Freeze-thaw effects on erosion process in loess slope under simulated rainfall

Seasonal freeze-thaw processes have led to severe soil erosion in the middle and high latitudes. The area affected by freeze-thaw erosion in China exceeds 13% of the national territory. So understanding the effect of freeze-thaw on erosion process is of great significance for soil and water conservation as well as for ecological engineering. In this study, we designed simulated rainfall experiments to investigate soil erosion processes under two soil conditions, unfrozen slope (UFS) and frozen slope (FS), and three rainfall intensities of 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 mm/min. The results showed that the initial runoff time of FS occurred much earlier than that of the UFS. Under the same rainfall intensity, the runoff of FS is 1.17-1.26 times that of UFS; and the sediment yield of FS is 6.48-10.49 times that of UFS. With increasing rainfall time, rills were produced on the slope. After the appearance of the rills, the sediment yield on the FS accounts for 74%-86% of the total sediment yield. Rill erosion was the main reason for the increase in soil erosion rate on FS, and the reduction in water percolation resulting from frozen layers was one of the important factors leading to the advancement of rills on slope. A linear relationship existed between the cumulative runoff and the sediment yield of UFS and FS (R²>0.97, P<0.01). The average mean weight diameter (MWD) on the slope erosion particles was as follows: UFS0.9 (73.84 μm)>FS0.6 (72.30 μm)>UFS1.2 (72.23 μm)>substrate (71.23 μm)>FS1.2 (71.06 μm)>FS0.9 (70.72 μm). During the early stage of the rainfall, the MWD of the FS was relatively large. However, during the middle to late rainfall, the particle composition gradually approached that of the soil substrate. Under different rainfall intensities, the mean soil erodibility (MK) of the FS was 7.22 times that of the UFS. The ratio of the mean regression coefficient C₂ (MC₂) between FS and UFS was roughly correspondent with MK. Therefore, the parameter C₂ can be used to evaluate soil erodibility after the appearance of the rills. This article explored the influence mechanism of freeze-thaw effects on loess soil erosion and provided a theoretical basis for further studies on soil erosion in the loess hilly regions.     

双垄全膜覆盖沟播栽培对甘肃中部坡耕地水土流失和作物产量的影响

在甘肃省榆中县黄土高原丘陵沟壑区的坡耕地,采用双垄全膜覆盖沟播(DRM)、全膜平铺覆盖(WM)、条膜(半膜)起垄覆盖(RM)、条膜(半膜)平铺覆盖(NM)、露地条播(CK)5个处理进行对比试验。结果表明,双垄全膜覆盖沟播栽培具有良好的减少坡耕地土壤水土流失的作用,土壤流失量分别较露地条播、条膜起垄、条膜平铺、全膜平铺下降了56.07%、67.24%、71.59%、82.47%;作物产量大幅度提高,玉米产量分别比半膜垄作和半膜平铺增产46.76%和58.07%,蚕豆产量分别比条膜起垄、条膜平铺和对照增产46.52%、54.99%和102.96%,马铃薯产量分别比条膜起垄、条膜平铺和对照增产95.21%、76.30%和74.89%。玉米的水分生产率分别比半膜垄作和半膜平铺提高4.77 kg/(mm.hm2)和9.47 kg/(mm.hm2),蚕豆的水分生产率比半膜垄作、半膜平铺和露地对照提高3.24、6.58 kg/(mm.hm2)和5.03 kg/(mm.hm2),马铃薯的水分生产率比半膜垄作、半膜平铺和露地对照提高47.35、42.02、41.57 kg/(mm.hm2)。黄土高原丘陵沟壑半干旱雨养农业区坡耕地采用双垄全膜覆盖沟播栽培,具有良好的减少土壤水土流失的作用,能够最大限度地集蓄天然降水,加之其明显的增温保温作用,可大幅度地提高作物产量,降水生产率显著提高。     

两种新的旱作管理技术对山地梨枣树生长及结果的影响

以9 a生梨枣树(Ziziphus jujubaMill.)为试材,在无灌溉条件下,研究节水型修剪技术和竹节式聚水沟技术及常规矮化修剪技术(CK)对梨枣营养生长及生殖生长的影响。结果表明:节水型修剪与竹节式聚水沟技术的单独及联合应用,能有效提高叶面积增长量、梨枣单叶面积和叶绿素含量,有效提高枣吊个数和着花数量;与对照相比,节水型修剪技术可提高产量83.1%,竹节式聚水沟技术可提高产量38.4%,节水型修剪技术+竹节式聚水沟技术效果更好,产量可提高155%。综合分析认为在旱地无灌溉条件下的陕北黄土丘陵区,以节水型修剪树体管理为主,在林下采用聚水沟措施结合,能显著提高梨枣的结果性能和产量。     

