Nebkhas play important roles in desertification control and biodiversity protection in arid and semi-arid regions of China
Nebkhas are isolated mounds vegetated with burial-tolerant desert plants that trap windborne sediment within their canopies. Nebkhas are critical to desertification control and biodiversity protection of oases in arid and semi-arid regions of China, as they (ⅰ) trap windborne sediments and ensure oa...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Language: | EN |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2020
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doaj.org/article/30c146e92ce04f508750f6129e0565e5 |
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| Summary: | Nebkhas are isolated mounds vegetated with burial-tolerant desert plants that trap windborne sediment within their canopies. Nebkhas are critical to desertification control and biodiversity protection of oases in arid and semi-arid regions of China, as they (ⅰ) trap windborne sediments and ensure oasis security; (ⅱ) as “fertile islands,” nebkhas can trap and provide a suitable micro-environment for seeds, birds, and small soil animals, and increase biodiversity; (ⅲ) increase the soil surface roughness and significantly reduce soil erosion following heavy rain. However, the establishment of sand-fixing vegetation and over-grazing significantly limits the development and accelerate the degradation of nebkhas, threatening oasis ecosystems. We provide background and recommendations for protective measures for nebkha landscapes in arid and semi-arid areas of China to aid managers in oasis protection. |
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