Abstract:

Based on local monitoring data of rain, interception, runoff, soil water dynamics and biomass in an apricot forest on tableland and sloping land in loess region of Northern Shaanxi from 2005 to 2007, relationshis between natural precipitation and soil water supply, soil water supply and biomass, soil water consumption and biomass were analysed and established in this paper. In this region the apricot biomass carrying was 3 728 kg·hm^-2 on tableland, and 2 423 kg·hm^-2 on sloping land. Appropriate fruit yield of apricot were 4 714 kg·hm^-2 on tableland, and 3 064 kg·hm^-2 on sloping land. We propose to take comprehensive measures in production of apricot such as soil and water conservation, pruning, preserving soil moisture, flower and fruit control, and growth hormone application, balance of soil water resources between income and expenditure, and achieve sustainable development of apricot production.

Key words: loess region in Northern Shaanxi, apricot, vegetation carrying capacity of soil water