Effects of mixed-based biochar on water infiltration and evaporation in aeolian sand soil

Aeolian sandy soil in mining areas exhibits intense evaporation and poor water retention capacity. This study was designed to find a suitable biochar application method to improve soil water infiltration and minimize soil water evaporation for aeolian sand soil. Using the indoor soil column method, we studied the effects of three application patterns (A (0-20 cm was a mixed sample of mixed-based biochar and soil), B (0-10 cm was a mixed sample of mixed-based biochar and soil and 10-20 cm was soil), and C (0-10 cm was soil and 10-20 cm was a mixed sample of mixed-based biochar and soil)), four application amounts (0% (control, CK), 1%, 2%, and 4% of mixed-based biochar in dry soil), and two particle sizes (0.05-0.25 mm (S1) and <0.05 mm (S2)) of mixed-based biochar on water infiltration and evaporation of aeolian sandy soil. We separately used five infiltration models (the Philip, Kostiakov, Horton, USDA-NRCS (United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service), and Kostiakov-Lewis models) to fit cumulative infiltration and time. Compared with CK, the application of mixed-based biochar significantly reduced cumulative soil water infiltration. Under application patterns A, B, and C, the higher the application amount and the finer the particle size were, the lower the migration speed of the wetting front. With the same application amount, cumulative soil water infiltration under application pattern A was the lowest. Taking infiltration for 10 min as an example, the reductions of cumulative soil water infiltration under the treatments of A2%_(S2), A4%_(S1), A4%_(S2), A1%_(S1), C2%_(S1), and B1%_(S1) were higher than 30%, which met the requirements of loess soil hydraulic parameters suitable for plant growth. The five infiltration models well fitted the effects of the treatments of application pattern C and S1 particle size (R²>0.980), but the R² values of the Horton model exceeded 0.990 for all treatments (except for the treatment B2%_(S2)). Compared with CK, all other treatments reduced cumulative soil water infiltration, except for B4%_(S2). With the same application amount, cumulative soil water evaporation difference between application patterns A and B was small. Treatments of application pattern C and S1 particle size caused a larger reduction in cumulative soil water evaporation. The reductions in cumulative soil water evaporation under the treatments of C4%_(S1), C4%_(S2), C2%_(S1), and C2%_(S2) were over 15.00%. Therefore, applying 2% of mixed-based biochar with S1 particle size to the underlying layer (10-20 cm) could improve soil water infiltration while minimizing soil water evaporation. Moreover, application pattern was the main factor affecting soil water infiltration and evaporation. Further, there were interactions among the three influencing factors in the infiltration process (application amount×particle size with the most important interaction), while there were no interactions among them in the evaporation process. The results of this study could contribute to the rational application of mixed-based biochar in aeolian sandy soil and the resource utilization of urban and agricultural wastes in mining areas.     

Effects of water stress on growth phenology photosynthesis and leaf water potential in Stipagrostis ciliata (Desf.) De Winter in North Africa

