Variations in water use strategies of at coppice dunes along a precipitation gradient in desert regions of northwest China.

Introduction: The precipitation pattern has changed significantly in arid desert areas, yet it is not clear how the water use strategies of Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. on coppice dunes along a natural precipitation gradient are affected.

Methods: In this study, the hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of xylem water, soil water, precipitation, and groundwater were measured by stable isotope techniques in Huocheng, Mosuowan, and Tazhong.

Fractal features of soil grain-size distribution in a typical Tamarix cones in the Taklimakan Desert, China.

Tamarix cones play key roles in preventing sand erosion and maintaining regional ecosystem stability. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of soil grain size distribution (GSD) in Tamarix cones across the Taklimakan Desert, verify the relationships between soil grain composition and the fractal dimension, and analyze the relationships between soil GSD and environmental factors. Soils of the Tamarix cones from 0 to 500 cm soil depth were sampled every 20 cm at four sites (Qiemo, Qira, Aral, and Tazhong) along the periphery to the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert.