Effects of stumping on Calligonum mongolicum shelterbelt growth and soil moisture and salt distribution along Tarim Desert Highway, Xinjiang of Northwest China.

In order to ensure the stability and sustainability of the Calligonum mongolicum shelter-belt along Tarim Desert Highway, the aged C. mongolicum was stumped to investigate its growth and soil moisture and salt distribution. After stumping twice, C. mongolicum grew rapidly in its height, crown width, maximum basal diameter, and sprout number. Three years after stumping, the average height of the sprouts exceeded the control (no stumping), and the crown width and maximum basal diameter was 92. 0% and 73. 0% of the control, respectively. The fresh mass of the branches and assimilating branches, their dry mass, and the total fresh mass and dry mass of the aboveground parts reached 80. 0%, 115. 0%, 80. 0%, 116. 0%, 93. 5%, and 88. 0% of the control, respectively. Four years after stumping, the aboveground biomass surpassed the control. Comparing with the control, stumping increased the soil moisture content significantly and decreased the soil salt concentration. It was suggested that, to stump the aged C. mongolicum repeatedly could increase the soil moisture content and decrease the soil salt concentration in root zone, and effectively promote the rejuvenation and renewing of C. mongolicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]