Stipagrostis ciliata (Desf.) De Winter is a pastoral C₄ grass grown in arid regions. This research work focused on assessing the growth of S. ciliata accessions derived from two different climate regions (a wet arid region in the Bou Hedma National Park in the central and southern part of Tunisia (coded as WA), and a dry arid region from the Matmata Mountain in the south of Tunisia (coded as DA)) under water stress conditions. Specifically, the study aimed to investigate the phenological and physiological responses of potted S. ciliata seedlings under different water treatments: T₁ (200 mm/a), T₂ (150 mm/a), T₃ (100 mm/a) and T₄ (50 mm/a). Growth phenology, net photosynthesis (P_n), stomatal conductance (g_s), midday leaf water potential (Ψ_md), predawn leaf water potential (Ψ_pd), soil water content (SWC) and soil water potential (Ψ_s) were observed during the water stress cycle (from December 2016 to November 2017). The obtained results showed that the highest growth potential of the two accessions (WA and DA) was recorded under treatment T₁. The two accessions responded differently and significantly to water stress. Photosynthetic parameters, such as P_n and g_s, decreased sharply under treatments T₂, T₃ and T₄ compared to treatment T₁. The higher water stress increased the R/S ratio (the ratio of root dry biomass to shoot dry biomass), with values of 1.29 and 2.74 under treatment T₄ for accessions WA and DA, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied, and the separation of S. ciliata accessions on the first two axes of PCA (PC1 and PC2) suggested that accession DA was detected in the negative extremity of PC1 and PC2 under treatments T₁ and T₂. This accession was characterized by a high number of spikes. For treatments T₃ and T₄, both accessions were detected in the negative extremity of PC1 and PC2. They were characterized by a high root dry biomass. Therefore, S. ciliata accessions responded to water stress by displaying significant changes in their behaviours. Accession WA from the Bou Hedma National Park (wet arid region) showed higher drought tolerance than accession DA from the Matmata Mountain (dry arid region). S. ciliata exhibits a significant adaptation capacity for water limitation and may be an important species for ecosystem restoration.     

Scenario simulation of water retention services under land use/cover and climate changes: a case study of the Loess Plateau,China

Comprehensive assessments of ecosystem services in environments under the influences of human activities and climate change are critical for sustainable regional ecosystem management. Therefore, integrated interdisciplinary modelling has become a major focus of ecosystem service assessment. In this study, we established a model that integrates land use/cover change (LUCC), climate change, and water retention services to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations of water retention services in the Loess Plateau of China in the historical period (2000-2015) and in the future (2020-2050). An improved Markov-Cellular Automata (Markov-CA) model was used to simulate land use/land cover patterns, and ArcGIS 10.2 software was used to simulate and assess water retention services from 2000 to 2050 under six combined scenarios, including three land use/land cover scenarios (historical scenario (HS), ecological protection scenario (EPS), and urban expansion scenario (UES)) and two climate change scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, where RCP is the representative concentration pathway). LUCCs in the historical period (2000-2015) and in the future (2020-2050) are dominated by transformations among agricultural land, urban land and grassland. Urban land under UES increased significantly by 0.63×10³ km²/a, which was higher than the increase of urban land under HS and EPS. In the Loess Plateau, water yield decreased by 17.20×10⁶ mm and water retention increased by 0.09×10⁶ mm in the historical period (2000-2015), especially in the Interior drainage zone and its surrounding areas. In the future (2020-2050), the pixel means of water yield is higher under RCP4.5 scenario (96.63 mm) than under RCP8.5 scenario (95.46 mm), and the pixel means of water retention is higher under RCP4.5 scenario (1.95 mm) than under RCP8.5 scenario (1.38 mm). RCP4.5-EPS shows the highest total water retention capacity on the plateau scale among the six combined scenarios, with the value of 1.27×10⁶ mm. Ecological restoration projects in the Loess Plateau have enhanced soil and water retention. However, more attention needs to be paid not only to the simultaneous increase in water retention services and evapotranspiration but also to the type and layout of restored vegetation. Furthermore, urbanization needs to be controlled to prevent uncontrollable LUCCs and climate change. Our findings provide reference data for the regional water and land resources management and the sustainable development of socio-ecological systems in the Loess Plateau under LUCC and climate change scenarios.     

干旱胁迫下梨枣抗旱性研究

为探索陕北黄土丘陵区梨枣的抗旱性与耐旱能力,以大规格盆栽梨枣（Ziziphus jujuba Mill.cv.Lizao）2年生苗木为试验材料,在连续不供水情况下研究了梨枣的萎蔫到致死过程。依据干旱缺水后枣树生长衰退过程中的特征将枣树萎蔫致死分为：暂时萎蔫、初始萎蔫、表征永久萎蔫及耐旱致死四个阶段。结果表明：梨枣的初始萎蔫系数在2.017%～3.054%之间,平均为2.494%;表征永久萎蔫系数在1.199%～1.998%之间,平均为1.489%,永久萎蔫系数在1.250%～1.489%之间;耐旱致死点为1.250%,致死时间为135±11 d。试验结果证明枣树是一种十分抗旱的树种,在半干旱黄土丘陵区枣树不会出现干旱致死。     

