Response of the desert riparian vegetation to water recharges in the lower reaches of Tarim River, Xinjiang, China

In this paper, to examine if vegetation responses actively to water recharges, we analyzed the charm of desert riparian vegetation pre- and post- water recharge and discussed its causes. The results showed that vegetation responded positively to water recharges and vegetation nearer the river channel responded more substantially to watering than that further away. The changes of vegetation were related to the spatial and temporal changes of groundwater depth which elevated after water recharges. For restoration of vegetation in large ranges in study region, continuation of water recharges is necessary