Table of Content

10 August 2025, Volume 44 Issue 8

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Influence of acid rain on remediation effectiveness of soil heavy metal pollution by amendments.

ZHOU Huiting, ZHANG Jiaen

2025, 44(8):  2465-2475.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.016

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Soil acidification is a critical factor influencing the activity and chemical form distribution of heavy metals. Acid rain is one of the main causes of soil acidification. To comprehensively summarize the effects of acid rain on the remediation effectiveness (stability and form changes) of amendments for soils contaminated by heavy metals, a meta-analysis was conducted with 59 published studies. The results showed that adding amendments under the influence of acid rain could significantly reduce the total leaching of heavy metals from soil by an average of 66.40%. The exchangeable and carbonate-bound forms of heavy metals  reduced by 43.02% and 11.17%, respectively, while the iron-manganese oxide-bound, organic matter-bound, and residual forms was increased by 12.33%, 14.20%, and 27.71%, respectively.  The composite material-type amendments exhibited superior remediation effects compared with single-component ones. The fixation and stabilization of soil heavy metals through amendments were influenced by both soil environmental conditions and its intrinsic properties. The optimal stabilizing effect of amendments on soil heavy metals was observed when soil pH is maintained between 5.5 and 6.5, with a CEC value below 15.4 cmol·kg^-1, organic matter content ranging from 30 to 40 g·kg^-1, clay content exceeding 35%, amendment pH between 6 and 8, and amendment concentration within the range of 20 to 30 g·kg^-1. These findings provide valuable insights for more effectively remediating heavy metalcontaminated soils affected by acid rain based on specific local conditions.





Response of soil respiration to nitrogen addition in alpine ecosystem of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Meta analysis.

HAO Yingqi, WANG Yuying, WU Pengfei, REN Xiao, WEI Xue, ZHANG Yaxian

2025, 44(8):  2476-2486.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.002

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The intensification of climate change and human activities has led to an increase in exogenous nitrogen input in alpine ecosystems, resulting in an increase in carbon emissions. In this study, with a database of 30 papers related to Qinghai-Tibet Plateau alpine ecosystems, a meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the response of soil respiration in alpine ecosystems to N addition. N addition had a significant positive effect on soil respiration in alpine ecosystems (P<0.05). N addition rate dominated the positive/negative effect on soil respiration, in that  ≤200 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1 significantly promoted soil respiration, and the promotion of soil respiration at >200 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1 was significantly weakened. There was a 2-year threshold value for the positive effect of N addition duration on soil respiration (P<0.05), in that >2-year N addition significant decreased the positive effect of N addition on soil respiration. The differences in the positive effects of N addition on soil respiration in different alpine ecosystems were significant (P<0.05), i.e., subalpine forest > alpine meadow > alpine swamp wetland. The positive effect of N addition on soil respiration was mostly significant in an average annual temperature >2 ℃, or annual precipitation >800 mm, or altitude ≤3000 m in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau alpine ecosystems. This study can provide theoretical and practical basis for ecological protection in alpine vulnerable areas of China.





Characteristics of soil microbial carbon metabolism under different land use patterns in Sanjiang Plain.

2025, 44(8):  2487-2496.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.008

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The Sanjiang Plain is the largest distribution area of marsh wetlands in China. Over the past 60 years, the land use patterns in the Sanjiang Plain have changed, and the soil physicochemical and biological properties have also been significantly affected. To clarify the differences in soil physicochemical properties and soil microbial functional activity under different land use patterns in Sanjiang Plain, we collected soil samples from 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layer of cropland, forest, and wetland in the Nongjiang River Basin of Sanjiang Plain. Employing Biolog-ECO microplate technology, we analyzed soil microbial carbon source metabolic activity, carbon source utilization characteristics and functional diversity, and explored the effects of soil physicochemical properties on soil microbial carbon source metabolic activity under different land use patterns by using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that soil microbial carbon source metabolism ability in 0-10 cm soil layer of forest was significantly higher than that of wetland and cropland. The carbon source metabolic activity in 10-20 cm soil layer of forest and wetland was higher than that of cropland. Soil microbial Shannon index, Simpson index, and McIntosh index were positively correlated with soil total carbon, dissolved organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, total nitrogen, microbial biomass nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen contents. After reclamation of wetland into cropland, the utilization ratio of amino acids by soil microorganisms was increased, while the utilization ratio of polymers was reduced. SEM results showed that soil microbial biomass carbon, ammonium nitrogen, total carbon, nitrate nitrogen, moisture content, and pH value were important factors affecting soil microbial carbon source metabolic activity.





Impacts of exogenous organic carbon input and soil properties on priming effect in coastal wetlands of Yellow River Delta, China.

