Table of Content

10 April 2014, Volume 33 Issue 4

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Influences of warming and nitrogen addition on plant reproductive phenology in Inner Mongolia desert steppe.

LI Yuan-heng1, HAN Guo-dong1**, WANG Zhen1, ZHAO Meng-li1, WANG Zheng-wen2, ZHAO Hong-bin3

2014, 33(4):  849-856. 

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Plant phenology is a sensitive bioindicator of plant response to climate change. Under the context of climate warming accompanied by atmospheric nitrogen deposition, phenological shift is an important process in the adaptation of plant community to environmental changes. We conducted an experiment in a Stipa breviflora dominated desert steppe in Inner Mongolia to study the impacts of climate warming, nitrogen deposition and their interaction on plant phenology. Warming and nitrogen deposition were mimicked by using the infrared heaters and nitrogen addition respectively. We examined the plant reproductive phenology (flowering time, fruiting time and reproductive duration) of four perennial species (S. breviflora, Kochia prostrata, Convolvulus ammannii and Allium tenuissimum) during three consecutive growing seasons from 2008 to 2010. The reproductive phenology phases of each marked individual plant were estimated through fitting the phenological scores to the Richards function. We calculated the flowering time, fruiting time and the reproductive duration for each plant species in each year. The results showed that warming significantly advanced flowering and fruiting time by 2.28 and 1.88 d·a^-1， respectively across all the species and years. Nitrogen addition showed little effect on the flowering or fruiting time of any species. Combination of warming and nitrogen addition advanced flowering and fruiting time by 1.75 and 1.53 d·a^-1, respectively, but there was no interaction between the two treatments. Warming significantly elongated the average reproductive duration of S. breviflora and K. prostrata by 1.20 and 3.25 d·a^-1, respectively, while nitrogen addition significantly shortened the reproductive duration of A. tenuissimum by 1.52 d·a^-1. Our results provided the empirical evidence for the specie-specific response of plant phenology to climate warming and increasing nitrogen deposition. The findings in this study improved our understanding of the interspecific competition and succession dynamics of plant community in temperate desert steppe under global environmental changes.

Effects of litter removal on soil respiration under simulated nitrogen deposition in a Pinus tabuliformis forest in Taiyue Mountain, China.

LI Hua-shan1, WANG Jin-song2, ZHAO Xiu-hai1**, KANG Feng-feng1, ZHANG Chun-yu1, LIU Xing1, WANG Na1, ZHAO Bo1

2014, 33(4):  857-866. 

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Litter respiration is a major component of soil respiration which would be affected by increasing nitrogen deposition via altering the quantity and quality of litter. In order to determine the influence of nitrogen deposition and litter removal on soil respiration, a threeyear field experiment under simulated nitrogen deposition with and without litter removal was conducted in a natural Pinus tabuliformis forest in Taiyue Mountain, Shanxi Province, China. Nitrogen levels were implemented as: CK (0 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1), LN (50 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1), MN (100 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1) and HN (150 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1). The relationships between soil respiration and soil temperature, moisture, microbial biomass after each nitrogen application were analyzed. Results showed that simulated nitrogen deposition promoted soil respiration in the control and litter removal subplots, and litter respiration at the early stage, but the promotion was weakened over time. The litter removal treatments decreased the average rates of soil respiration by 29.0%, and nitrogen deposition decreased the fluctuation of soil respiration after litter removal. A significant exponential correlation was found between soil respiration and soil temperature at 5 cm depth (P<0.05), which explained 37.3%-62.2% of the seasonal variation of soil respiration, and the litter removal treatments decreased the R² of all nitrogen levels. Four twovariable linear/nonlinear models with soil temperature and soil moisture appeared to have a good precision when used to predict the soil respiration, with R² ranging from 0.676 to 0.856, and nitrogen deposition decreased the R² of the litter removal treatments, but it did not significantly affect the R² of the control treatments. Simulated nitrogen deposition increased soil microbial biomass C and N, and the soil respiration exhibited a linear relationship with microbial biomass C and N. It was suggested that nitrogen deposition and litter were two important factors affecting soil CO₂ efflux in P. tabuliformis forests.

Soil moisture diffusivity in different habitats in Horqin Sand Land.

YAO Shu-xia1，2, ZHAO Chuan-cheng1,2**, ZHANG Tong-hui2, ZHAO Chuan-yan3， GAO Tian-peng1

2014, 33(4):  867-873. 

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The relationship between soil moisture diffusivity (D(θ)) and soil moisture (θ) at 0-100 cm soil profile was measured by the horizontal infiltration method in three habitats in Horqin Sand Land, i.e., sandy grassland, fixed sand dune, and mobile sand dune. Also, the relationship between D(θ) and Boltzmann parameter (λ) and θ, and the changes of D(θ) across the soil profile for each habitat were considered in this study. The results showed that (1) there was a significant difference in the moving rate of soil wetting front among the three habitats, and the average rate values were 0.38, 0.97 and 1.6 cm·min^-1, for the sandy grassland, fixed sand dune, and mobile sand dune, respectively. The moving rate for the three habitats all decreased with increasing in infiltration distance in a logarithmic function. (2) The λ values for the soil profile (0-100 cm) were 4.22, 6.58 and 8.59 cm·min^-1/2 in the sandy grassland, fixed sand dune and mobile sand dune, respectively, and decreased gradually with the increase of soil moisture. (3) The lowest, intermediate and highest soil moisture diffusivities for the 0-100 cm soil layer were found in the sandy grassland (1.21 cm²·min^-1), fixed sand dune and (4.51 cm²·min^-1) and mobile sand dune (12.75 cm²·min^-1), respectively. The relationship between soil moisture diffusivity and soil moisture for the three habitats was fitted much better by an empirical equation, D(θ)=ae^bθ. There was no consistent trend of D(θ) with increasing in soil depth for all the three habitats. This implied that there was a large difference in D(θ) among different habitats and between different soil depths for the same habitat, and D(θ) had higher spatial heterogeneity in this region. (4) Soil organic matter content and the clay+silt content (<0.05 mm) were the key soil factors negatively affecting D(θ). In addition, habitat type and plant root depth also had some influence on D(θ).

Effects of litter decomposition on soil nutrients in three broad-leaved forests.

CHEN Guo-ping1, CHENG Shan-shan1, CONG Ming-yang1, LIU Jing1, GAO Xin2, WANG Hui2, SHI Fu-chen1**

2014, 33(4):  874-879. 

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Nutrients in soils of Quercus variabilis forest, Juglans mandshurica forest and Q. aliena forest in Baxian Mountain National Nature Reserve in Tianjin were measured as affected by different litter layers: fresh litter, halfdecomposed litter and soils. The results showed that in the fresh litter, C content was highest in the Q. aliena forest (486.1 g·kg^-1) and lowest in the Q. variabilis forest (447.5 g·kg^-1), and N and P contents were highest in the J. mandshurica forest (17.9 and 1.2 g·kg^-1) and lowest in the Q. aliena forest (13.2 and 0.8 g·kg^-1). In the halfdecomposed litter, C and P contents were not significantly different among the three forests; N content was highest in the Q. aliena forest (17.1 g·kg^-1) and lowest in the Q. variabilis forest (10.5 g·kg^-1). The contents of C, N and P varied in the soils of the different forests: Q. aliena forest > J. mandshurica forest > Q. variabilis forest. In the fresh litter, C/N and C/P were significantly lower in J. mandshurica forest than in Q. aliena forest and Q. variabilis forest; in the halfdecomposed layer, C/N and C/P were not significantly different among the three forests. From the fresh layer to the halfdecomposed layer of litter, C/N and C/P were decreased by 17% and 11% in Q. variabilis forest, by 19% and 35% in Quercus aliena forest, but not significantly different in J. mandshurica forest. The mineral element content in the fresh litter tended to decrease from J. mandshurica forest, to Q. variabilis forest, and Q. aliena forest; pH increased with increasing the mineral element content. The order of total content of mineral element in the litter was Q. variabilis forest > Q. aliena forest > J. mandshurica forest.

