Sand-fixing method using haloxylon type pruning and sand burying

Abstract

This invention discloses a sand-fixing method utilizing coppicing and sand burial of Haloxylon ammodendron, relating to the fields of windbreak, sand fixation, and vegetation restoration. Based on the natural growth angle of Haloxylon ammodendron branches, this invention applies coppicing and layering treatments to upright and inclined branches respectively. Inclined branches are laid flat against the ground and buried in sand, causing adventitious roots to sprout from the buried internodes and new suckers to grow upwards. These newly formed suckers are guided towards adjacent plants and buried perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction, creating a connected network structure between plants through their root systems and stolons. This invention classifies and treats branches according to their type. Coppicing upright branches reduces plant height and branch height, promoting tillering; sand burial of inclined branches induces adventitious roots, expands the water absorption area, lowers the center of gravity of branches and leaves, and increases ground cover, which is beneficial for improving the sand-fixing efficiency of vegetation, enhancing the water use efficiency of Haloxylon ammodendron, and promoting healthy shrub development.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of windbreak and sand fixation and vegetation restoration technology, and more specifically, to a sand fixation method using Haloxylon ammodendron pruning and sand burial. Background Technology

[0002] Haloxylon ammodendron is an important sand-fixing plant in arid desert areas, widely distributed in the arid sandy regions of Northwest China. It possesses strong drought, salt, and wind resistance, making it a preferred tree species for vegetation restoration and ecological construction in sandy areas. Under natural growth conditions, the branches of Haloxylon ammodendron exhibit different growth forms. Some branches grow upright or nearly upright, with a pronounced apical dominance, reaching a height of 2-4 meters. The lower branches are usually quite tall, with relatively limited foliage coverage near the ground. Other branches, due to wind erosion, gravity, or sand pressure, grow at an inclined or prostrate position, with a smaller angle to the ground.

[0003] Existing technologies for sand fixation using Haloxylon ammodendron generally suffer from low sand fixation efficiency and low water use efficiency.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sand-fixing method using Haloxylon ammodendron pruning and sand burial, which aims to improve the sand-fixing efficiency and water use efficiency of the plants.

[0006] This invention is implemented as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for sand fixation using the type-based coppicing and sand burial of Haloxylon ammodendron, comprising: observing the Haloxylon ammodendron plants to be treated, measuring the angle between each main branch and the horizontal ground, identifying branches with an angle greater than 45° as upright branches, and identifying branches with an angle less than or equal to 45° as inclined branches. Upright branches are pruned; slanted branches are flattened so that they lie flat on the ground and are buried in sand. After 8-14 months, the flattened, sloping branches sprout adventitious roots at the buried internodes and grow new suckers upwards. The upright branches after coppicing sprout new clusters at the base and on the remaining stems. The newly formed suckers are guided to the direction of adjacent plants and buried perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction of the area, so that each plant forms a connected network structure through its root system and creeping branches.

[0007] In an optional implementation, the upright branches are cut off at a height of 20cm-60cm above the ground.

[0008] In an optional implementation, the coppicing height is determined based on the plant's growth vigor. For plants with a height of less than 1.0m, the coppicing height is 20-50cm; for plants with a height of 1.0m or more, the coppicing height is 50-60cm.

[0009] In an optional implementation, during the flattening process, pruned branches are placed crosswise above the sloping branches and buried together.

[0010] In an alternative implementation, adventitious roots of the sand-buried, sloping branches develop from the leaf axils and internodes, forming new absorptive root systems.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the burial thickness of the inclined branches is 6cm-9cm.

[0012] In an optional implementation, both the coppicing and flattening processes are carried out from early October to early November; And / or, the average height of the treated Haloxylon ammodendron plants is 1.0m-1.5m, and the average ground diameter is 1.0cm-2.0cm.

[0013] In an optional implementation, select a creeping sucker longer than 50cm from a plant, guide it toward an adjacent plant and bury it with sand to allow adventitious roots to sprout at the junction. Repeatedly guide the creeping suckers towards adjacent plants and bury them with sand to create a network structure that connects the plants through their roots and creeping branches, covering the entire sand-fixing area.

[0014] In an optional implementation, connecting channels are established between adjacent plants through horizontal layering, so that each plant forms a connected network structure through its roots and creeping branches.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the included angle is measured using the extension direction from the base to the middle of the branch.

