Abstract: This paper studied the effects of  habitats (riparian inter-dune and dry top dune) and years after rejuvenation pruning (1, 2, 3-4, and 5-6 years) on the leaf functional traits (gas exchange, water use efficiency, structural traits, and N and P contents) of Salix psammophila growing in the southern edge of Mu Us Sandy Land. In the habitat of riparian inter-dune, the leaf net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and instantaneous and long-term water use efficiencies were all higher, while the leaf N and P contents were lower, as compared with those in the habitat of dry top dune. No significant differences were observed in the leaf structural traits between the two habitats, suggesting that S. psammophila could survive in a dry habitat by the strategies of increasing nutrient uptake and decreasing photosynthesis and water use. With the increasing years after rejuvenation pruning, the leaf net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance decreased significantly, and the leaf N content and instantaneous water use efficiency also showed a decreasing trend, with a positive correlation between them. One-year after rejuvenation pruning, the leaf area was the highest, and the specific leaf mass and leaf dry matter content were the lowest. Thereafter, the leaf area and dry matter content had no obvious change, but the specific leaf mass increased with increasing years after rejuvenation pruning. There were no significant correlations between leaf structural traits and photosynthetic and nutrient traits, suggesting that the decreases of leaf photosynthetic capacity and N content were the major reasons for S. psammophila senescence with increasing years after rejuvenation pruning.

Key words: Salix psammophila, water habitats, years after rejuvenation pruning, leaf functional traits