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Journal of Desert Research ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (3): 283-290.DOI: 10.7522/j.issn.1000-694X.2025.00101

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Close-to-nature restoration technological pattern for degraded Caragana korshinskii stands in the Loess Plateau

Xinyang Song1(), Mengyu Mu1, Chenguang Zhao1, Jiazheng Wang1, Yanjun Huo2, Changming Zhao1, Chao Guan1()   

  1. 1.College of Ecology / State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems / Yuzhong Mountain Ecosystems Observation and Research Station,Lanzhou University,Lanzhou 730000,China
    2.Yuzhong County Gongjing Forestry,Yuzhong 730118,Gansu,China
  • Received:2025-03-03 Revised:2025-04-27 Online:2025-05-20 Published:2025-06-30
  • Contact: Chao Guan

Abstract:

Caragana korshinskii is a major shrub species in the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, contributing significantly to ecological protection in arid and semi-arid regions. However, long-term and high-density monoculture management has led to widespread stand degradation, evidenced by diminished growth vigor, reduced natural regeneration capability, and impaired ecological function. Conventional restoration strategies often overlook natural successional processes, fail to enhance biodiversity, and rely on limited and non-targeted mechanical measures. This study was conducted at a degraded Caragana korshinskii site in Yuzhong County Gongjing Forestry. A close-to-nature restoration technological pattern was developed, incorporating selective coppicing, mixed planting, and inoculating biocrusts. The effects of various restoration treatments on stand development and vegetation cover were investigated to identify optimal solutions for stands exhibiting different degrees of degradation. The findings revealed that a 50% coppicing intensity with a stump height of 10 cm significantly improved C. korshinskii growth characteristics and increased vegetation cover, indicating this as the optimal near-natural coppicing regime. For mildly degraded stands, near-natural coppicing (50% intensity, 10 cm stump height) was sufficient. In moderately degraded stands, combining the optimal near-natural coppicing with a 2∶1 mix of C. korshinskii and C. tibetica yielded better restoration outcomes. The most effective technique for severely degraded stands involved a combination of the optimal near-natural coppicing, mixed planting of C. korshinskii and C. tibetica at a 1∶1 ratio, and biocrust inoculation at a coverage exceeding 60%.

Key words: Loess Plateau, Caragana korshinskii, coppicing, mixed planting, biocrusts

CLC Number: