[A comparative study on water use characteristics and eco-adaptability of Hippophae rhamnoides and Caragana korshinskii in semi-arid loess hilly-gully region].

This study compared the seasonal dynamics of soil water content, biomass productivity, and leaf photosynthetic physiology and water potential between about ten years old Hippophae rhamnoides and Caragana korshinskii planted on the hilly slope land of semi-arid loess hilly-gully region. The results showed that there existed dry soil layer in the stands. The seasonal compensation depth of soil water in Hippophae rhamnoides stand was deeper and its water use capability was better than those of C. korshinskii. The yearly productivity of Hippophae rhamnoides was about 2.56 times of C. korshinskii. Hippophae rhamnoides leaf had an increased water use efficiency under improved soil water condition. C. korshinskii had higher photosynthetic and transpiration rates, but its leaf WUE was smaller than Hippophae rhamnoides. These two forests all had drought resistance and tolerance characteristics, but Hippophae rhamnoides was more active than C. korshinskii adapting to drought.