[0016] This invention has the following beneficial effects: Based on the natural growth angle of Haloxylon ammodendron branches, this invention applies coppicing and layering treatments to upright and inclined branches respectively. Inclined branches are laid flat on the ground and buried in sand, causing adventitious roots to sprout from the buried internodes and new suckers to grow upwards. These newly formed suckers are guided towards adjacent plants, and the burial treatment is carried out perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction, creating a connected network structure between plants through their root systems and stolons. This invention classifies and treats branches according to their type. Coppicing upright branches reduces plant height and branch height, promoting tillering; burying inclined branches in sand induces adventitious roots, expands the water absorption area, lowers the center of gravity of branches and leaves, and increases the ground cover, which is beneficial to the sand-fixing efficiency of vegetation, improves the water use efficiency of Haloxylon ammodendron, and promotes healthy shrub development. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This invention provides an overall flowchart of the sand fixation method. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Where specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer shall apply. Reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are all conventional products that can be purchased commercially.

[0020] In windbreak and sand fixation practices, the density of branches and leaves of *Haloxylon ammodendron* in the ground-level layer (0-50cm above ground) directly affects the reduction of near-surface windblown sand. While tall, upright plants can provide a certain degree of windbreak, the high area beneath their branches often forms airflow channels, reducing sand-blocking efficiency. Simultaneously, tall plants have a higher transpiration rate, leading to a significant water supply-demand imbalance in arid sandy areas. Furthermore, *Haloxylon ammodendron* branches, after being buried by shifting sand, exhibit the biological characteristic of sprouting numerous adventitious roots from internodes or leaf axils. The formation of adventitious roots expands the plant's surface area for absorbing soil moisture, helping it maintain water balance in arid environments. This invention utilizes this characteristic, applying coppicing and sand burial treatments to upright and inclined branches respectively, based on the natural growth angle of the branches, while simultaneously optimizing the plant's canopy structure to enhance its sand-fixing efficiency and water use efficiency.

[0021] This invention provides a sand-fixing method utilizing the coppicing and burial of Haloxylon ammodendron, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the steps are as follows: S1. Branch Morphology Classification The Haloxylon ammodendron plants to be treated were observed, and the angle between each main branch and the horizontal ground was measured. Branches with an angle greater than 45° were identified as upright branches, and branches with an angle less than or equal to 45° were identified as inclined branches.

[0022] In some embodiments, the average height of the Haloxylon ammodendron plants to be treated is 1.0m-1.5m, such as 1.0m, 1.1m, 1.2m, 1.3m, 1.4m, 1.5m, etc.; the average ground diameter is 1.0cm-2.0cm, such as 1.0cm, 1.3cm, 1.5cm, 1.8cm, 2.0cm, etc. Specifically, "ground diameter" refers to the diameter of the main trunk at the soil mark on the ground. Observation work can be carried out at the end of the autumn growth period, that is, from early October to early November in the Gregorian calendar. The selected Haloxylon ammodendron plants are preferably artificial or natural Haloxylon ammodendron forests that are 10 years or older. The angle between the extension direction from the base to the middle of each main branch of the Haloxylon ammodendron to be treated and the horizontal ground is measured. When measuring the angle, the extension direction from the base to the middle of the branch is used as the reference.

[0023] S2, Coppicing of upright branches The upright branches are pruned. Pruning refers to cutting the branches of Haloxylon ammodendron at a certain height to encourage the sprouting of a strong new main stem or branches from the cut point. Pruning is carried out at the end of the autumn growing season, that is, from early October to early November.

[0024] In some embodiments, upright branches are coppiced 20-60cm above the ground. The specific cut position can be adjusted according to the branch's growth, with distances from the ground ranging from 20cm, 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, 40cm, 45cm, 50cm, 55cm, to 60cm. Using pruning shears or a handsaw, all branches above the coppiced point are removed, ensuring a clean, unsplit cut. The height of the basal stem retained after coppicing is determined based on the plant's vigor: for vigorous plants with a large diameter at the base (e.g., less than 1.0m tall), the coppicing height is 20-50cm; for weaker plants with a smaller diameter at the base (e.g., 1.0m tall or more), the coppicing height is 50-60cm.

[0025] S3, Inclined branch sand burial treatment Leave the leaning branches in their original growth state without pruning. Use a flattening method, pressing the branches flat against the ground and burying them in sand to achieve the effect of sand burial.

[0026] In some embodiments, during the flattening process, pruned branches are placed crosswise above the inclined branches and buried together. The forked branches of the pruned branches are used for auxiliary layering, ensuring good contact between the branches and the sand. Specifically, the pruned branches from step S2 are placed crosswise above the inclined branches. The pruned branches help to stabilize the soil and increase roughness, thereby enhancing the sand-fixing effect and forming sand ridges to maintain soil moisture content near the buried branches. The sand burial treatment is also carried out from early October to early November.

[0027] Furthermore, the burying thickness of the inclined branches is 6cm-9cm, such as 6cm, 7cm, 8cm, 9cm, etc. "Burying thickness" refers to the thickness of the sand covering the inclined branches.

