Abstract: Artemisia ordosica, Hedysarum laeve and Hedysarum scoparium are three common sand-binders in North China, and are usually air-seeded in mixture. Distribution patterns of colonies of the three aerial-seeding plants were studied to explore intra-species and interspecies correlation, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for future aerial seeding in the Mu Us Sandy Land. Two 50 m × 50 m typical samples plots different in aerial seeding time were selected as research subjects in the Mu Us Sandy Land, Ningxia. Ripley’s K function bivariate point pattern analysis method was applied to finding spatial correlation between the plants. Results show that A. ordosica, when seeded in monospecies, is better off if seeded in clusters and controlled in quantity. Seeds density of H. laeve should be controlled in aerial seeding. Usually in scattered distribution, H. scoparium should be seeded in mixture with others. H. laeve and H. scoparium can be seeded together, with the former as the mainstay. Obvious negative correlation was found between A. ordosica and H. laeve, so they are not suitable for mixed seeding. Neither are A. ordosica and H. scoparium.

Key words: Mu Us, aerial seeding, spatial point pattern, correlation, Artemisia ordosica, Hedysarum laeve, Hedysarum scoparium