Abstract: In the transitional zone between desert and oasis, addressing wind prevention and sand fixation is crucial for combating desertification. Alhagi sparsifolia, a prevalent deep-rooted species in desert, plays a vital role in this process. Unfortunately, due to improper local usage, vegetation suffered extensive damage. To examine the impact of various interference methods on the growth of A. sparsifolia and soil wind erosion, five treatments were implemented: control (CK), cutting in spring (CS), burning in spring (BS), cutting in fall (CF), and flood water irrigation (FI). Over 13 years (2010-2023), the control group exhibited significantly greater plant height and crown width compared to other disturbance methods, and the diversity index, evenness index and species richness after FI were significantly higher than those of other interference methods. There were no differences for soil pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, and available phosphorus among the various disturbance modes. However, FI demonstrated a significantly lower soil available nitrogen content compared to CK, while soil organic carbon and available potassium contents were notably lower than those in CS. BS exhibited a significantly lower soil erosion height than other disturbance methods. Additionally, soil erosion height was positively correlated with plant height and crown width. These findings offer a scientific foundation for better protection and rational utilization of A. sparsifolia and other desert vegetation resources.

Key words: desert plant, species diversity, cutting method, morphological characteristics