Effects of Great Gerbil Disturbance on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Nutrient Status of .

Rodents, such as those that feed on plants and nest in plant roots, can significantly affect the growth and development of desert plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of disturbance on the photosynthetic characteristics and nutrient status of at different growth stages in the Gurbantunggut Desert. The effects of great gerbil disturbance on the photosynthetic characteristics of at different growth stages were investigated by measuring the gas exchange parameters, instantaneous water use efficiency, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of at different ages (young, middle, and adult) under the disturbance of great gerbils.