A comparative study on drought-resistance of four plant species in kerqin sandy land

The water physio-ecological index and photosynthetic rate of four plant species, Caragana microphylla, Amorpha fruticosa, Artemish halodendron, and Lespedeza bicolor, in kerqin sandy land were determined. The results showed that C. microphylla has the lowest leaf water potential and the highest water-maintainance, bound water/free water ratio, and water utilization efficiency. Its drought-resistance is the strongest. Amorpha fruticosa was contrary to Caragana microphylla, and its drought-resistance was the weakest. Artemish halodendrona had a high leaf water potential, but its water-maintainance, bound water/free water ratio, and water utilization efficiency were very high. Its drought-resistance was stronger. Lespedeza bicolar had a lower leaf water potential and water-maintainance, and a usual bound water/free water ratio, and water utilization efficiency. Its drought-resistance was stronger than Amorpha fruticosa's, but weaker than Artemish halodendron's.