[Objective] The effects of cyclic load on root tensile resistance characteristics of three typical shrubs

and the change of soil reinforcement efficiency of shrub roots after fatigue were determined in order to provide a scientific basis for plant selection in the process of ecological restoration and erosion prevention and control in semi-arid mining areas. [Methods] The roots of Salix psammophila

Caragana microphylla

and Hippophae rhamnoides were taken as the research objects. The TY8000 servo-controlled material testing machine was used to apply mild and severe cyclic loads on the taproots and lateral root branches within the root diameter range of 2~4 mm

and changes in root tensile force and tensile strength before and after fatigue were analyzed. [Results] ① There were significant differences in root biomass

cumulative root length

root volume

and root surface area among the three shrubs that followed the order of S. psammophila ＞ C. microphylla ＞ H. rhamnoides. The root biomass and root volume were mostly concentrated in the 0-10 cm surface soil

with proportions of 38.5% and 35.3%

respectively. The cumulative root length and root surface area were mostly concentrated in the 10-20 cm shallow soil

with proportions of 30.1% and 29.8%

respectively. ② The tensile force of the taproots of the three shrubs before and after fatigue was positively correlated with root diameter by a power function relationship

and a negative power function relationship between tensile strength and root diameter was observed. Both tensile force and tensile strength of the three shrubs followed the order of S. psammophila ＞ C. microphylla ＞ H. rhamnoides. Root fatigue significantly improved the tensile properties of the taproot. ③ Before and after fatigue

the tensile force and tensile strength of the lateral root branches of the three shrubs were similar to that of the taproot. Before fatigue

the tensile force of C. microphylla was the highest

followed by S. psammophila

and H. rhamnoides was the lowest. However

after fatigue

the tensile force followed the order of S. psammophila ＞ C. microphylla ＞ H. rhamnoides. Root fatigue can significantly improve the tensile properties of lateral root branches of S. psammophila and H. rhamnoides

but can decrease the tensile properties of C. microphylla. [Conclusion] In a wind erosion environment

the root system of S. psammophila can always maintain good tensile performance during the erosion process

and can exert a stabilizing soil reinforcement effect

and therefore

this species should be considered as the better choice for vegetation reconstruction in semi-arid mining areas.