Effects of intensively reductive treatment on soil properties in a watermelon continuous cropping obstacle field in Hainan Province.

KE Yong-chun1, WANG Shuang1, REN Hong1, ZHANG Jin-bo2, CAI Zu-cong2**

2014, 33(4):  880-884. 

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In this article, we studied the effects of intensively reductive treatment on soil physical, chemical and biological properties in a watermelon continuous cropping obstacle field in Hainan Province. The experiment contained four treatments, i.e. CK (no flooding), flooding, flooding incorporated with plastic film mulching, and flooding incorporated with plastic film mulching and 7500 kg·hm^-2  alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (i.e. intensively reductive treatment). The results showed that the percentage of soil large clods (>5 mm) significantly decreased, suggesting that soil structure could be improved effectively by the intensively reductive treatment. The soil Eh value and nitrate concentration decreased rapidly, while the pH value increased obviously during the intensively reductive treatment. After the intensively reductive treatment, fungi and Fusarium oxysporum in soil reduced significantly. Our results indicated that the intensively reductive treatment may be a high efficient and environmentfriendly method to improve the continuous cropping obstacle soil.

Net ecosystem productivity dynamics of grassland communities on the typical steppe of Inner Mongolia.

MU Shao-jie1, ZHOU Ke-xin1**, CHEN Yi-zhao2, YANG Qi3, LI Jian-long2

2014, 33(4):  885-895. 

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The net ecosystem productivity (NEP) is an important indicator to reflect the carbon budget of ecosystems. Our objective was to probe the NEP dynamic pattern and its response to climate change on the typical steppe in Inner Mongolia to better understand mechanisms of grassland carbon budget. BIOMEBGC model was used to simulate the NEP dynamics of four grassland communities in Xilingol River Basin by using the ecophysiological parameters according to the reference and the daily climate data simulated by MT-CLIM model as inputs. The water stress index (WSI), rain use efficiency (RUE) and carbon sequestration efficiency (CSE) were calculated based on other model outputs, including evapotranspiration (ET), net primary productivity (NPP) and gross primary productivity (GPP). During 1954 to 2012, the multiyear average NEP of Stipa baicalensis, S. grandis, S. krylovii and Leymus chinensis communities was 11.41, -7.82, -5.03 and 9.30 g C·m^-2·a^-1, respectively. NEP seasonally exhibited a pattern of releasing CO₂-sequestrating CO₂-releasing CO₂ in a year. The order of multiyear average was S. baicalensis > L. chinensis > S. grandis > S. krylovii for WSI, S. baicalensis > S. krylovii > S. grandis > L. chinensis for RUE, and S. baicalensis > S. krylovii > S. grandis > L. chinensis for CSE. There was a close relationship between NEP and precipitation, and the correlations were at an extremely significant level in S. grandis, S. krylovii and L. chinensis communities. NEP turned from being negative to being positive when the annual precipitation of the four grassland communities was greater than 295.76 mm.

The impacts of different enclosure durations on degraded Stipa grandis grassland productivity and soil carbon and nitrogen storage.

LI Qiang, YANG Jie**, SONG Bing-yu, MA Wen-hong, ZHAO Li-qing, ZHANG Li-xin, HOU Hong

2014, 33(4):  896-901. 

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In order to obtain relationship between grassland utilization and enclosure duration to provide a scientific basis for grassland management, this paper studied grassland productivity, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen storage. The vegetation and soil characteristics were determined, and the grassland biomass, soil organic carbon storage and total nitrogen storage were analyzed by field quadrat surveys and laboratory analysis. The results show that grassland biomass, soil carbon storage and total nitrogen storage were significantly increased after grazing exclusion compared with the continuous grazing grassland. With the extension of enclosure, the biomass, soil carbon storage and total nitrogen storage also showed an increasing trend, and the increments of biomass carbon and soil organic carbon gradually kept stable.

Crop yield and water-fertilizer utilization efficiency under combined application of nitrogen and phosphorous.

LIU De-ping1, YANG Shu-qing1**, SHI Hai-bin1, DU Xiao-feng2, SUN Ling-yu1, CHANG Chun-long1, LI Zhen1

2014, 33(4):  902-909. 

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The pollutants such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) caused serious pollution to the Yellow River in the process of agricultural water withdrawal. It is necessary to reduce the application amounts of N and P by further controlling the combined application levels of N and P reasonably in the process of agricultural production, thereby solving the problem of agricultural nonpoint source pollution from the source. The yield and waterfertilizer utilization efficiency of wheatmaize intercropping were analyzed under different combined applications of N and P. The yield, hundredkernel weight (or thousandkernel weight), water consumption and water utilization efficiency were increased first and then decreased with increasing the application amounts of N and P. The reasonable application of N and P significantly increased the water consumption stored in the soil and thus enhanced soil water utilization by crop. The PFP-N, PFP-P and agronomic efficiency were decreased with increasing the application amounts of N and P. The PFP-N and agronomic efficiency of crop were improved when increasing P fertilization within a certain range but keeping the application amount of N constant or vice versa. The PFP-N and agronomic efficiency of crop would be reduced when the P or N application was excessive. The best fertilization amounts of N and P which could make the maximum yield of wheatmaize intercropping were 191.70-216 kg·hm^-2 and 165.38-186.64 kg·hm^-2 for wheat, and 243-299.14 kg·hm^-2 and 168.38-189 kg·hm^-2 for maize, respectively. On the premise of guaranteeing production, the reasonable application amount of N and P could reduce fertilization and improve the waterfertilizer utilization efficiency, reducing agricultural non-point source pollution.

Carbon storage of Ligustrum lucidum plantations in Shanghai OutLoop Forest Belt.

WANG Zhe1,2**, DU Bao-ming2,3, HAN Yu-jie1, CUI Xuan4, LI Qi1, HUANG Dan1, XUE Chun-yan1, SUN Wen1

2014, 33(4):  910-914. 

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It is essential to improve the estimation of carbon storage in stands for assessing the forest carbon sink at local and regional scales. In this study, the carbon storage of tree biomass, forest floor and soil (0-100 cm) in three Ligustrum lucidum plantations in Shanghai OutLoop Forest Belt were investigated, and allometric equations for different organs such as root, trunk, bark, branch and foliage were established. The results showed that there was a good relationship between biomass and the diameter at breast height for the allometric equations of individual trees and different organs (R²>0.9, P<0.01). Total carbon storage of the L. lucidum plantation ecosystem was 169.89 t·hm^-2, of which the carbon storage amounts of tree biomass, forest floor, and soil (0-100 cm) were 10.48, 1.54 and 157.7 t·hm^-2, respectively. In the tree biomass carbon storage of L. lucidum stands, the trunk, branch, root, foliage and bark proportionally accounted for 40%, 20%, 15%, 11% and 4%, respectively.

Ability of plant carbon fixation in the coastal wetland of Chongming Island.

