Abstract:

In this study, we investigated the impact of frequency of drip irrigation on survival and growth of shelterbelts in an extremely arid area, which would be important information in determining scientific irrigation regime of shelterbelts, and defensing stability of shelterbelt systems in arid areas. To determine an efficient irrigation frequency of drip irrigation on shelterbelt of Elaeagnus angustifolia in the extreme arid area, the present study evaluated the effect of four irrigation frequencies (irrigate one time every 5, 10, 20, and 30 days, respectively) on survival rate, basal diameter, tree height, crown, and the protective effect against wind through three years of field monitoring. The results showed: (1) The T2 treatment had significantly (P<0.05) different the survival rate from the T1 and T4 treatments, but not significantly different with the T3 treatment. (2) With T2 treatment, a tree needed irrigation of 540 L annually. In a plantation model of 1 m × 3 m, a hectare of land was planted with 2 625 trees, and the water consumption in the first four years was 378 m³. The T2 treatment achieved a good water-saving goal. (3) The T2 treatment significantly promoted tree height, basal diameter, and crown; (4) As for the wind control benefit, the T4 treatment was worst, the T2 treatment was the best, with no significant difference between T1 and T3 treatments.

Key words: Elaeagnus angustifolia, irrigation frequency, survival rate, growth, wind control benefit, the lower reaches of Tarim River