Dear Authors,

As you have already recognized, one of reviewers evaluated the values of this manuscript on the useful characteristics of a previously little-known species and ecotype. I have also had similar impression on this version of the manuscript. Therefore, I would like to ask you to submit the revised version. The reviewer expressed his/her willingness for reviewing the revised manuscript.
You have to make revisions based not only on the comments by the above reviewer, but also on another reviewer comments.
We are going to reconsider based on his/her second review of your revised manuscript.

I appreciate your effort to make your manuscript better for audiences of BGS.

Sincerely,

Nobuhito Ohte,
Handling Editor

Dear Authors,

The manuscript itself has been well written and organized except few points, although the main content is very descriptive, and does not sufficiently include strong evidencing data for discussions.
However, still there is a reason for publication in revealing new findings on the nitrogen transformation and usage in the plant body the of a shrub species in a semi-arid region of China. I hope the authors will proceed further field experiments and observations to strengthen their hypothesis, and will evidence their discussions on the intra-plant processes.

The reviewer suggested few more points to be improved as follows:

1. On the sampling settings:
The authors described slightly the structures of a nebkha sand dune for explaining the sampling design of roots. However, it was still somewhat hard to figure out　　especially the situation of the nebkha sands and the “below-plain” layer. If you provide some conceptual diagram (a cartoon) with spatial scale information in addition to Figure 1, it would be very helpful for readers to understand.

2. Figure 1:
These figures need scales.

3. There is redundancy between Figures 3 and 5. You can express the difference of the statements in these scatter graphs in one figure using some color differences on marks and appropriate captions.

After appropriate revisions corresponding to these points, I would be able to make a judgement for acceptance.

Sincerely,

Nobuhito Ohte,
Handling Editor

Dear Authors,

The revised manuscript itself has been well written and organized, although the main content is very descriptive.
You have strongly made a point to publish the new observed data on plant nutrient utilization of a desert species. I have partly agree with your opinion on the implication of this paper. But, I hope that you will make more efforts to publish validating information of your discussions in this manuscript.

Sincerely,

Nobuhito Ohte,
Handling Editor