Comparison on functions of wind break and sand fixation four plant species in Minqin desert

Haloaylon ammodendron, Artemisia desertorum, Nitraria tangutorum and Ephedra przewalskii are widely distributed in Minqin desert, which are the major forages in this area. In the present study, we examined the functions of wind prevention and sandfixing of these plants. We calculated the vertical section per crown and the vertical section per unit area. We also calculated the volume of sand fixed by each crown and the volume of sand fixed per unit area. Then the functions of wind prevention and sand fixing of these plants were compared. The results showed that the function of wind prevention of a single crown was decreased in the following order: N.tangutorumH.ammodendronA.desertorumE.przewalskii. The function of sandfixing of a single crown was N.tangutorumE.przewalskii. The functions of wind prevention and sandfixing per unit area were decreased in the following order: N.tangutorumA.desertorumH.ammodendronE.przewalskii. If wind prevention is the main purpose, A.arenaria should be chosen. If sandfixing is focused, N.tangutorum should be chosen. If both of these functions are considered, N.tangutorum and A.desertorum will be a good choice.