[0028] S4. Adventitious root induction and sucker development After 8-14 months, adventitious roots can sprout from the buried internodes and leaf axils of the sloping branches treated with sand burial (flattening treatment). Some of these adventitious roots can penetrate into the lower layers of sand, forming new absorbing root systems. Simultaneously, new suckers sprout upwards from the internodes of the buried branches. These suckers emerge from the sand surface and continue to grow, forming new above-ground parts of the plant. For the upright branches treated with coppicing, new clusters of branches sprout from the remaining basal stem and ground stem, primarily growing upright or obliquely.

[0029] S5, Root Network Connection and Sand Fixation Unit Expansion The newly formed creeping suckers are guided towards adjacent plants and buried perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction of the area, so that the plants can form a connected network structure through their roots and creeping branches.

[0030] In practice, after the new plants formed from the treated branches have stabilized, select a robust creeping sucker from one of the plants, for example, a creeping sucker longer than 50cm. Guide this sucker towards an adjacent plant and bury it with sand, allowing adventitious roots to sprout at the connection point. Specifically, establish connecting channels between adjacent plants through horizontal layering, creating a network structure where each plant is connected by its root system and creeping branches. Repeat the process of guiding creeping suckers towards adjacent plants and burying them with sand, ensuring a continuous network structure that covers the entire sand-fixing area.

[0031] The features and performance of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

[0032] Example 1 This embodiment provides a sand-fixing method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial, the steps of which are as follows: (1) Classification of branch morphology In early November, 80 saxaul trees were selected, with an average height of 1.2m and an average diameter at ground level of 1.5cm.

[0033] Observations revealed that upright branches (angle > 45°) accounted for 70% of the total number of branches, while slanted branches (angle ≤ 45°) accounted for 30%.

[0034] (2) Cutting off upright branches.

[0035] For plants less than 1.0m tall, the coppicing height is 45cm; for plants 1.0m tall or taller, the coppicing height is 55cm. Use pruning shears to remove the upper branches, treating a total of 150 upright branches.

[0036] (3) Treatment of inclined branches by sand burial For slanted branches, place the pruned branches from step (2) crosswise above the slanted branches, and bury them to a thickness of 8cm. A total of 65 slanted branches were treated.

[0037] (4) Adventitious root induction and sucker generation The following year, an inspection revealed that 50% of the sand-buried branches sprouted adventitious roots, while 80% of the coppiced plants sprouted new shoots. New shoots sprouted from the internodes of the buried branches.

[0038] (5) Root network connection and sand fixation unit expansion After the new plants formed from the treated branches have stabilized, select a robust creeping sucker from one of the plants, guide it towards an adjacent plant, and bury it with sand to encourage the growth of adventitious roots at the junction. Repeat this process of guiding the creeping suckers towards adjacent plants and burying them with sand, creating a connected network structure between the plants through their root systems and creeping branches, covering the entire sand-fixing area.

[0039] In this embodiment, surviving plants were horizontally layered to establish 20 connection channels. A survey conducted in the autumn of the second year after treatment showed that vegetation cover in the treated area increased from 20% to 35%, the density of branches and leaves in the ground layer increased by 50%, the roughness of the sand surface improved, and wind erosion pits were effectively repaired.

[0040] Comparative Example 1 The difference from Example 1 is that in step (1), there are upright branches (angle > 40°) and inclined branches (angle ≤ 40°), and other steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0041] In this comparative example, after coppicing upright branches with an angle >40°, the number of upright branches in the treated area increased by 5% in the autumn of the second year, the vegetation coverage increased from 20% to 30%, the density of branches and leaves in the ground layer increased by 45%, the roughness of the sand surface increased, and the wind erosion pits were repaired, but the overall effect was weaker than that of Example 1.

[0042] Comparative Example 2 The difference from Example 1 is that in step (1), there are upright branches (angle > 55°) and inclined branches (angle ≤ 55°), and other steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0043] In this comparative example, after horizontal layering treatment of inclined branches with an angle ≤55°, the number of upright branches in the treated area decreased by 10% in the autumn of the second year. Simultaneously, due to the increased breakage of large-angle branches during sand burial, the number of inclined branches decreased by 5%. Vegetation coverage increased from 20% to 30%, the density of ground-level branches and leaves increased by 45%, sand surface roughness improved, and wind erosion pits were repaired, but the overall effect was weaker than in Example 1.

