Non-structural carbohydrate allocation and interspecific differences of different soil and water conservation tree species in typical black soil region

  Objective  This paper aims to investigate the distribution of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in major soil and water conservation tree species in typical black soil region and their interspecific differences at organ level.

  Method  Five species of soil and water conservation trees (Caragana microphylla, Amygdalus triloba, Betula platyphylla, Acer negundo and Picea koraiensis) were selected as the research objects, the concentrations of soluble sugar, starch and total non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) in different organs were determined and compared.

  Result  Within the same tree species, the concentration of NSC and its components in different organs had significant differences (P < 0.05). The mean concentration of soluble sugar in leaves was the highest, and that in trunk was the lowest. The mean concentration of starch and NSC in roots was the highest. The average concentrations of soluble sugar and NSC in shrub leaves were lower than those in trees, and the average concentrations of starch and NSC in deciduous roots were higher than those in evergreen trees. Evergreen trees (Picea koraiensis) allocated more NSC in the aboveground part, while deciduous tree species (Amygdalus triloba, Betula platyphylla, Acer negundo) allocated more NSC in the underground part. Deciduous shrub species (Caragana microphylla and Amygdalus triloba) were chosen to allocate most NSC to fine roots and medium roots, deciduous trees (Betula platyphylla and Acer negundo) were chosen to allocate most NSC to coarse roots, and evergreen trees (Picea koraiensis) were chosen to fine roots as the main tissue for storing NSC.

  Conclusion  Acer negundo is not suitable for afforestation in arid area, but Picea koraiensis can be afforested under different site conditions. This study analyzed and compared the NSC allocation strategies of five species, reflecting the growth adaptation strategies of soil and water conservation species, in order to provide theoretical basis for scientific selection and cultivation of soil and water conservation plants.