Arid Zone Research ›› 2022, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (4): 1133-1142.doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2022.04.14

• Plant Ecology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Characteristics of Populus euphratica root under various irrigation modes

WANG Zikang1,2(),JIAO Ayong3,LING Hongbo1(),SHAN Qianjuan1,2,ZHANG Guangpeng1,WANG Wenqi1,2   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, China
    2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    3. College of Water Conservancy and Construction Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, Xinjiang, China
  • Received:2021-11-02 Revised:2022-01-14 Online:2022-07-15 Published:2022-09-26
  • Contact: Hongbo LING E-mail:wangzikang97@163.com;linghongbo0929@163.com

Abstract:

With the improvement of water resource management in Tarim River basin, the ecological environment in the lower reaches of Tarim River has been improved after ecological water diversion. Adopting appropriate irrigation methods combined with ecological restoration technology such as root cutting and sprouting is necessary to consolidate the effect of downstream water transfer, thereby promoting the regeneration and rejuvenation of Populus euphratica forest and the ecological protection and restoration of downstream. However, few studies have combined different irrigation patterns with ecological restoration effects of root cutting and sprouting. In this regard, this study was divided into A1, A2, and A3 in accordance with the terrain characteristics of the study area. Irrigation modes of different treatments were adopted after ditching and root cutting in the study area. Four irrigation modes were set in accordance with the water quantity of irrigation interval, and the specific control group was referred to as F1. The irrigation interval was 11 days; the irrigation water amount was 6 m3 every 10 m, and the irrigation duration was 2 days (F2). The irrigation interval was 23 days; the irrigation water amount was 7 m3 every 10 m, and the irrigation duration was 3 days (F3). In investigating the sprout renewal situation of Populus euphratica under different irrigation treatments, the irrigation interval was 33 days; the irrigation water amount was 8 m3 every 10 m, and the irrigation duration was 4 days (F4). Results showed that the germination ability of distal roots was better than that of proximal roots, and the germination rate of distal roots in A1, A2, and A3 zones was 70.7%, 77.1%, and 64.1%, respectively. The distance between the sprout point and sprout root section of Populus euphratica was concentrated in 1-16 cm. In addition, the distance between the root sprout seedling and parent tree was 5.5-7 m. The distribution depth of the sprout root was concentrated in 30-50 cm. The diameter of the sprout root was concentrated in 0.4-0.7 cm. Based on the germination number of the root and tillering seedlings of Populus euphratica, the optimum soil temperature and water content were determined to be 26.5-28.1 ℃ and 10.6%-13.1%, respectively. The suitable irrigation mode for Populus euphratica root cutting ditch was 23-day interval, and the irrigation water amount was 7 m3 per 10 m root ditch. Moreover, the irrigation duration was 3 days (F3). The results can provide reference for the regeneration and rejuvenation of Populus euphratica in Tarim river basin.

Key words: lower Tarim River, Populus euphratica forest, digging dike and cutting root, root sucker, update the rejuvenation