The Study Of Leaf Functional Traits Of Typical Plants Across The Alashan Desert

Leaf traits of plants in desert environment not only reflect the balance process and results of both assimilate synthesis and plants water loss,but also show the nutrient utilization strategy when plants cope with barren environment.In this study,performance characteristics of leaf traits,which adapt to barren environment in the Alxa desert areas,were studied as the core.It analyzed the seasonal dynamic change of both SLA and leaf nutrient content,studied the variation of leaf nutrient content,and discussed the relationship between plants leaf traits.Meanwhile,it researched the change characteristics of nutrient content in plants mature period and autumn leaves,compared the differences of nutrient absorption rate between different plants,and discussed the intrinsic relationship between the elemental stoichiometry characteristic and the nutrient recovery efficiency.The results show that:1.The plant nutrients display different variation in the growing season.The six elements(N,P,K,Ca,Na,Mg)are greater volatility in the growing seasons.N,P,K is on the decline,but the element Ca is on rising.There is a positive correlation between SLA and nutrients(C,Cu).The elements(P,K,Mg,Fe)are negatively correlated with SLA,which reachs a significant level.2.The influence of plant genetic characteristics on leaf C,N,K,Na,Ca,Mg,Mn,Cu and Zn content is greatest.However,leaf P content is mainly determined by sampling date(season).Leaf Fe content is mainly determined by both sampling date(season)and species.3.There is not a significant difference for leaf C content between mature and withered phase.The contents of N,P and K in withered leaves are lower than those of ripening leaves.No matter what period it is,the lifetype has no significant effect on the contents of the leaves C,N and P.4.The recovery efficiency of N,P are 51.01% and 34.00%.Meanwhile,the N recovery efficiency of annual herbs is greater than that of shrubs.However,P recovery efficiency hasn't significant difference between lifestyle.P recovery efficiency and C: P of ripening leaves show a significant negative correlation;There is no significant correlation between N recovery efficiency and C: N of ripening leaves;There is a significant positive correlation between N,P nutrient recovery ratio and N: P of the ripening leaves.