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Guardians of arid lands: deep-rooted defense against desertification and climate change
Akash Tariq1, Yanju Gao2, Fanjiang Zeng2
1Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Desert Plant Roots Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Cele National Station of Observation and Research for Desert-Grassland Ecosystems, Cele 848300, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CSIC, Global Ecology Unit, CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Catalonia, Spain.
Abstract:
Deep-rooted plants (DRPs) are vital ecological engineers in arid regions, combating desertification through distinctive adaptations such as rapid root growth and hydraulic lift. By tapping into groundwater beyond a depth of 5 m, they stabilize soils, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity, while delivering socioeconomic benefits. Despite their resilience, DRPs are increasingly threatened by climate change and pressure of human activities such as overgrazing. In this feature review we consolidate the vital roles of DRPs in ecosystem services and land restoration, advocating for conservation strategies that integrate drip irrigation, rotational grazing policies, and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) targets. We highlight the potential of DRPs to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN) and urge prompt research and management actions to safeguard these keystone species in our climate change adaptation toolkit for drylands.
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