山地不同树龄枣园土壤水分状况研究

为研究黄土高原梨枣林地土壤水分状况,利用TRIME管和洛阳铲对灌溉及雨养两种条件下不同种植年限(1 a、4 a、9 a、12 a)的梨枣林0~160 cm、0~700 cm范围深度内土壤水分状况进行监测研究。研究结果显示:随着树龄增长梨枣林地土壤水分储量下降;灌溉梨枣林与雨养梨枣林相比,其主根系层0~160 cm土壤水分储量较高;现有灌溉定额条件下,灌溉梨枣林地根区平均土壤水分满足度仍然相对较低;旱作梨枣林随树龄增大,土壤干层的分布深度和土壤干燥化强度趋于增加。     

Effects of water and nitrogen on growth and relative competitive ability of introduced versus native C4 grass species in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China

Switchgrass is an introduced C₄ grass in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China, but there is a lack of information to assess its ecological invasive risk. In this study, Old World bluestems (native C₄ grass) and switchgrass were sowed at five mixture ratios (8:0, 6:2, 4:4, 2:6 and 0:8) under two soil water levels (80% field capacity (FC) and 40% FC) and two nitrogen (N) treatments (0 and 100 mg N/kg dry soil, termed N₀-unfertilized and N₁-fertilized treatments, respectively) in a pot experiment in 2012. Biomass, root morphological traits and relative competitive abilities of these two species were analyzed. Results showed that biomass of both species was significantly greater under 80% FC or N fertilization, and switchgrass had a relatively larger root:shoot ratio (RSR). Total root length (TRL) and root surface area (RSA) of switchgrass were significantly higher under 80% FC irrespective of N treatment, while those of Old World bluestems were only significantly higher under N fertilization. N had no significant effect on TRL and RSA of switchgrass, while RSA of Old World bluestems significantly increased under 80% FC and N fertilization. Under 40% FC and N₀-unfertilized treatment, the aggressivity of Old World bluestems was larger than zero at 2:6 and 4:4 mixture ratios of two species, whereas it was close to zero at 6:2 mixture ratio. Root competitive ability of switchgrass significantly increased under 80% FC or N fertilization. The aggressivity of Old World bluestems was negative at 6:2 mixture ratio under 80% FC and N fertilization, while it was positive at 2:6 mixture ratio. Switchgrass may become more aggressive when N deposition or rainfall increases, while a proper mixture ratio with appropriate water and N management could help with grassland management in the semi-arid Loess Plateau.     

Dew measurement and estimation of rain-fed jujube (Zizyphus jujube Mill) in a semi-arid loess hilly region of China

Dew is an important water source for plants in arid and semi-arid regions. However, information on dew is scarce in such regions. In this study, we explored dew formation, amount, and duration of rain-fed jujube(Zizyphus jujube Mill) trees in a semi-arid loess hilly region of China(i.e., Mizhi County). The data included dew intensity and duration, relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed measured from 26 July to 23 October, 2012 and from 24 June to 17 October, 2013 using a micro-climate system(including dielectric leaf wetness sensors, VP-3 Relative Humidity/Temperature Sensor, High Resolution Rain Gauge, and Davis Cup Anemometer). The results show that atmospheric conditions of relative humidity of 78% and dew point temperature of 1°C–3°C are significantly favorable to dew formation. Compared with the rainfall, dew was characterized by high frequency, strong stability, and long duration. Furthermore, heavy dew accounted for a large proportion of the total amount. The empirical models(i.e., relative humidity model(RH model) and dew point depression model(DPD model)) for daily dew duration estimation performed well at 15-min intervals, with low errors ranging between 1.29 and 1.60 h, respectively. But it should be noted that the models should be calibrated firstly by determining the optimal thresholds of relatively humidity for RH model and dew point depression for DPD model. For rain-fed jujube trees in the semi-arid loess hilly regions of China, the optimal threshold of relative humidity was 78%, and the optimal upper and lower thresholds of dew point depression were 1°C and 5°C, respectively. The study further demonstrates that dew is an important water resource that cannot be ignored for rain-fed jujube trees and may affect water balance at regional scales.     

黄土丘陵区雨养梨枣树生长对初始土壤含水率的响应

以6年生矮化密植梨枣树(Ziziphus jujuba Mill.)为试材,在雨养条件下,设置4种不同初始土壤体积含水率水平(1区,15.17%;2区,14.33%;3区,11.34%;4区,8.61%),测定并分析土壤水分变化、枣树生长、枣树耗水及其产量。结果表明:在雨养条件下,随着时间的推进,4个小区的土壤体积含水率不断接近,由最初的有显著差异变为没有显著差异;梨枣林地在低土壤水分情况下,可以通过自然降雨修复干层;4个小区的生物量和产量都是随着初始土壤含水率的减小在减小,且小区之间产量差异显著;4种初始土壤水分条件下,4个小区获得的产量分别为21 744.9、18 648.0、12 354.3 kg·hm~(-2)和6 660.0 kg·hm~(-2),说明即使在初始土壤水分亏缺情况下,在平水年也可以得到一定的产量;高度为0.9~1.2 m,冠幅为0.5~0.9 m的梨枣树,产量却达到最高21 744.9 kg·hm~(-2),说明梨枣获得高产不需要高大的树体,所以矮化密植具有很大潜力。     

不同覆盖方式对旱地马铃薯产量和水分利用效率的影响

为研究秸秆和地膜覆盖栽培对马铃薯产量和水分利用效率的影响,旨在筛选出陕北黄土丘陵旱作区的最佳覆盖方式。通过2年(2012—2013)的田间定位试验,采用垄膜覆盖(LM)、双沟覆膜(GM)、全膜覆盖(QM)、秸秆覆盖(JG)和露地(CK)5种覆盖栽培方式,分析马铃薯生长、产量、土壤温度、土壤含水量变化。结果表明:(1)JG处理的马铃薯植株生长发育状况,其株高、SPAD值均优于其它处理,表现为株高JGCKGMLMQM,茎粗LMGMCKJGQM,SPAD值JGLMGMCKQM。(2)在整个生育期,地温均值表现为JGCKLMGMQM,JG、LM、GM及QM分别较CK提高-0.18℃、0.76℃、1.21℃及1.65℃。(3)全生育期,不同覆盖有增加土壤含水量的作用,均值表现为JGQMGMLMCK,JG、LM、GM及QM分别较CK提高17.18%、11.92%、5.65%和16.93%。(4)JG、QM、LM及GM分别比露地栽培平均增产19.75%、8.95%、7.00%及-0.25%,水分利用效率提高16.4%、7.4%、9.15%及1.65%。秸秆覆盖栽培方式是陕北旱作区马铃薯抗旱栽培推荐的栽培方式。     

哈萨克斯坦农业水土资源承载力评价及其影响因素识别

水土资源的数量与质量对农业可持续发展具有重要意义。选取22个指标建立了哈萨克斯坦农业水土资源承载力评价体系,将层次分析法、熵权法与模糊综合评价模型相结合,分析了哈萨克斯坦2001—2017年农业水土资源承载力的动态变化及区域差异,用障碍度法定量识别其影响因素。结果表明：① 2001—2017年,哈萨克斯坦农业水土资源承载力整体呈波动缓慢上升趋势,水土资源子系统和经济子系统的评价指数缓慢上升,生态子系统和社会子系统评价指数明显下降。② 农业水土资源承载力在地区间差异显著,高承载力区主要集中在北部、中部和东部地区,低承载力区在南部和西部地区。北哈萨克斯坦州、科斯塔奈州和阿克莫拉州的承载力高,呈逐年增大趋势,阿特劳州和南哈萨克斯坦州的承载力较低,且呈减小趋势。③ 承载力在2001—2009年主要受垦殖率、单位耕地面积农业产值及农业灌溉率的影响,在2010—2017年主要受农业水土资源匹配系数、人口密度及单位土地污水负荷的影响,生态环境因素逐渐成为承载力障碍因子。     

不同树形结构梨枣的冠层特性及节水性分析

以4 a生梨枣树为试材,观测分析了不同树形经过拉枝、摘心修剪后的树体指标与冠层特性之间关系及其对水分生产效率的影响.结果表明:树体越大,叶面积指数越大,透光率越小,光截获密度越大;自然圆头形单位体积内的坐果数最多,较对照(CK)提高353.62个/m3,每667m2产量按顺序排列为:自然圆头形>Y字形>柱形>开心形>立...     

