The dendrochronological Potential of Salix lederbouriana Trautv. on the Patch Ecosystem of the Desert-Steppe, Mongolia

Recent increases in livestock numbers throughout Mongolia could alter plant communities, and the soils of habitats differ by landscape position. There is little research on the potential of dendrochronology to elucidate the effects of climate change, long-term drought, and grazing on perennial shrubs growing in the patch ecosystem of the desert steppes and low mountains in Mongolia. In particular, willows, which grow predominantly in patch ecosystems with oases and springs, play an important role in the functional activities of that ecosystem service. In recent years, natural factors such as low summer rainfall, long-term warming, increased frequency of thunderstorms, and the effects of grazing pressure from the increased number of livestock have led to the deterioration in the habitat around the spring, and the growth of perennial shrubs has decreased dramatically. Therefore, we aimed to determine the response to the dendrochronological potential of Willow (Salix lederbouriana Trautv.) species. Our findings indicate that the annual growth ring of Willow (Salix lederbouriana Trautv.) species is influenced differently by climatic factors. For instance, climate factors have a relatively weak correlation (r = -0.29) with annual ring growth, but growth between years is significantly different (F = 4.36, DF = 19, P > 0.001). Furthermore, it is indicated that there is a need to develop conservation and management strategies for Willow species that grow predominantly in the desert steppe ecosystem.