International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 343-354 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 347 Table 2 Physicochemical properties of Xanthoceras sorbifoliumseed oil (Adapted from Yao et al., 2013) Property Unit Value Density at 20 °C kg/L 0.914 Kinematic viscosity at 40 °C mm2/s 38.11 Caloric value MJ/kg 39.7 Peroxide value meqO2/kg 0.16 Acid value mgKOH/g 0.601 Free fatty acid % 0.3 Iodine value g I2/100 g 113 Saponification value mgKOH/g 176 4 Applications of Xanthoceras sorbifolium in Ecological Restoration and Desertification Control 4.1 Ecological role of Xanthoceras in windbreaks and sand fixation Xanthoceras sorbifolium, a small deciduous tree, plays a vital ecological role in mitigating the effects of desertification and providing windbreaks in arid and semi-arid regions. Its deep root system helps anchor soil, reducing erosion caused by strong winds and maintaining soil stability. This makes it an effective species for restoring degraded lands, particularly in northern China, where desertification has severely impacted the environment. Studies have shown that the extensive planting of Xanthoceras in desert regions has significantly reduced wind erosion and helped reclaim areas that would otherwise be unsuitable for vegetation growth (Liu, 2012). Furthermore, Xanthoceras serves as a reliable species for ecological restoration due to its high adaptability to poor soil conditions. In areas prone to sand movement and degradation, this species has demonstrated its ability to create stable microenvironments that allow other plant species to establish themselves, thus promoting ecosystem recovery. The use of Xanthoceras in windbreaks and sand-fixing belts has proven to be highly beneficial for combating desertification in the Horqin Sandy Lands and other desertified regions (Ruan et al., 2017). 4.2 Role in soil improvement Beyond its ability to control sand and wind erosion, Xanthoceras sorbifoliumcontributes to soil improvement by enriching infertile soils. This species is known for its ability to fix nitrogen, which helps increase the nutrient content of poor soils, making it more conducive for agriculture and other vegetation. The tree's deep roots improve soil structure by enhancing aeration and promoting water infiltration, which is critical in dry, compacted soils (Table 3). Research has shown that areas planted with Xanthoceras experience better water retention and improved organic matter content, which boosts soil fertility over time (Li and Fan, 2010). Table 3 (113 ° 46 ′ 14.37 ″ E, 32 ° 22 ′ 6.06 ″ N, altitude 120 m) Changes in soil bulk density and porosity under different planting methods Solum (cm) Handle Unit weight (g/cm3) Total porosity (%) Capillary porosity (%) Ventilation porosity (%) Soil moisture content (%) 0~20 Convention planting 1.36±0.01a 48.74±0.21b 31.61± 1.08a 19.68±0.88b 21.39±0.60a Ridge culture 1.27±0.02b 52.12±0.89a 33.01±0.84a 29.08± 1. 18a 18.16±0.30b 20~40 Convention planting 1.48±0.03a 44.03± 1.28b 27.34±0.54b 10.92±2.68b 22.31±0.45a Ridge culture 1.41±0.02b 46.67±0.63a 29.07±0.93a 19.71± 1.92a 19.07±0.82b Note: Different lowercase letters in the same soil layer and column indicate significant differences in different planting methods (P<0.05)
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