance for sustainable landscaping and ecosystem resilience. Nerium oleander L., a widely used ornamental plant, is known for its ability to thrive under diverse environmental conditions and is naturally distributed in T & uuml;rkiye. This study aims to characterize the soil properties of its natural habitats to assess its potential for climate-adaptive landscaping. Soil samples were collected from 22 locations across T & uuml;rkiye where N. oleander grows naturally. The results revealed that the soils varied in texture from loamy to clayey-loamy and sandy, with pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Salinity levels also differed, with soils classified as nonsaline, slightly saline, and very saline. Correlation analysis showed strong relationships between specific soil parameters, such as saturation and organic matter content, as well as exchangeable Mg and electrical conductivity. These findings confirm that N. oleander can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, supporting its suitability for landscape applications, particularly in the face of climate change.