Recent research led by Yanwei Fan from the College of Energy and Power Engineering at Lanzhou University of Technology has unveiled significant advancements in the irrigation methods used for cultivating Haloxylon ammodendron, a tree species vital for windbreaks and sand fixation. This study, published in Agricultural Water Management, highlights the comparative benefits of vertical tube surface drip irrigation (PSDI) over traditional surface drip irrigation (TSDI) in enhancing the growth and survival rates of this pioneering species.
Haloxylon ammodendron plays a crucial role in improving ecological conditions, particularly in arid regions. However, its cultivation has been hampered by low survival rates and slow growth, making the development of effective irrigation techniques essential. The study conducted a field experiment over a year, from May 2022 to May 2023, to evaluate how different irrigation methods and tube parameters affect the growth of H. ammodendron.
The findings revealed that PSDI significantly improved soil moisture content in the root zone while also lowering soil temperature, which is critical for plant health. According to Fan, “PSDI resulted in increases in plant height, stem diameter, crown width, new shoot length, and number of new shoots by 61.3%, 45.1%, 44.4%, 37.8%, and 24.6% compared to TSDI, respectively.” This impressive growth translates into better survival rates and more robust plants, which are essential for ecological restoration projects.
Moreover, the study identified optimal conditions for using PSDI, with a tube diameter of 160 mm and a burial depth of 15 cm yielding the best results. This specific setup not only enhances plant growth but also increases total fresh and dry weights, indicating a more efficient use of water resources. The research also developed an empirical model to predict the growth dynamics of H. ammodendendron, providing a valuable tool for future cultivation strategies.
The implications of this research extend beyond ecological restoration. For sectors involved in agriculture, environmental management, and sustainable development, adopting PSDI can lead to more effective planting of sand-fixing seedlings, ultimately improving land stability and agricultural productivity. The findings offer commercial opportunities for irrigation technology companies and agricultural consultants aiming to enhance crop yields and sustainability in arid regions.
As the world increasingly faces challenges related to climate change and desertification, innovations like PSDI present practical solutions to improve plant growth and ecological health. This study serves as a significant contribution to the field, offering a pathway for more effective and sustainable irrigation practices in challenging environments. The comprehensive results and their potential applications underscore the importance of continuous research in agricultural water management.
