Abstract: The phase and potential of grass plantation in Tongliao city has been discussed by means of analysis on ETM images,statistic and investigation data.It is concluded that the situation of grass plantation was poor,but its potential is great.Grass plantation is of great strategic significance in this district,which can not only increase the income of peasant,but also promote the improvement of ecological environment.Because of the decreasing precipitation and the rapidly developing irrigation lands as well as the afforestation in large scale the groundwater level has been fallen down from 3~4 m at 10 years ago to 6~8 m at present.This will endanger the existence of arbor stand,indirectly influence the coverage and biomass of natural vegetation,and further arise new vicious circle of ecological environment.The potential of grass plantation to promote the development of shed-raised livestock lies in arable lands rather than in steppe region,especially the green storing of maize is particularly feasible.

Key words: Horqin Sand Land, Tongliao city, grass plantation, restoration ecology