Effects of grazing on net primary productivity,evapotranspiration and water use efficiency in the grasslands of Xinjiang,China

Grazing is a main human activity in the grasslands of Xinjiang, China. It is vital to identify the effects of grazing on the sustainable utilization of local grasslands. However, the effects of grazing on net primary productivity(NPP), evapotranspiration(ET) and water use efficiency(WUE) in this region remain unclear. Using the spatial Biome-BGC grazing model, we explored the effects of grazing on NPP, ET and WUE across the different regions and grassland types in Xinjiang during 1979–2012. NPP, ET and WUE under the grazed scenario were generally lower than those under the ungrazed scenario, and the differences showed increasing trends over time. The decreases in NPP, ET and WUE varied significantly among the regions and grassland types. NPP decreased as follows: among the regions, Northern Xinjiang(16.60 g C/(m~2·a)), Tianshan Mountains(15.94 g C/(m~2·a)) and Southern Xinjiang(-3.54 g C/(m~2·a)); and among the grassland types, typical grasslands(25.70 g C/(m~2·a)), swamp meadows(25.26 g C/(m~2·a)), mid-mountain meadows(23.39 g C/(m~2·a)), alpine meadows(6.33 g C/(m~2·a)), desert grasslands(5.82 g C/(m~2·a)) and saline meadows(2.90 g C/(m~2·a)). ET decreased as follows: among the regions, Tianshan Mountains(28.95 mm/a), Northern Xinjiang(8.11 mm/a) and Southern Xinjiang(7.57 mm/a); and among the grassland types, mid-mountain meadows(29.30 mm/a), swamp meadows(25.07 mm/a), typical grasslands(24.56 mm/a), alpine meadows(20.69 mm/a), desert grasslands(11.06 mm/a) and saline meadows(3.44 mm/a). WUE decreased as follows: among the regions, Northern Xinjiang(0.053 g C/kg H_2O), Tianshan Mountains(0.034 g C/kg H_2O) and Southern Xinjiang(0.012 g C/kg H_2O); and among the grassland types, typical grasslands(0.0609 g C/kg H_2O), swamp meadows(0.0548 g C/kg H_2O), mid-mountain meadows(0.0501 g C/kg H_2O), desert grasslands(0.0172 g C/kg H_2O), alpine meadows(0.0121 g C/kg H_2O) and saline meadows(0.0067 g C/kg H_2O). In general, the decreases in NPP and WUE were more significant in the regions with relatively high levels of vegetation growth because of the high grazing intensity in these regions. The decreases in ET were significant in mountainous areas due to the terrain and high grazing intensity.     

Ridge-furrow plastic mulching with a suitable planting density enhances rainwater productivity,grain yield and economic benefit of rainfed maize

Soil surface mulching and planting density regulation are widely used for effective utilization of limited rainwater resources and improvement of crop productivity in dryland farming.However,the combined effects of mulching type and planting density on maize growth and yield have been seldom studied,especially in different hydrological years.A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of mulching type and planting density on the soil temperature,growth,grain yield(GY),water use efficiency(WUE)and economic benefit of rainfed maize in the drylands of northern China during 2015-2017.Precipitation fluctuated over the three years.There were four mulching types(NM,flat cultivation with non-mulching;SM,flat cultivation with straw mulching;RP,plastic-mulched ridge plus bare furrow;RPFS,plastic-mulched ridge plus straw-mulched furrow)and three planting densities(LD,low planting density,45.0×10^3 plants/hm^2;MD,medium planting density,67.5×10^3 plants/hm^2;HD,high planting density,90.0×10^3 plants/hm^2).Results showed that soil temperature was higher with RP and lower with SM compared with NM,but no significant difference was found between RPFS and NM.More soil water was retained by soil mulching at the early growth stage,but it significantly varied at the middle and late growth stages.Maize growth was significantly improved by soil mulching.With increasing planting density,stem diameter,net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content tended to decline,whereas a single-peak trend in biomass yield was observed.Mulching type and planting density did not have significant effect on evapotranspiration(ET),but GY and WUE were significantly affected.There were significant interacting effects of mulching type and planting density on biomass yield,GY,ET and WUE.Compared with NM,RPFS,RP and SM increased GY by 57.5%,50.8%and 18.9%,and increased WUE by 66.6%,54.3%and 18.1%,respectively.At MD,GY increased by 41.4%and 25.2%,and WUE increased by 38.6%and 22.4%compared with those of at LD and HD.The highest maize GY(7023.2 kg/hm^2)was observed under MD+RPFS,but the value(6699.1 kg/hm^2)was insignificant under MD+RP.Similar trends were observed for WUE under MD+RP and MD+RPFS,but no significant difference was observed between these two combinations.In terms of economic benefit,net income under MD+RP was the highest with a 9.8%increase compared with that of under MD+RPFS.Therefore,we concluded that RP cultivation pattern with a suitable planting density(67.5×10^3 plants/hm^2)is promising for rainwater resources utilization and maize production in the drylands of northern China.     

