Waterholding capacity of three mainly ornamental grasses in Fujian

Three common ornamental grasses Cyperus alternifolius, Pennisetum alopecuroides and Ophiopogon japonicus in Fujian were studied and the soaking method was applied in determining and analyzing the waterholding capacity of their roots, stems and leaves. P.alopecuroide was proved to have the highest waterholding capacity and the rest two were generally lower in waterholding rate. In various soaking periods, the waterholding rates had significantly positive correlation with the soaking time while the waterholding rate showed significantly negative correlation. The results showed that three kinds of ornamental grass had good waterholding capacity, there were the positive effect on landscape gardening and ecological protection.