Water relation characteristics of Calligonum and consequences for a sustainable management of vegetation in the southern fringe of Takelamakan Desert

On field sites, water physiological characteristics of the desert legume Calligonum were investigated during the vegetation period in 1999(2000) in the southern ffinge of the Takelamakan Desert, Xinjiang, NW China. The seasonal variation of predawn water potentials and of diurnal water potential indicated that Calligonum plants were well water supplied and it has stronger ability to maintain the water balance within the body over the entire vegetation period. Water relationship parameters from pressure-volume analysis confirmed that Calligonum plants were not drought stressed and xylem sap flow measurements further indicated that Calligonum plants were well water supplied during the summer months. The data indicate that artificial flooding only had limited effects on the water relations of plant. Long-term adjustment to the hyper-arid environment and its growth (survival) of Calligonum maybe is dependent on permanent contact with ground water. Therefore, it is important that variations of ground water depth are kept to a minimum. The study will provide theoretical basis for the restoration and management of natural vegetation in and and semi-arid regions