Welcome to Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin,

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2015, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (7): 206-211.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb14110022

Special Issue: 农业气象

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Soil-hydrological Effects of Physical Crusts in Arid Desert Region

  

  • Received:2014-11-05 Revised:2015-02-24 Accepted:2014-12-30 Online:2015-04-03 Published:2015-04-03

Abstract: In the arid desert region, soil physical crust exists widely and has important ecological significance for maintaining the balance of ecosystem. The author summarized the classification, formation and influencing factors of physical crust, discussed the research trends on the effects of physical crusts on soil rainfall infiltration, evaporation, direct surface runoff, soil development and microbial growth and so on at home and abroad, investigated the relationship between physical crust and biological crust, pointed out research expectation of physical crust. The author suggested: in the east part of Hexi Corridor, clay barriers and Haloxylon ammodendron acted as sand fixing afforestation. This mode led to physical crust extensively developed under the raindrop erosion. The crust reduced the water penetration, increased direct surface runoff, which resulted in deep soil drought and degeneration of artificial Haloxylon ammodendron and the reduction of deep soil moisture, it led to desert zone eco-hydrology process and vegetation pattern evolution. This study has significance in restoration of degraded vegetation and hydrological cycle of soil moisture in arid desert area.