Sap flow characteristics and physiological adjustments of two dominant tree species in pure and mixed plantations in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China

It is essential to understand the water consumption characteristics and physiological adjustments of tree species under drought conditions, as well as the effects of pure and mixed plantations on these characteristics in semi-arid regions. In this study, the normalized sap flow (SF_n), leaf water potential, stomatal conductance (g_s), and photosynthetic rate (P_r) were monitored for two dominant species, i.e., Pinus tabuliformis and Hippophae rhamnoides, in both pure and mixed plantations in a semi-arid region of Chinese Loess Plateau. A threshold-delay model showed that the lower rainfall thresholds (R^L) for P. tabuliformis and H. rhamnoides in pure plantations were 9.6 and 11.0 mm, respectively, and the time lags (τ) after rainfall were 1.15 and 1.76 d for corresponding species, respectively. The results indicated that P. tabuliformis was more sensitive to rainfall pulse than H. rhamnoides. In addition, strong stomatal control allowed P. tabuliformis to experience low g_s and P_r in response to drought, while maintaining a high midday leaf water potential (Ψ_m). However, H. rhamnoides maintained high g_s and P_r at a low Ψ_m expense. Therefore, P. tabuliformis and H. rhamnoides can be considered as isohydric and anisohydric species, respectively. In mixed plantation, the values of R^L for P. tabuliformis and H. rhamnoides were 6.5 and 8.9 mm, respectively; and the values of τ were 0.86 and 1.61 d for corresponding species, respectively, which implied that mixed afforestation enhanced the rainfall pulse sensitivity for both two species, especially for P. tabuliformis. In addition, mixed afforestation significantly reduced SF_n, g_s, and P_r for P. tabuliformis (P<0.05), while maintaining a high leaf water potential status. However, no significant effect of mixed afforestation of H. rhamnoides was observed at the expense of leaf water potential status in response to drought. Although inconsistent physiological responses were adopted by these species, the altered water consumption characteristics, especially for P. tabuliformis indicated that the mixed afforestation requires further investigation.     

Responses of Amygdalus pedunculata Pall. in the sandy and loamy soils to water stress

Amygdalus pedunculata Pall. is a major species that is widely planted in afforested soils with different textures in the transitional zone between Mu Us Desert and Loess Plateau, China. However, the responses of A. pedunculata to increasing intensity of water stress in different textural soils are not clear. Here, we conducted a soil column experiment to evaluate the effects of different textures (sandy and loamy) on water consumption, water use efficiency (WUE), biomass accumulation and ecological adaptability of A. pedunculata under increasing water stress, i.e., 90% (±5%) FC (field capacity), 75% (±5%) FC, 60% (±5%) FC, 45% (±5%) FC and 30% (±5%) FC in 2018. A. pedunculata grown in the sandy soil with the lowest (30% FC) and highest (90% FC) water contents had respectively 21.3%-37.0% and 4.4%-20.4% less transpiration than those with other water treatments (45%-75% FC). In contrast, A. pedunculata transpiration in the loamy soil decreased with decreasing water content. The magnitude of decrease in transpiration increased with increasing level of water deficit (45% and 30% FC). Mean daily and cumulative transpirations of the plant were significantly lower in the sandy soil than in the loamy soil under good water condition (90% FC), but the reverse was noted under water deficit treatments (45% and 30% FC). Plant height, stem diameter and total biomass initially increased with decreasing water content from 90% to 75% FC and then declined under severe water deficit conditions (45% and 30% FC) in the sandy soil. However, these plant parameters decreased with decreasing water content in the loamy soil. WUE in the sandy soil was 7.8%-12.3% higher than that in the loamy soil, which initially increased with decreasing water content from 90% to 75% FC and then declined under water deficit conditions (45% and 30% FC). The study showed that plant transpiration, biomass production and WUE responded differentially to increasing intensity of water stress in the sandy and loamy soils. The contrasting responses of A. pedunculata to water stress in different textural soils can guide future revegetation programs in the northern region of Chinese Loess Plateau by considering plant adaptability to varying soil and water conditions.     

