Composition and environmental interpretation of the weed communities in the main planting base of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. 'LingwuChangzao'), Ningxia province of China

Background: Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. `LingwuChangzao' is a traditional jujube cultivar in northwest China. It is of great significance to explore the weed community composition and environmental characterization for the ecological control and comprehensive management of weeds in jujube orchards. In this article, a total of 37 species were recorded in 40 sample plots (1 m x 1 m). Moreover, fourteen environmental indicators to characterize the spatial locations, climate and soil nutrient characteristics of the plant communities were adopted. Methodology: Through the two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) quantity classification and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) ranking methods, the types of weed communities in the main planting base of jujube `LingwuChangzao' and the main environmental factors affecting the change and distribution of weed types were analyzed. Results: The weed communities within the study area were divided into 15 types by the TWINSPAN classification. There were significant differences in soil factors to the species diversity indices of the weed communities, the diversity of weed communities was negatively correlated with available potassium, whereas positively correlated with soil water content. The CCA results showed that community structure and spatial distribution of weed communities were affected by soil water content, total potassium, soil organic carbon, total phosphorus, total nitrogen. Our results can be used as a reference for orchard weed management and provide a theoretical basis for weed invasion control and creating a higher biodiversity in arable land under the background of environmental change.

Automated summary

This study investigated the weed community composition and environmental characterization in jujube orchards in northwest China. The results showed that soil factors significantly influenced the diversity of weed communities, with available potassium and soil water content playing important roles. The study also provided recommendations for orchard weed management and biodiversity conservation in arable land.