Here's why:
* Saltwater intrusion: Ocean waves and tides can carry saltwater inland, creating a high salt concentration in the soil near the coast.
* Plant tolerance: Most plants are not adapted to high salt concentrations. Salt can disrupt water absorption and nutrient uptake, leading to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.
* Halophytes: A few specialized plants called halophytes can tolerate high salt levels, but most plants cannot. These halophytes have developed mechanisms to deal with salt, such as salt glands to excrete excess salt.
While other abiotic factors like wind, sun exposure, and soil erosion can also play a role in limiting plant growth near the ocean, salt concentration is the primary limiting factor for most plants.