Response of plant physiological parameters to soil water availability during prolonged drought is affected by soil texture

Soil water deficit is increasingly threatening the sustainable vegetation restoration and ecological construction on the Loess Plateau of China due to the climate warming and human activities. To determine the response thresholds of Amygdalus pedunculata (AP) and Salix psammophila (SP) to soil water availability under different textural soils, we measured the changes in net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (G_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i), leaf water potential (ψ_w), water use efficiency (WUE) and daily transpiration rate (T_d) of the two plant species during soil water content (SWC) decreased from 100% field capacity (FC) to 20% FC in the sandy and loamy soils on the Loess Plateau in the growing season from June to August in 2018. Results showed that P_n, G_s, WUE and T_d of AP and SP remained relatively constant at the beginning of soil water deficit but decreased rapidly as plant available soil water content (PASWC) fell below the threshold values in both the sandy and loamy soils. The PASWC thresholds corresponding to P_n, G_s and C_i of AP in the loamy soil (0.61, 0.62 and 0.70, respectively) were lower than those in the sandy soil (0.70, 0.63 and 0.75, respectively), whereas the PASWC thresholds corresponding to P_n, G_s and C_i of SP in the loamy soil (0.63, 0.68 and 0.78, respectively) were higher than those in the sandy soil (0.58, 0.62 and 0.66, respectively). In addition, the PASWC thresholds in relation to T_d and WUE of AP (0.60 and 0.58, respectively) and SP (0.62 and 0.60, respectively) in the loamy soil were higher than the corresponding PASWC thresholds of AP (0.58 and 0.52, respectively) and SP (0.55 and 0.56, respectively) in the sandy soil. Furthermore, the PASWC thresholds for the instantaneous gas exchange parameters (e.g., P_n and G_s) at the transient scale were higher than the thresholds for the parameters (e.g., T_d) at the daily scale. Our study demonstrates that different plant species and/or different physiological parameters exhibit different thresholds of PASWC and that the thresholds are affected by soil texture. The result can provide guidance for the rational allocation and sustainable management of reforestation species under different soil conditions in the loess regions.     

Responses of leaf water potential and gas exchange to the precipitation manipulation in two shrubs on the Chinese Loess Plateau

Regulation of leaf gas exchange plays an important role in the survival of trees and shrubs under future climate change. However, the responses of leaf water potential and gas exchange of shrubs in semi-arid areas to the precipitation alteration are not clear. Here, we conducted a manipulated experiment with three levels of precipitation, i.e., a control with ambient precipitation, 50% above ambient precipitation(irrigation treatment), and 50% below ambient precipitation(drought treatment), with two common shrubs, Salix psammophila C. Wang & C. Y. Yang(isohydric plant, maintaining a constant leaf water potential by stomatal regulation) and Caragana korshinskii Kom.(anisohydric plant, having more variable leaf water potential), on the Chinese Loess Plateau in 2014 and 2015. We measured the seasonal variations of predawn and midday leaf water potential(Ψpd and Ψmd), two parameters of gas exchange, i.e., light-saturated assimilation(An) and stomatal conductance(gs), and other foliar and canopy traits. The isohydric S. psammophila had a similar An and a higher gs than the anisohydric C. korshinskii under drought treatment in 2015, inconsistent with the view that photosynthetic capacity of anisohydric plants is higher than isohydric plants under severe drought. The two shrubs differently responded to precipitation manipulation. Ψpd, An and gs were higher under irrigation treatment than control for S. psammophila, and these three variables and Ψmd were significantly higher under irrigation treatment and lower under drought treatment than control for C. korshinskii. Leaf water potential and gas exchange responded to manipulated precipitation more strongly for C. korshinskii than for S. psammophila. However, precipitation manipulation did not alter the sensitivity of leaf gas exchange to vapor-pressure deficit and soil moisture in these two shrubs. Acclimation to long-term changes in soil moisture in these two shrubs was primarily attributed to the changes in leaf or canopy structure rather than leaf gas exchange. These findings will be useful for modeling canopy water-carbon exchange and elucidating the adaptive strategies of these two shrubs to future changes in precipitation.