How soil conditioners and planting methods influence the cost of seedling establishment

A high risk of plant failure in semiarid ecosystems requires restoration methods that mitigate environmental harshness while remaining economically viable. This study investigated the impact of planting methods and soil amendments on the survival and growth of Cercis griffithii , a keystone shrub of cultural significance, native to mountainous regions spanning Anatolia to the Himalayas. We compared pot and bare‐root planting methods, using hydrogel, zeolite, bentonite, and cow manure as soil amendments. Soil moisture around plant roots was monitored for up to 3 weeks after watering, and plant growth and survival were measured over two consecutive growing seasons. Hydrogel application, followed by zeolite and bentonite, significantly increased soil moisture around plant roots, thereby enhancing seedling survival and growth. Hydrogel, zeolite, and bentonite positively enhanced soil water and nutrient availability, whereas cow manure had negative effects due to its high salinity. Both planting methods showed similar survival rates; however, bare‐root seedlings exhibited superior growth compared to potted seedlings. The cost analysis for successfully establishing C. griffithii seedlings revealed that the efficacy of planting methods varied with the additive treatments. Bare‐root planting combined with either hydrogel or bentonite emerged as the most cost‐effective restoration strategy. These findings highlight the importance of selecting suitable planting methods, soil amendments, and cost‐effective treatments to optimize restoration efforts.