WANG Shu-qiong1,2, WANG Han-qiang1,2, FANG Yan1, LI Kai1,2**

2014, 33(4):  915-921. 

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By means of the field survey of plant communities and laboratory measurements of related indicators, the temporal dynamics and distribution pattern of carbon fixation by wetland plant communities in Chongming Island were investigated. The results indicated that all plant communities were generally divided into three types: Phragmites australis, Scirpus mariqueter and Spartina alterniflora. The P. australis community was distributed all over the area which had not been cultivated in Chongming Island, and the biomass of P. australis in the north coast was the lowest. The growth peak of P. australis occurred during March to May, with a carbon fixation ability of 1.02±0.12 kg·m^-2·a^-1. The dynamic of growth of P. australis community had a close relation with change of leaf N. The community of S. mariqueter was mainly distributed in the south coast. Its growth peaked during March to May, stagnated in June, and then continued, with a carbon fixation ability of (0.33±0.05) kg·m^-2·a^-1. The community of S. alterniflora was distributed from east of the north lake to the east beach, threatening the survival of the native species badly. The growth of the community of S. alterniflora continued for all growing season, but was more rapid in July to September, with a carbon fixation ability of (1.32±0.10) kg·m^-2·a^-1. The accumulation of carbon fixation in the wetland plants in Chongming Island increased quickly during April to July, and the carbon fixation ability in the south coast showed a highest carbon fixation ability of 2.5×10⁵ t·a^-1. The results implied that the plant community in Chongming Island had a strong carbon fixation ability, but with an obviously spatial-temporal change. The wetlands at the Chongming Island play an important role in carbon-fixation enhancement and emission mitigation of greenhouse gases in Shanghai.

Species composition and geographic elements of the tropical lowland secondary rain forest of Ganshiling, Hainan Island, China.

QI Liang-hua1, LIANG Chang-qiang2, MAO Chao1, QIN Xin-sheng3, FAN Shao-hui1**, DU Wen-wen2, KONG Xiang-he2

2014, 33(4):  922-929. 

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Characteristics of the tropical lowland secondary rain forest, an important forest type in Hainan Island, are different from that of the mountain rain forest. A 3000 m² permanent plot was established in the lowland secondary rain forest in Ganshiling Natural Reserve and species composition and geographic elements were studied. It was found that vegetation characteristics and distribution patterns could be showed well in the sample size of 2700-3000 m², which was proofed by the speciesarea curve. The vascular plant species belonged to 64 families, 128 genera and 163 species which included 6 families, 7 genera and 8 species of pteridophyte, 9 families, 16 genera and 17 species of monocotyledoneae, and 49 families, 105 genera and 138 species of dicotyledons. 87.50% of families included only one or 2-4 species and, predominant families were obvious. Moreover, the species numbers in a genus varied from one to five, and the number of those including one species was the biggest accounting for 82.03%. The species richness in the tropical lowland secondary rain forest of Ganshiling was obviously lower than in the mountain rain forest of Jianfengling and the fragment rain forest in Yunnan Province. The tropical element percentages of family, genera and seed plants in the lowland secondary rain forest of Ganshiling were 75.87%, 92.56% and 93.87%, respectively, quite different from those in the Jianfengling mountain rain forest transitioning from tropical to subtropical/warmtemperate types.

Stable isotope analysis of the offshore food web of Gouqi Island.

JIANG Ri-jin1,2, ZHANG Shou-yu1**, WANG Kai1, ZHOU Xi-jie1, ZHAO Jing1

2014, 33(4):  930-938. 

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To find out the trophic relationships among main biological groups in the offshore food web of Gouqi Island, this study analyzed δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N compositions of the offshore consumers and their potential food sources collected in November 2012 and February 2013. The trophic levels of consumers were calculated based on the stable N isotope ratio. The results showed that the δ¹³C values of potential food sources-the phytoplankton, POM, SOM and macroalgae ranged from -21.7‰ to -14.7‰, and the δ¹³C values of zooplankton, macroinvertebrate and fish ranged from -21.1‰ to -13.7‰. The average C/N ratios of the primary producers and the consumers were 8.5 and 3.7 respectively, with a significant difference between them (P<0.001). Based on the δ¹⁵N values, the consumers could be divided into four trophic levels namely filterfeeding zooplankton, detritivorous/alage small-sized benthic animals, omnivorous animals, and fierce carnivorous fish. The trophic level of Sparus macrocephlus was 4.33, ranking the highest.

Regeneration pattern and intergeneration association of Tsuga chinensis var. tchekiangensis in Jiangxi Wuyishan National Nature Reserve.

YANG Qing-pei1, JIN Zhi-nong2, QIU Li-hong1, SHI Jian-min1, CHENG Song-ling3, GUO Ying-rong3, CHEN Fu-sheng1**

2014, 33(4):  939-945. 

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Based on the point maps and point pattern analysis, we studied the natural regeneration pattern and intergeneration association of Tsuga chinensis var. tchekiangensis in Jiangxi Wuyishan National Nature Reserve. The results showed that T. chinensis var. tchekiangensis was an increasing population with an age structure of pyramid shape. Seedlings and saplings exhibited an obvious clumped distribution at smaller spatial scales, and a random distribution at larger scales, but medium and mature trees presented a random distribution at all scales. The spatial associations between seedlings (or saplings) and medium, mature trees were negative at smaller scales, but not significant between medium and mature trees. These findings suggested that T. chinensis var. tchekiangensis regenerated naturally in forest gaps or at edges rather than under forest canopy, since the mature trees seemed to have a shading effect on seedlings and saplings.

Ruderal species diversity and distribution in heterogeneous habitats of the urban area of Harbin.

CHEN Xiao-shuang1, LIANG Hong1,3, SONG Kun1, DA Liang-jun1，2**

2014, 33(4):  946-952. 

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To explore the adaptive strategy of ruderal species in response to highly heterogeneous habitats in the context of urbanization, diversity and distribution of ruderal species were investigated in the urban area of Harbin City. The results showed that there were 175 ruderal species in the urban area of Harbin, belonging to 38 families and 128 genera, with a large proportion as monotypicgenus and geographically diverse types reflecting a substantially heterogeneous habitat condition. Ruderal species in the urban area resided mainly on gaps of forests and shrub-grasslands, abandoned fields and roadsides, indicating a progressively declined living space with increased heterogeneity and
unstability. The widespread ruderal species with strong plasticity and short life cycle exhibited a relatively great tolerance with respect to intensive and frequent human disturbance. Based on their habitat properties and adaptive ability, the 175 urban ruderal species could be classified into four ecological groups: eurytopic species, shady and wettolerant species, mesophytic species, and trample and mowingtolerant species.

Coupling relationship between sunfleck and distribution of Kingdonia uniflora on the north slope of Mt. Taibai.

LIU Zhe1,2, YUE Ming1**

2014, 33(4):  953-958. 

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Kingdonia uniflora is an endemic endangered clonal species in China and shows a patchy distribution pattern on small scales within its distribution area. In the present study, using Digital Photography Technology, Geographic Information System and Digital Plant Canopy Imager, we analyzed the dynamics of sunfleck, canopy structure, soil physical and chemical properties in forest within the K. uniflora distribution on the north slope of Mt. Taibai in China. The results showed that the number and area of sunfleck and the sunfleck index in sampling plots were significantly lower with than without K. uniflora. There were significant differences in canopy structure between the two types of plots. The transmission coefficients for diffuse penetration, the transmission coefficients for radiation penetration and the canopy gap area in the plots were smaller with than without K. uniflora, while the leaf area index was vice versa. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in measured soil physical and chemical properties among the two kinds of plots. Therefore, we speculate that sunfleck is likely one of leading factors determining the distribution of K. uniflora on the north slope of Mt. Taibai.

