Selection and evaluation of suitable tree species in dry and dusty mining areas of Northwest China

Abstract

To select drought-resistant and dust-tolerant native species suitable for use in the rehabilitation of major coal bases in northwest China, nine tree species were identified for growth rates, biomass, harm index, and physiological indices under drought and high dust stress conditions. The results showed that, in the dust resistance index system, the order was Caragana korshinskii > Amorpha fruticosa > Sabina vulgaris > Hedysarum scoparium > Tamarix chinensis > Ammopiptanthus mongolicus > Ulmus pumila > Caryopteris mongholica > Elaeagnus angustifolia. In a comprehensive drought and dust resistance index system, 14 indices (such as shoot length, stomatal conductance, and peroxidase) had the larger weight indices. The drought and dust resistance order of the tree species was Caragana korshinskii > Ulmus pumila > Amorpha fruticosa > Sabina vulgaris > Caryopteris mongholica > Ammopiptanthus mongolicus > Hedysarum scoparium > Tamarix chinensis > Elaeagnus angustifolia. This study provides effective strategies and references for selecting suitable tree species for arid mining sites in China, and also for the revegetation of coal mining sites worldwide.