Abstract:

The biomass, productivity and the ecological and economical benefits of Casuarina equisetifolia shelterbelt in coastal region of Pintan in Fujian Province were determined during 3 years. The biomass and net primary productivity of the shelter belt was 350.25 t·hm^-2 and 23.918 t·hm^-2a^-1, respectively. The effective protected range of the shelterbelt was 10 H(ten-fold of tree height) on windward side and 15 H on the leeside from the edge of the shelterbelt. In this range, the average wind speed was reduced by 24.3%, the average content of soil fine sand was increased by 1.1%, the average evaporation was reduced by 15.7%, the average precipitation was increased by an amount of 46.1 mm, and the soil moisture was increased by 1.1%. In the effective protected range, the crop yield was increased by 15%, with an increased dry weight per 1 000 kernel of barley and an enhanced coarse amylum content. The results indicated that Cauarina equisetifolia is the most effective in improving ecological environments of coastal region and contributes highly to the economic development.

Key words: Casuarina equisetifolia, Biomass, Productivity, Ecological and economical benefit