Effects of sand burial or erosion on the growth and physiology of Populus simonii trees in Kubuqi desert, China

Abstract

Effects of sand burial or erosion caused by wind on the growth and physiology of Populus simonii trees, planted in 2008, were investigated in Kubuqi desert, Inner Mongolia, China. Sand burial greatly influenced development of stem clusters by means of layering of buried branches and tree growth. Root erosion may simulate development of many ramets derived from root suckers on horizontal roots. Buried trees with sand showed higher δ¹³C and accumulation of compatible solutes such as soluble sugar and alanine betaine in leaves. These results suggest that drought stress in buried individuals was greater than that in root eroded individuals.