A comparison of photosynthetic carbon sequestration of four shrubs in Ningxia

Carbon sequestration of four kinds shrubs in Ningxia was studied by testing leaf photosynthetic rate and plant biomass. The results indicated that if the research was on photosynthesis of each individual leaf, carbon sequestration was in the order of Buddleja alternifoliaAmygdalus mongolicaAtraphaxis bracteataLycium barbarum in the vigorous growth season (in July); or L.barbarumB.alternifoliaA.bracteataA.mongolica in the whole growth season. We also measured a singleleaf area, the area of whole plant leaves and the carbon sequestration of whole plant. The results indicated that sequence of the average daily amount of carbon assimilation of the whole plant was B.alternifoliaL.barbarumA.bracteataA.mongolica in both of the vigorous growth season and the whole growth season. The similar results were obtained on the measurement of biomass. Therefore, it can be concluded that the plant carbon sequestration in whole plant leaves should be considered if the photosynthetic rate is used as a testing target. In addition, it should be paid attention that there is a strong carbon sequestration of L. barbarum forests due to the good maintenance, such as irrigation and fertilizer.