Sand-fixing effects of shrub in Horqin sandy land, North China

Abstract

In the semi-arid Horqin sandy land of north China, Caragana microphylla, a leguminous shrub, is the dominant plant species and is widely used in vegetation reestablishment programs to stabilize shifting sand. The sand-fixing effects of 6- and 11-year-old C. microphylla plantations were studied. The results showed that: 1) the wind velocity and sand transport rate in the plantation were less than those in dunes; 2) the air temperature in the plantation was lower than those in dunes. Relative humidity was higher and the soil temperature was lower, which benefits plant growth; 3) the physical and chemical characteristics of soil were improved to some extent over age. The porosity and percentage of tiny sand (diameter 0.05–0.1 mm) and clay particle (diameter < 0.05 mm) increased, bulk density in surface soil decreased, and saturated water-holding capacity improved. Organic C, total N, available N and available K content increased gradually, and soil fertility was enhanced.

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