Aboveground biomass of Tamarix on piedmont plain of Tianshan Mountains south slope
Zhao, Z.; Wang, R.; Zhang, H.; Wang, L.
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao 17(9): 1557-1562
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1001-9332 PMID: 17147156 Document Number: 599771
Based on the geo-morphological and hydro-geological characteristics, the piedmont plain of Tianshan Mountains south slope was classified into 4 geo-morphological belts, i.e., flood erosion belt, groundwater spill belt, delta belt, and the joining bell of piedmont plain and Tarim floodplain. A field investigation on the Tamarix shrub in this region showed that there was a significant difference in its aboveground biomass among the four belts, ranged from 1 428.53 kg center dot hm(-2) at groundwater spill belt to 111.18 kg center dot hm(-2) at the joining belt of piedmont plain and Tarim floodplain. The main reason for such a big difference might be the different density of Tamarix shrub on different belts. Both the Tamarix aboveground biomass and the topsoil's salinity were decreased with increasing groundwater level. Groundwater level was the main factor limiting Tamarix growth, while soil salinity was not.