Ecological characteristics of phytoplankton in Hangu Saltworks.

DENG Yuan-gao, DONG Jing-gang, HUANG Qiong-ye, SUI Li-ying**

2014, 33(4):  959-965. 

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The present study was undertaken in Changlu Hangu Saltworks, which is situated in Bohai Bay coastal area, China in the period of May to December in 2012. The physicochemical variables, species diversity and density of phytoplankton were determined in five sampling saltponds with salinities ranging from 5-20 SymbolpB@Bé. The results indicated that five phylum and 27 phytoplankton genera were identified, of which 18 genera belonged to Bacillariophyta. Blue green algae Oscillatoria spp. was abundant in all sampling saltponds (A1-A5), diatoms such as Thalassionema nitzschioides, Skeletonema costatum, Nitzschia spp. and Coscinodiscus spp. were dominant in the saltponds at lower salinities (A1 and A2), whilst green algae Dunaliella spp. were superior in the saltponds at higher salinities (A3-A5). The density of phytoplankton ranged 6.47×10³-5.07×106 ind·L^-1, diversity index ranged from 0.13 to 1.57,  evenness index ranged from 0.01 to 0.58, and the overall dominance index was greater than 0.5, depending on salinities and seasons. Overall, the diversity and evenness of phytoplankton in Hangu Saltworks were lower, but with apparent dominance. The diversity and biomass density in the saltponds reduced with increasing salinity and decreasing temperature.

Effect of sludge compost-based mixed substrates on growth and blossom of Angelonia salicariifolia and evaluation of its suitability for plant growth.

CHU Shuang-shuang1, LAI Can1, WEI Xiao-hua2, GUO Yan1, DING Xue-teng1, XIAO Meng-rui1, ZENG Shu-cai1**

2014, 33(4):  966-972. 

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The effect of sludge-based mixed substrates (SBMSs) on the growth and flowering of Angelonia salicariifolia (ASA) was studied with a pot experimental method. The growth suitability of ASA to these substrates was then evaluated using entropy weight coefficient and TOPSIS method. The sludge was composted 60 days prior to mixing and potting with peats and sands at different ratios. Our results showed that SBMSs had lower values in bulk density and EC, but higher values in pH and nutrient content than latosolic red soil (CK) in the study region. The ASA in the differently mixed substrates all grew better than in the soil, with the increases in heights, branchlet numbers, fresh and dry weights by 29%-61%, 27%-67%, 17%-88% and 4%-50%, respectively. In addition, the first flowering of ASA in the SBMSs blossomed 2-16 days earlier, their flower numbers in the fullbloom stage increased by 49%-220%, the flowering duration prolonged 8-22 days, and the malformation rate of flowers decreased by 1%-5%. The absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by ASA showed a significant increase over CK. All the 7 substrates in this study were suitable for ASA growth. Entropy weight coefficient and TOPSIS evaluation indicated that SBMSs with the ratio of 5∶3∶2 of sludge compost to peat to sand was most suitable for the growth of this plant, and the sludge compost alone was relatively less suitable, but still better than the soil (CK). Therefore, sewage sludge compost can improve flower quality and plant growth with a reduce cost, which is a feasible and effective way for sewage sludge reuse and disposal.

Effects of simulated cotyledon predation on the seed germination and early seedling growth of Quercus wutaishanica

YAN Xing-fu1**, FANG Su1, SHI Chun1, QIU Zhi-hu2, ZHOU Yun-feng1

2014, 33(4):  973-981. 

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Under laboratory artificial climate incubator and in glass greenhouse, two experiments of simulated cotyledon predation were conducted to test the effects of different cotyledon excision (excision of 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 cotyledon, with non excision cotyledon as control) on seed germination and early seedling growth of Quercus wutaishanica, a dominant tree species in warm temperate deciduous forest. The germination percentages (GPs) of seeds planted in the artificial climate incubator were higher than that of the control after the cotyledon being partially excised and a significant difference was detected between the control and 1/4 cotyledon excision treatments. Cotyledon excision accelerated the timing of seed germination, or in other words, cotyledon removal increased the coefficient of  germination rate  (CGR), but no significant difference in CGR was observed among the control and cotyledon excision treatments. Among all cotyledon excision treatments, the 1/4 cotyledon excision treatment significantly increased the germination index (GI) of seeds. It was found that cotyledon excision did not significantly affect vigor index (Ⅵ). When seeds were planted in the pot in the glass greenhouse, cotyledon excision did not significantly increase GP but did result in the acceleration of germination course and the increase of GI. Slight increase of VI was observed with 1/4 cotyledon excision, but a large decline in Ⅵ was observed with 1/2 or 3/4 cotyledon excision. Cotyledon excision resulted, in varied degrees, in the decreases of shoot height, basal stem diameter, taproot length, number of lateral root, maximum of lateral root, leaf number, leaf area per seedling and total dry mass of Q. wutaishanica seedlings. There were significant differences in seedling shoot height among cotyledon excised and nonexcised treatments. Other parameters of seedlings with 1/2 and 3/4 cotyledon excision were significantly lower than that of seedlings without cotyledon excision. Cotyledon excision had little impact on root shoot ratio of seedlings. Increase in specific leaf area (SLA), specific shoot length (SSL) and specific root length (SRL) of seedlings were detected due to cotyledon excision. Compared to the control treatment, 1/2 cotyledon excision significantly increased SLA of seedlings, and all cotyledon excision treatments significantly increased SSL of seedlings. Also, 1/2 or 3/4 cotyledon excision significantly increased SRL of seedlings compared with no or 1/4 cotyledon excision.

Eco-physiological responses of seed germination of sweet sorghum to seed priming.

GUAN Bo1, CAO Di2, YU Jun-bao1**

2014, 33(4):  982-988. 

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A germination test was conducted  to understand the effects of seed priming on seed germination and early seedling growth of sweet sorghum (M-81E). The hydrationdehydration processes of M81E were analyzed with KCl or CaCl₂ solution (50, 100, or 200 mmol·L^-1) or isosmotic PEG solution being used for pretreatment, and the germination percentage, germination rate, seedling growth, biomass allocation, and Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ contents in different NaCl solutions were determined after seed priming. The results showed that the first 3 hours of hydration and dehydration processes of M81E were the quick water absorption period and quick dehydration period. The germination percentage and germination rate were not significantly different when the NaCl stress was lower than 200 mmol·L^-1. The different priming conditions had no significant effects on the germination percentage and germination rate except the positive effect of CaCl₂ pretreatment to the germination rate in 50 and 200 mmol·L^-1 NaCl solutions. However, the seed priming significantly affected the radical length, hypocotyl length and the whole seedling length. Seed priming had negative effects on seedling growth in nonsalt treatments but significantly improved the seedling growth with the increase of salt concentration, and the different pretreatment reagents had different effects on seedling growth. The contents of Na⁺ and Ca^2+ in seedlings were significantly increased with the increase of salt concentration, but not for the content of K⁺. Seed priming significantly decreased the content of K⁺, with the exception of KCl pretreatment. In conclusion, the different pretreatment reagents increased the seedling growth, biomass accumulation and the capacity of ion adjustment to different extents. The seed priming effect of CaCl₂ solution was better than that of the other two solutions.