[0044] In summary, this invention provides a sand-fixing method utilizing coppicing and sand burial of Haloxylon ammodendron: For artificial or natural Haloxylon ammodendron forests older than 10 years, in autumn, branches with an angle greater than 45° are classified as upright, while those with an angle less than or equal to 45° are classified as inclined. Upright branches are coppiced 20-60cm from the ground surface and laid horizontally on the ground relative to the prevailing wind direction to increase surface cover and promote sand fixation. Inclined branches are fixed to the ground by pressing them down (using forked branches pruned during coppicing), which also increases surface cover and promotes sand fixation. After burial, inclined branches can sprout adventitious roots and suckers at the internodes, while coppiced branches sprout clustered branches at their base, all of which reduce near-surface wind speed, weaken sand flow, and promote the development of the Haloxylon ammodendron root network and the expansion of sand-fixing units.

[0045] Specifically, the sand-fixing method provided by this invention has the following advantages: (1) It is classified and treated according to the natural growth angle of the branches, which is highly targeted. The upright branches are suppressed by coppicing to inhibit plant biomass, maintain vegetation-soil water balance, and promote basal tillering, so that the plant height is controlled at 50-80cm, effectively improving the efficiency of vegetation near the ground surface in preventing sand fixation; the inclined branches are induced to grow close to the ground by sand burial. The two treatment methods work together to shift the center of gravity of the plant branches and leaves downward, increase the coverage of branches and leaves in the ground layer, and reduce the rate of wind and sand passage near the ground. (2) The adventitious roots induced by sand burial together with the original root system constitute a shallow absorption root group. The adventitious roots are mainly distributed in the shallow layer of sand, which is more likely to absorb precipitation infiltration and condensation. After the single Haloxylon ammodendron is treated by sand burial of inclined branches, the number of adventitious roots is large, the total root length increases, the water absorption area expands, and the water use efficiency is improved. (3) Coppicing reduces the transpiration area of ​​the above-ground parts of the plant, and the water consumption per plant is reduced. The new shoots sprouting from the base after coppicing consume less water in the early stage of growth. As the root network expands, the water supply and demand tend to be balanced, and the long-term survival rate of the plant is improved. (4) The sloping branches after sand burial treatment sprout from the sand surface and form a close bond with the sand pile, which enhances the sand fixation effect over time. (5) This method is simple to operate. The tools only require pruning shears and shovels. The materials can be obtained locally from sand. There is no need to transport grass or engineering materials from outside. It is suitable for promotion and application in sandy areas with inconvenient transportation.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for sand fixation using Haloxylon ammodendron pruning and coppicing, characterized in that, include: The Haloxylon ammodendron plants to be treated were observed, and the angle between each main branch and the horizontal ground was measured. Branches with an angle greater than 45° were identified as upright branches, and branches with an angle less than or equal to 45° were identified as inclined branches. The upright branches are cut back; the sloping branches are flattened so that they lie flat on the ground and are buried in sand. After 8-14 months, the flattened inclined branches sprout adventitious roots at the buried internodes and grow new suckers upwards. The upright branches after the coppicing treatment sprout new clusters of branches at the base and on the remaining stems. The newly formed suckers are guided to the direction of adjacent plants and buried perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction of the area, so that each plant forms a connected network structure through its root system and creeping branches.

2. The sand-fixing method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upright branches are cut off at a height of 20cm-60cm above the ground.

3. The sand fixation method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The coppicing height is determined based on the plant's growth vigor. For plants less than 1.0m tall, the coppicing height is 20-50cm; for plants 1.0m tall or more, the coppicing height is 50-60cm.

4. The sand-fixing method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial as described in claim 1, characterized in that, During the flattening process, the pruned branches are placed crosswise above the inclined branches and buried together.

5. The sand-fixing method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The adventitious roots of the inclined branches buried in sand originate from the leaf axils and internodes, forming new absorptive root systems.

6. The sand-fixing method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The buried thickness of the inclined branches is 6cm-9cm.

7. The sand-fixing method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Both the coppicing treatment and the flattening treatment were carried out from early October to early November; And / or, the average height of the Haloxylon ammodendron plants to be treated is 1.0m-1.5m, and the average ground diameter is 1.0cm-2.0cm.

8. The sand-fixing method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Select a creeping sucker longer than 50cm from a plant, guide it toward an adjacent plant and cover it with sand to encourage the growth of adventitious roots at the junction. The creeping suckers are repeatedly guided towards adjacent plants and buried in sand, so that the plants form a connected network structure through their roots and creeping branches, covering the entire sand-fixing area.

9. The sand-fixing method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Connecting channels are established between adjacent plants through horizontal layering, creating a network structure where plants are interconnected through their roots and creeping branches.

10. The sand fixation method using Haloxylon ammodendron coppicing and sand burial as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When measuring the included angle, use the direction of extension from the base to the middle of the branch as the reference.

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