A Discussion about shrub being an important biological resource in grassland restoration in arid and semi-arid regions

Arid and semi-arid desert region in northwest is the typical desert ecosystem in China,and plays a vital role in maintaining bio-diversity eco-service function and stability of desert ecosystem.During the second half of the 20 th century,with the rapid development of population and economy,human activities changed structure and process of water and energy cycle in desert ecosystem,which caused severe shrub deterioration.In order to conserve shrub resources and enhance the recognition of the importance of shrub grassland restoration process,the paper dissertated its special effects on soil improvement,plant diversity,wind breaking and sand fixation.It was suggested that shrub be studied further to exert its greater efficiency in grassland restoration.