Effects of simulated nitrogen deposition on the eco-physiological characteristics of Sinocalycanthus chinensis seedlings.

PENG Li-qiong1,2，3, JIN Ze-xin2，3**, WANG Qiang2,4

2014, 33(4):  989-995. 

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We investigated the effects of simulated nitrogen deposition on the physiological and ecological characteristics of Sinocalycanthus chinensis seedlings by adding various amounts of NH₄NO₃ in a pot experiment. Three levels of NH₄NO₃ included: low-N (2 g N m^-2·a^-1), medium-N (8 g N m^-2·a^-1), and high-N (32 g N m^-2·a^-1), with 0 g N m^-2·a^-1 as the control. After one year, we measured the photosynthetic characteristics, relative chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, membrane lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves of S. chinensis seedlings among the different treatments. The diurnal mean values of net photosynthetic rate at the low, medium, and high levels of N addition were 14.7%, 54.5%, and 26.4% higher than that of the control, respectively; the maximum net photosynthetic rates were 8.3%, 66.1%, and 30.9% higher than that of the control, respectively. The highest values for net photosynthetic rate and maximum net photosynthetic rate were recorded for the medium-N level. The daily mean stomatal conductance was higher in all N treatments than in the control, and the highest value was recorded for the medium-N level. However, the intercellular CO₂ concentrations were lower in all N treatments than in the control; the lowest value was recorded in the medium-N treatment. The light compensation point and dark respiration rate among the four treatments were in the order of medium-N > high-N > low-N > control, with highly significant differences among the treatments. In terms of the light saturation point, the treatments were ranked as follows: medium-N > low-N > control > high-N, with highly significant differences among the treatments. The apparent quantum yield values were ranked as follows: medium-N > low-N > control; however, there was no significant difference between the high-N treatment and the control in the apparent quantum yield value. The relative chlorophyll contents in seedlings in the three N treatments were significantly higher than that in the control, with the highest values recorded in the medium-N treatment. The primary chemical efficiency and potential activity of photosystem II in S. chinensis seedlings were ranked as follows: medium-N > low-N > control > high-N, with highly significant differences among the treatments. The superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity, and malondialdehyde contents in S. chinensis seedlings in the medium and high-N treatments were significantly higher than those in the control, but there was no significant difference in these parameters between the low-N treatment and the control. The membrane permeability of S. chinensis seedlings was ranked from most permeable to least permeable as follows: high-N > medium-N > low-N > control, with highly significant differences among the treatments. These results suggested that appropriate nitrogen levels, especially the medium-N level, can enhance the photosynthetic ability of S. chinensis seedlings, and also affect other physiological indexes to some extent.

Response of growth and physiological characteristics of Cyclobalanopsis gilva seedlings from different provenances to drought stress.

WU Li-jun, LI Zhi-hui**

2014, 33(4):  996-1003. 

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Using a pot culture experiment, the response of one-year-old seedlings of Cyclobalanopsis gilva from three provenances to drought stress was assessed to understand the adaptation mechanisms of C. gilva to drought stress. The seedlings originating from Qingyuan of Zhejiang Province, and Dongkou and Jingxian of Hunan Province were observed for their growth and physiological properties in this experiment. The growth, biomass production and allocation, free water and bound water and endogenous hormone contents of leaves, and root vitality of the seedlings were measured. The results showed that as the drought stress increased, the increment of height and stem diameter and the increment of aboveground biomass and root biomass of the seedlings had a trend of decrease, and the ratio of free water to bound water of leaves decreased gradually, while the bound water content increased for all three provenances. However, the changes in free water content did not show a consistent trend. Moreover, the drought stress led to an increase in root vitality of the seedlings from Dongkou and Jingxian of Hunan, while a decrease in root vitality of the seedlings from Qingyuan of Zhejiang. In addition, the drought stress resulted in decreases of gibberellins, brassinolide, indole-3acetic acid and zeatins contents and increases of abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate contents of leaves of the seedlings from all three provenances. The subordinate function analysis showed that the seedlings from Dongkou of Hunan had stronger drought resistance than those from Qingyuan of Zhejiang and Jingxian of Hunan. This result implied that C. gilva seedlings became adaptive to drought stress by decreasing the increment of growth and increasing the increment of root biomass. Meanwhile, maintaining a higher bound water content, decreasing auxin (indole3acetic acid), cytomin (zeatin and brassinolide) and gibberellin contents, and increasing abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate contents, provided the physiological potential of C. gilva’s to resist drought stress.

The shortest time of plant stem water extraction based on hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis.

DING Ya-li1,2,3, CHEN Hong-song1,2, YANG Jing1,2,3, NIE Yun-peng1,2**, WANG Ke-lin1,2

2014, 33(4):  1004-1009. 

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Plant-water relation is an important part of eco-hydrological process. Its study scope has been greatly expanded with the improved research precision based on the application of stable isotope technique. However, water extraction of plant samples is timeconsuming and laborious, which limits the application of this technology. In this study, we used the vacuum distillation method to extract plant stem water from the same quality of samples of different plant species under the same time gradient. The shortest water extraction time was obtained based on the changing characteristics of water extraction rates and stable isotope values of the extracted water. We further tried to establish the correlation between the shortest extraction time and the wood density. The results showed that the wood densities of three target plants, Rhus chinensis, Alchornea trewioides and Pyracantha fortuneana, were 0.35, 0.55 and 0.67 g·cm^-3, respectively. In addition, the water extraction rates for these three kinds of plant samples with an equal mass (about- 3 g) were roughly close to 100% within 45 min. While based on the isotope analysis of the extracted water, the shortest extraction time for R. chinensis, A. trewioides and P. fortuneana was no less than 45, 60 and 60 min, respectively. The shortest extraction time had a trend to increase with the increase in wood density. These results indicated the probability to establish the relationship between the wood density and the plant stem water shortest extraction time, which would effectively improve the extraction efficiency.

 

The damage of Tetranychus urticae on physiological index of kidney bean.

SUN Yue-hua1,2, ZHI Jun-rui1**, TIAN Tian1

2014, 33(4):  1010-1014. 

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Tetranychus urticae is an important pest of kidney bean. The physiological indexes of kidney bean were tested after it was infested by T. urticae at different population densities and attacking durations. The results showed that chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content changed little after infestation of T. urticae at low density (2 mites·leaf^-1) and short time (<5 days), but deceased significantly with the increasing pest density and feeding duration. The contents of reducing sugar and total sugar were closely related to the damage degree of pests. The reducing sugar content decreased more greatly with the increase of attacking duration and damage degree, while the total sugar increased firstly and decreased later. The total phosphorus and potassium contents in the leave of kidney bean decreased remarkably with the increasing of  infestation, but the nitrogen content didn’t change significantly.

The effects of elevated O₃ on rhizosphere bacterial communities of different wheat cultivars.

YAN Pei1,2, WANG Xiu-juan1, SUN Jian1, SONG Yu3, ZHANG Hui-wen1, LI Xin-yu1**

2014, 33(4):  1015-1020. 

