Changes in the properties of sandy soils upon plant successions in arid ecosystems

摘要

Plant successions in sandy deserts result in the development of Haloxylon communities and stabilization of sand dunes (barkhans). Weakly developed sandy soils under these communities perform important ecological functions. They are characterized by the formation of a humus horizon that contains a significant amount of salts owing to the regular input of Haloxylon leaves enriched in sodium and calcium chlorides, sulfates, and bicarbonates; a thin (2-10 cm) subhumus horizon becomes enriched in available nutrients. A tendency toward the accumulation of silt and clay particles is identified in these horizons.