Abstract: Based on the data of the temperature and the plant phenology observations over 30 years in the desert areas of Minqin County of Gansu Province,the differences between four seasons divided by temperatures (temperature-seasons) and the plant phenology (phenology-seasons) were analyzed. The results indicated that the spring of temperature-seasons postponed,while the winter of temperature-seasons advanced. The phonological seasons were more suitable for local seasonal variations. If four seasons were divided by the temperature,there would be no winter in the low latitude areas,and no summer in the high latitude and cold areas. Therefore,phenological seasons were more applicable than temperature-seasons and more directly related to agricultural activities. However,more phonological indicators should be simultaneously observed as the phenology-seasons were used. By choosing phenology indicators,the locally adapted and well grown plants should been applied.

Key words: Desert area, Desert area, Plant phenology, Temperature-seasons, Phenology-seasons, Minqin