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Based on a Free-Air Ozone Concentration Enrichment facility, we studied the responses of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of four wheat cultivars-Yangmai 15, Yangmai 16, Yangfumai 2, Yannong 19 (Y15, Y16, Y2, Y19) to elevated O₃ at jointing and ripening stages. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and realtime quantitative PCR were conducted to reveal community structure and abundance of rhizosphere soil bacteria. The results showed that the elevation of O₃ concentration significantly reduced the rhizosphere bacterial abundance of cultivar Y2 at the jointing stage, but had no significant effects on the rhizosphere bacterial abundance of four wheat cultivars at the ripening stage. Diversity index and principal component analyses indicated that the rhizosphere bacterial diversities and community structures of wheat cultivars Y15 and Y2 were obviously changed respectively at the jointing and ripening stages under the treatment of elevated O₃ compared with the control. The results suggested that elevated O₃ might have a longer effect on the rhizosphere bacterial community of wheat cultivar Y2 than on the other wheat cultivars, which would cause a cumulative effect.

Effects of reduced solar irradiance on soil microbial carbon metabolic fingerprint in maize rhizosphere.

WU Fang-fang**, ZHENG You-fei, WU Rong-jun, WANG Jin-qi, LI Ping

2014, 33(4):  1021-1026. 

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The effects of reduced solar irradiance on soil microbial diversity in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) rhizosphere were investigated in a two-year experiment using a shading method. Solar irradiance was reduced by 20%, 40%, and 60%, respectively, with unshading as controls. The catabolic ability of single carbon source was measured by BIOLOG ECO MicroPlate. Average well-color development (AWCD), soil microbial diversity index and principal component analysis (PCA) were calculated. The results showed that, under the reduced solar irradiance, the catabolic ability of single carbon source was decreased, with a slower decomposition rate of total carbon sources. However, we found no obvious influence of reduced solar irradiance on dominant soil microbial populations, community richness, and the number of individuals in the community. The microorganisms weakened their ability to metabolize majority of carbon sources under the reduced solar irradiance. The metabolism of saccharides was most affected, with a greater variation compared to other carbon sources. The results indicate that microbial carbon metabolism in the wheat rhizosphere soil was affected by the reduced solar irradiance. This study provided a reference for understanding the impact of atmospheric environmental change on soil microecology.

Characteristics of EPS extracted from a high efficient PAHs-degrading bacterium by different methods.

ZHANG Yu1, LIANG Yan-qiu1, JIA Chun-yun2**, JIANG Chun-yang3, JIAO Yang1

2014, 33(4):  1027-1033. 

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Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) of a high efficient PAHs-degrading bacterium strain were extracted by four methods including cation exchange resin method, ultrasonic method, ultrasoniccation exchange resin method and heating method, and the properties of EPSs extracted by the four methods were analyzed by infrared spectrum, threedimensional fluorescence spectrum and transmission electron microscope. The maximum total content of protein and polysaccharide in EPSs by the heating method was 328.36 mg·L^-1. The adsorption peaks of C(N)═O, N―H (protein) and O―H (polysaccharides) were all present on the infrared spectrum of EPSs obtained by the four methods, and the peaks of C(N)═O and N―H on the spectra of EPSs extracted by the heating method were the widest and strongest. The threedimensional fluorescence spectrum analysis showed that the intensities of two proteinoid peaks in EPSs obtained by the heating method were maximum, being 13.8 and 118.2 a.u., respectively, while the proteinoid peak was weaker and the humiclike and fulviclike acids were stronger in EPSs obtained by the other three methods. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the damage of bacterial cell was least and no intracellular substances dissolved out during the process of heating. According to the characteristics of the EPSs obtained by the four methods, the heating method was considered as the better EPS extraction method due to its highest efficiency and moderate impact on bacterial cell.

Effect of Dendrocalamus latiflorus and Eucalyptus grandis plantations on soil nematode community in Sichuan Basin.

ZHU Ting-ting1,2, LI Wei1, LIU Cheng-gang1,2, PAN Kai-wen1**

2014, 33(4):  1034-1041. 

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Soil nematode plays an important role in nutrient cycling and is often used as a good bioindicator of soil quality assessment. To understand the effect of implementing the Grain to Green Program on soil ecosystem health, we investigated the soil nematode communities from different soil depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm) under three landuse types: 11-year-old Dendrocalamus latiflorus plantation (DL), 11-year-old Eucalyptus grandis plantation (EG), and the adjacent sloping cropland (CK) in a hilly area of the Chengdu plain, Sichuan Province, in April 2013. A total of 10103 nematodes were captured and fell into 2 classes, 6 orders, 22 families, and 37 genera. Aphelenchoides and Plectus were the dominant genera. Acrobeles, Cervidellus, Rhabditis were the common genera. There was a significant difference in the number of soil nematodes among different landuse types, and the vertical distribution of nematodes had an obvious surface aggregation phenomenon. The diversity index of soil nematodes, including Shannon index (H′), Margalef index (SR) and Pielou index (J′), followed the order of DL>CK>EG, except Simpson index (λ). Maturity index (MI) followed the order of DL>EG>CK, and plant parasites index (PPI) CK>DL>EG. Based on nematode faunal analysis, the structure of soil food web in DL was relatively mature and lessdisturbed, compared with EG and CK. The results suggest that DL can enrich species composition of soil nematode community, achieve higher diversity and then maintain a steadystate structure and function of soil ecosystem.

Fecundity of exotic golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, in Sichuan.

LIU Qiao1, YANG Song1**, ZHAO Liu-lan1, YAN Tai-ming1, YANG Shi-yong1, ZHANG Jia-en2

2014, 33(4):  1042-1046. 

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Egg masses of Pomacea canaliculata were collected monthly from three habitats including reservoir, rice field, and irrigation canals and ditches in Ya’an, Sichuan Province from March to October 2012 and the fecundity of P. canaliculata was studied by using the methods of collecting snail eggs in the fields and breeding in the laboratory. The field investigation results indicated that egg numbers per egg mass varied distinctly, ranging from 33 to 621 individual eggs per mass (an average of 233 individual eggs per mass) with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 55.0%. The egg diameter ranged from 2.17 to 3.20 mm (mean = 2.60 mm, CV = 8.95%). The number of eggs was significantly positively correlated with the weight of egg mass (P<0.01). The absolute fecundity value of P. canaliculata in May was the highest (403.1 eggs·mass^-1), and significantly different (P<0.05) from those in the other months. The absolute fecundity from the reservoir was higher (P<0.05) than from rice field and irrigation canals and ditches. Meanwhile, a comparative study on the fecundity of P. canaliculata collected from Chengdu, Ya’an and Ziyang was also conducted by using the singlepair mating method in the laboratory. The results showed that the individual relative fecundity values from the three areas were 12.33, 9.58 and 10.54 eggs per gram of snail body weight, and 4.55, 3.92 and 3.54 eggs per millimeter of the snial shell height, respectively. The individual relative fecundity values of P. canaliculata from the three areas were not significantly different. Our work would provide a preliminary understanding for the reproductive characteristics of P. canaliculata in Sichuan and offer a scientific reference for snail prevention and control.

Summer habitat selection of Mrs Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) in fragmented sites of Jinzhongshan, Guangxi.

YUAN Bao-dong1,2, LU Chang-hu2, CHENG Zhi-ying3, JIANG Ai-wu1，4**

2014, 33(4):  1047-1052. 

