Ecological effect of the riparian ecosystem in the lower reaches of the Tarim River in northwest China.

Abstract

The riparian vegetation in the lower reaches of the Tarim River is an irreplaceable natural resource for its ecosystem, and also a guarantee for the transportation safety in this area. Here, we analyzed different plant influences on soil erosion and evaluate the main ecosystem service functions served by the riparian vegetation to study area. Results showed that the total amount of sand-fixation in the study area was 4.14×1013 t and that Tamarix chinensis had a greater influence on wind speed and sediment transport than Populus euphratica, and the Tamarix chinensis can be used as suitable vegetation for wind erosion measures and provide scientific basis for the optimization of vegetation matching and reasonable allocation scheme for ecological construction in arid areas. The total ecosystem service value was calculated to be $11.03×1011. Of the main ecosystem service functions, riparian vegetation primarily served as sand fixation. Results show that, this research was identical, and the construction of shelterbelt plays an important role in the promotion of wind and sand control measures. Finally, our findings highlights the need for further research on how vegetation function as windbreak and sand fixation.