Responses of Tamarix ramosissima ABA accumulation to changes in groundwater levels and soil salinity in the lower reaches of Tarim River, China

The Tarim River, located in central Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is situated north of the Taklimakana Desert. A reduction in groundwater levels and a concomitant increase in soil salinity have reduced vegetation in lower reaches of the river. Tamarix ramosissima is one of the dominant plant species in this riparian system. This species provides a buffer between the desert and the riparian zone, and contributes significantly to the function of the ecosystem and the maintenance of the biodiversity. Thus, an understanding of how T. ramosissima responds to changes in groundwater levels and soil salinity is necessary for ecological and economic management of this riparian system. We found a positive correlation (Pearson Correlation Coefficient = 0.80305) between T. ramosissima Abscisic Acid (ABA) and groundwater levels, and a negative correlation between ABA and soil salinity levels (Pearson Correlation Coefficient = –0.00961). From these relationships between ABA and groundwater/salinity we concluded that subsurface groundwater level of 3.12 m and soil salinity of 0.96 g/L can limit the normal growth and development of T. ramosissima; subsurface groundwater level of larger than 5.59 m and soil salinity of higher than 1.61 g/L will strongly impede the normal development of T. ramosissima. So we should take into account the resistance of plants to environmental stressors such as drought and salinity to keep the levels of salinity and groundwater on both sides of the main river within a range, in which trees, shrubs and herbs can grow well, and perform various ecological functions. Such conservation practice will not only avoid waste of water resources, but also contribute to efficient artificial water-recharge, helping to maintain the riparian zone of Tarim River and to promote “green corridor” maintenance.