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The habitat preference of Mrs Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) in Jinzhongshan Nature Reserve of Guangxi was studied in the summers of 2011 and 2012. In field, we used radio transmitters to track 8 birds and then confirmed the sign sites, and 20 ecological factors were measured in 111 sign quadrats (10 m× 10 m) and 93 control quadrats, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were used to test the differences between the two datasets of sign and control quadrats. Our results demonstrated that slope position, distance to forest edge, herb coverage, shrub height, herb density, and tree diameter at breast height had no significant differences (P>0.05) between the two kinds of quadrats, while other factors existed significant differences (P<0.05). The principal components analysis showed that there were five most important factors (with eigenvalue >1) dominating the Mrs Hume’s Pheasant’s habitat selection in summer. The total eigenvalue contribution of the five factors was 64.23%. The first principal component belonging to food factor was a major factor affecting summer habitat selection of Mrs Hume’s Pheasant; the other four principal components were safety, disturbance, geographical and water factors. We suggested that food resource availability in different habitat patches was the vital factor affecting the habitat preference of Mrs Hume’s Pheasant.

Leading indicators of atmospheric circulation characteristics on rice planthopper occurrence in China.

YU Cai-xia1, HUO Zhi-guo1，2**, ZHANG Lei3, XIAO Jing-jing4, LU Xiao-feng5, WU Li1

2014, 33(4):  1053-1060. 

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According to rice planthopper occurrence area ratio, occurrence degree data from 1971 to 2010, a new factor was defined as occurrence index, reflecting the comprehensive damage degree of rice planthopper. Based on  74 atmospheric circulation characteristics data from month to month in 1970-2010, all possible combinations of circulation characteristics were constructed by factor puffing. By means of correlation analysis,  leading indicators of national rice planthopper occurrence rank in early February, April and June was established. The results showed that rank indicating factors of national rice planthopper occurrence area ratio included the area index of western pacific subtropical anticyclone, the ridge line of south China sea subtropical anticyclone, the northern hemisphere polar vortex intensity index and India-Burma trough. The rank indicating factors of national planthopper occurrence degree included the northern boundary of Pacific subtropical anticyclone, Asian zonal circulation index, Asian trough intensity, and sun spots. The rank indicating factors of national planthopper occurrence index included the intensity index of northern hemisphere subtropical anticyclone, the northern hemisphere polar vortex intensity index, Atlantic European type circulation index and Tibet Plateau index. The values of rank indicators had great differences in light, partially light, partially heavy, and heavy ranks. Rank indicators had a good indication for planthopper occurrence rank, which can provide a scientific basis for long-term forecasting of rice planthopper.

The effects of climate and water level fluctuation on the wintering population of Oriental White Stork  (Ciconia boyciana) in Poyang Lake.

LI Yan-kuo1**, SHAN Ji-hong2,3, MA Jian-zhang2, MIAO Lu-jun1, LI Jia1, YUAN Fang-kai1, XIE Guang-yong1

2014, 33(4):  1061-1067. 

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We analyzed the population fluctuation of Oriental White Stork (Ciconia boyciana) in Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve in winter from 1984 to 2011, and its correlation with climate variables and water level variables. The mean number of the Oriental White Storks in Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve was 1296±177. This population exhibited an obvious annual fluctuation, but as a whole showed a significant linear increase trend. The population size of Oriental White Stork in Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve was significantly negatively correlated with the annual lowest water level, the mean water level of October, and the mean water level of December, which maybe result from the decrease of available habitats and increase of human disturbance with the increase of water level in winter. This population trend in the reserve was also significantly correlated with the average minimum temperature of November. The Oriental White Stork mainly arrived at the Poyang Lake in November, and a proper temperature in this period may increase the food resource availability for Oriental White Stork, speed up energy recovery after long distance migration, and decrease their energy consumption for basal metabolism. The results derived from stepwise linear regression indicated that the average minimum temperature of November, the duration of high water level of January of the previous year, and the duration of high water level of July of the previous two years were significant predictors of the population trend of Oriental White Stork, which in total accounted for 78.3% of the population fluctuation during 1984-2011.

Influence of Donghai Bridge offshore wind farm on bird composition.

SHI Bei, DING Ling**, XU Ling-yun, HU Wei, ZHENG Lei-fu

2014, 33(4):  1068-1075. 

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With the construction of the Donghai Bridge offshore wind farm in 2007, we collected the observation data of birds at Nanhui Dongtan from 1997 to 2006 and Yangshan Deep Water Port from 2005 to 2006. The data were compared with the observation from May 2012 to June 2013 in the same area in respect to diversity, composition and quantity of species. Results showed that the bird richness did not change significantly, while the proportion of the Charadriiformes decreased and that of the Passerine increased. However, Charadriiformes was still the dominant species in respect to its abundance. Our study indicated that such changes were not only caused by the construction of the wind farm, but also by the effects of many other factors, such as the changes of the local habitat conditions, and the construction of other costal projects. The observation by the video monitors installed at the wind farm area indicated no sign of bird activities, probably because of the fact that the wind farm construction area had been kept away from the bird migratory passage, or the approachavoidance behavior of the birds occurred.

Local sensitivity analysis of parameters in Storm Water Management Model.

LI Chun-lin1,2, HU Yuan-man1, LIU Miao1**, XU Yan-yan1,2, SUN Feng-yun1,2, CHEN Tan1,2

2014, 33(4):  1076-1081. 

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Sensitivity analysis is a crucial procedure for parameter identification. The parameter sensitivity of hydrological and contaminated modules in Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was evaluated with three different intensities of rainfall based on the Morris screening method. The results showed that the descending order of parameter sensitivity to total runoff volume and peak flow was destoreimperv, conduit roughness and width-K, with sensitivity indices of -0.329, -0.144, 0.133 and -0.294, 0.171, 0.143, respectively. Max buildup, coefficient and exponent of road and roof parameters had higher sensitivities to water quality modeling. Rainfall intensity had a great influence on the sensitivities of infiltration parameters, but a weak influence on the sensitivities of water quality parameters. Land use had a great influence on the
parameter sensitivity. The parameters of water quality were more stable than those of hydrological module in SWMM.

The method of attribute weight in forest ecosystem health evaluation based on knowledge granularity.

LIU Su-zhi1, HE Xiao-dong1, LI Jian-jun1,2**

2014, 33(4):  1082-1088. 

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According to the theory of system science, this paper established an evaluation system of forest health including 13 indicators from system vitality, composition and resilience and forest environment aspects. To solve the problem in which the health evaluation values are unknown, that is, no decision attribute, this paper applied attribute importance degree of rough set theory to analyze the indexes’ influence on forest health, with the forest health evaluation index weight being obtained based on knowledge granularity and attribute importance. We took eight secondary forest communities and two plantations in Daweishan Nature Reserve of Hunan Province as study cases. The results showed that the weights of 13 indexes were basically consistent with the expert scoring results. The evaluation results indicated that only one plot was at health level, seven at subhealth level and two at unhealthy level. Compared with the analytic hierarchy process method (AHP) and the principal component analysis method (PCA), this method did not need any prior information but took the information related to the forest health system as the basis to mine correlation and importance degree among factors directly reflecting forest health. It did not depend on experts’ experience, and the greater the amount of information, the more objective the attribute weight was. The results suggested that the evaluation method was real and effective and the evaluation result was more objective, providing a theoretical basis for forest health assessment and management.

Urban thermal environment pattern with spatial autocorrelation in Lanzhou.

WANG Peng-long1**, ZHANG Jian-ming2, LU Rong-fang2

2014, 33(4):  1089-1095. 

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Based on the Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS image, atsatellite brightness temperature was retrieved, and the spatial and internal patterns of urban thermal environment were analyzed with spatial autocorrelation in Lanzhou, a valley flat typed City. The results showed that the high temperature spots were mainly focused on the areas with intensive industry, commerce and population. The Yellow River and the afforesting belts along both sides of the river formed a relatively low temperature channel across the urban areas. The spatial pattern of brightness temperature retrieved from TIRS band 10 could better differentiate high or low temperature spots than from TIRS band 11. Meanwhile, band10based brightness temperature of the same land use/cover type was more concentrated, hence, more helpful to analyze the urban thermal environment. The spatial pattern of brightness temperature in Lanzhou was of significant autocorrelation. The band10based brightness temperature pattern had better spatial dependence. Given the same resolution to the TIRS, 1 km sampling interval could be used to study the urban thermal environment pattern. Local spatial autocorrelation could characterize the internal pattern of urban thermal environment, and monitoring the abnormal value spots could provide a sound background to ecological planning.

Landscape pattern change in different sedimentary coastal areas of Yancheng, Jiangsu.

FANG Ren-jian, SHEN Yong-ming**, WU De-li

2014, 33(4):  1096-1103. 

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By using RS and GIS technology, data collected from remote sensing images of TM or ETM in 1992, 2000 and 2010 was analyzed to figure out landscape pattern changes in the different sedimentary coastal areas of Yancheng from Biandan estuary to Xingang port coastal wetland. The results indicated that in the erosion, transition and sedimentation regions, the massive original natural landscape types were converted to the artificial landscape type from 1992 to 2010, and the transfer rate in the erosion region (85.76%) was greater than in the sedimentation region (78.15%), followed by the transition region (56.96%). For the transfer of landscape elements: in the erosion region, the main conversion of the landscape components was Aeluropus littoralis, Saueda spp. and Spartina spp.→ Aquaculture pond, A. littoralis and Pragmites communis → farmland; the characteristics of natural succession of vegetation were obvious in the transition region, which was A. littoralis→P. communis→Saueda spp.→Spartina spp.→mudflats; the transfer of landscape elements in the sedimentation region showed two distinct phases during periods of 1992 to 2000 and 2000 to 2010. For the landscape heterogeneity: the fragmentation of sedimentation region > entire region > erosion region > transition region; the dominance of transition region > erosion region > entire region > sedimentation region; the diversity of transition region > entire region > sedimentation region > erosion region. For the factors causing landscape changes: natural factors occupied the dominant position in the transition region, while artificial factors were the dominant in the erosion and sedimentation regions. Therefore, how to achieve winwin economic and environmental benefits become the focus of the regions.

Evaluation on nonpoint source pollution under different land cover scenarios in typical water source areas.

WU Nan1**, ZHOU Xiao-tie1, WANG Xiao-hui1, GAO Ji-xi2, TAN Xiao-guang3, DING Xiang3, WANG Li-li4

2014, 33(4):  1104-1113. 

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Xijian Lake (formerly Chengxi Reservoir) is the unique surface water source of Chuzhou City, Anhui. Its water quality deterioration is mainly caused by the nonpoint source pollution. Based on the pattern of land use/land cover (LULC), a model was established by GIS platform to simulate the quantity of nonpoint source pollution exported to the aquatic environment and retained by the different LULC on each cell on the platform of GIS. This study chose phosphorus as a pollutant surrogate and relevant data of the year 2010 were used in the model. The quantity of phosphorus exported to the lake and phosphorus retained were simulated under five different LULC scenarios. The results showed that in 2010, the total phosphorus exported to the lake was 2461.20 kg. Critical source areas of phosphorus mainly included the city’s Institute of Agricultural Science, Chengjiao resident area, the Institute of Aquaculture in the northwestern of watershed. Most of the exported phosphorus was effectively retained by the different LULC in the process of transportation, and the total phosphorus retained by LULC was 5422.36 kg, accounting for 68.8% of the total phosphorus loads. The simulated results for the amounts of phosphorus exported to the lake under five different LULC scenarios were in the order of cropland > built-up > grassland > forestland. The scenarios 4 and 5 that included vegetation buffer zones with different widths planted along the shore and on the intersection of runoff would largely improve the efficiency of phosphorus retention. However, the program of returning croplands to forests, which guided the land cover changes only based on the slope ranks, would be less efficient to prevent phosphorus from the watershed entering the aquatic environment.

A review on the process of seed-seedling regeneration of Ulmus pumila in sparse forest grassland.

TANG Jiao1,2, JIANG De-ming1**, WANG Yong-cui1

2014, 33(4):  1114-1120. 

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Elm woodland steppe (Ulmus pumila), widely distributed in the farming-pastoral ecotone of northern China, is an original landscape of the Horqin sandy land, Otindag sandy land and Hulunbeier sandy land. Its landscape is characterized by single tree species composition and well developed grass-shrub vegetation, being similar to subtropical sparse woodland, savanna. It is an important barrier to prevent deserts from invading. At present, however, the growth of the elm woodlands falls in a serious situation. The elms have decreased in number sharply and their natural regeneration has been unsuccessful for a long time. Especially, the recruitment process from seeds to seedlings is influenced by both the natural environment and human factors, resulting in the degradation of the elm woodland steppe ecosystem towards the edge of collapse. Based on the previous studies on regeneration process of elm seeds and seedlings in the main elm woodland areas in China, we summarized the distribution characteristics and main influencing factors for seeds and seedlings of elm woodland steppe, and put forward some prospects on provenance protection, long-term observation, multidisciplinary crossed research and effect analysis of stabilizing sands. This review will be of great benefit to the restoration and reestablishment of the elm woodland steppe.

 

Species characteristics and resource protection of Chinese sturgeon, Acipenser sinensis, the rare fish in the Yangtze River: A review.

FANG Min1,2,3, CAI Lu3, WANG Cong-feng1,2,3, YUAN Xi3, HUANG Ying-ping1,2,3**

2014, 33(4):  1121-1127. 

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Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis), an endemic fish species in China, is in endangered status due to human activities. It was listed in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List as critically endangered species in 2010. In this review, the present situation of resources, characteristics and swimming ability of Chinese sturgeon were introduced. The main methods of conservation for this species were artificial propagation, fishery enhancement and release, and the construction of reserve. Achievements and difficulties for artificial propagation of Chinese sturgeon in past 30 years were overviewed. We summarized the research progress on fishery enhancement and release of Chinese sturgeon, and the short-term effect was hard to evaluate due to the difficulty of marked recapture of Chinese sturgeon. In addition, the significance of protection reserve construction to Chinese sturgeon was discussed. This review will provide some references for further study.

Research progress in the protection efficacy evaluation of wildlife nature reserves.

YAN Yu-ying, DENG Jiao, ZHANG Zhi-qiang, ZHOU Xian-yan, YANG Dao-de**

2014, 33(4):  1128-1134. 

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Wildlife nature reserves are aimed at the conservation of wildlife population and their habitats. The protection efficacy evaluation of wildlife nature reserves is an important way to protect the wildlife resources, and it plays an important role in promoting the management effectiveness and systematic planning of nature reserves. In this paper, the evaluation of nature reserves (including the assessment on conservation value, management effectiveness, and human impact) and the assessment on the efficiency of wildlife conservation were discussed systematically. Concept and content of protection efficacy evaluation of wildlife nature reserves were defined, and the problems existing in the present studies were analyzed. The future researches related to the field should be focused on the dynamic evaluation of target species’ population and habitats, and the effectiveness of patrol and monitoring in the nature reserves.