HU Congyue, ZHANG Yaru, HAN Cun, LI Peiguang, HAN Guangxuan, SONG Weimin

2025, 44(8):  2497-2505.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.013

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Exogenous carbon input may either increase or decrease soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization, resulting in a positive or negative priming effect, respectively, with consequence on soil carbon storage and stability. However, how differences in exogenous carbon input levels and soil properties affect the direction and intensity of the priming effect remains unknown. In this study, we collected soil samples from two coastal wetlands (new and old river channels) in the Yellow River Delta with different soil physicochemical properties, and conducted an incubation experiment to test the effects of different levels of isotope-labeled glucose addition (0.2%, 0.5% and 2% of SOC) on the priming effect of soil carbon mineralization. The results showed that the 0.2% and 0.5% treatments led to a positive priming effect, whereas the 2% treatment significantly inhibited native SOC mineralization and produced a negative priming effect. There was a significant interaction between wetland type and glucose addition level on the priming effect. There was no significant difference in the priming effect of the two wetlands under the 0.2% and 0.5% treatments. Soil from the old channel wetland produced a stronger negative priming effect than that in the new channel wetland under the 2% treatment. The priming effect was negatively correlated with microbial biomass carbon, suggesting that the differences in soil physicochemical properties, including soil texture, nutrient and organic carbon content, affected soil microbial biomass and activity, thus regulating the response of priming effect to exogenous carbon inputs. Overall, our results suggest that exogenous carbon addition levels and soil physicochemical properties co-regulate the direction and intensity of the priming effect in the coastal wetlands, with important consequence on soil carbon cycle of coastal wetlands. This study provides a scientific basis for understanding soil carbon stability in coastal wetlands.





Soil organic carbon mineralization characteristics under different land use types in desert-oasis transition zone and its response to nitrogen addition.

SONG Jiaoyang, ZHAO Guangxing, CONG Mengfei, ZHANG Zhihao, ZENG Fanjiang

2025, 44(8):  2506-2514.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.033

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We explored the mineralization potential of soil organic carbon (SOC) between two land use types, shrubland and cropland, in the southern edge of the desert-oasis transition zone in hyper-arid area of the Taklamakan Desert, and analyzed the response mechanism to nitrogen (N) addition. Adjacent uncultivated desert land was used as a control. NH₄Cl was used as the N source. The SOC mineralization rate and cumulative SOC mineralization were measured in an incubation experiment in the laboratory. The regulatory factors of SOC mineralization including the microbial community composition and enzyme activities related to carbon and N cycling were explored. The results showed that land use types had a significant impact on the cumulative mineralization of SOC. The cumulative mineralization of SOC in cropland and shrubland were significantly higher than those in uncultivated desert land (P<0.05). The mineralization rate of SOC peaked on the 1st or 3rd day, and then gradually decreased with the extension of incubation time. The cumulative mineralization of SOC was significantly negatively correlated with soil dissolved organic N, ammonium, and nitrate, but positively correlated with pH (P<0.05). Redundancy analysis showed that 95.02% of the variation of SOC mineralization was explained by enzyme activity and microbial community composition, and fungi to bacteria ratio. Gram-positive bacteria and actinomyces abundances exerted the greatest impact on SOC mineralization. Nitrogen addition delayed the occurrence time of the maximum of soil mineralization rate in shrublands and uncultivated desert lands, but did not affect soil microbial community composition and SOC cumulative mineralization. These findings indicate that the reclamation of desert lands into shrublands and croplands can increase SOC mineralization, with nutrient availability playing an important role in this process.





Effects of different soil and water conservation measures on soil nutrient loss on slope in mountainous region of western Liaoning.

TAO Jia, ZHANG Fan, ZHOU Fengyan, BAI Wenqiang, WANG Yunze, HAN Yangang, LEI Zeyong

2025, 44(8):  2515-2521.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.031

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Soil and water conservation measures are essential for preventing soil nutrient loss. However, the mechanisms through which these measures affect soil nutrient loss on slopes in low hilly regions under natural rainfall conditions remain unclear. We examined six measures of soil and water conservation (cross-slope ridge cropping, slope ridge cropping, ridge plant belt, slope terrace, fruit tree terrace, and afforestation) in the Erdaoling small watershed of western Liaoning Province, with fallow bare land as the control. We analyzed the characteristics of soil nutrient loss and the affecting factors under these six soil and water conservation measures. The results showed that: (1) All the six measures of soil and water conservation effectively inhibited nutrient loss, though with varying degrees. Afforestation was the most effective measure for controlling soil nutrient loss, with loss rates of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) being 2.76%, 9.47%, 8.26%, and 4.84%, respectively. (2) Water-stable aggregates and runoff coefficient were key factors affecting soil nutrient loss. The more stable the water-stable aggregates, the smaller the runoff coefficient, and the lower the loss rates of SOC, TN, TP and TK. Soil pH and roughness were significantly positively correlated with SOC loss (P<0.05). The loss rates of TP and TK were correlated with their baseline values and water content. The higher baseline values increased the loss rates of TP and TK, while water content had an opposite effect. Soil bulk density had a significant negative correlation with TK loss (P<0.05). Overall, soil nutrient loss on slopes in the low hilly regions of western Liaoning was affected by a variety of factors. Afforestation was the optimal management strategy for reducing nutrient loss and should be prioritized in the ecological restoration of sloping cultivated lands in small watersheds in this region.





Effects of open-pit coal mining on properties and bacterial community of surrounding soil in arid gravel desert area.

DU Huadong, LIU Yan, BI Yinli, LIU Yunlong, BAI Mengtong

2025, 44(8):  2522-2530.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.029

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Coal mining has great impacts on regional topography, hydrological cycle, soil and vegetation in arid and fragile areas in western China. However, we know less about the influencing scope and extent of open-pit mining on soil properties and bacterial community in the mining area and surrounding environment. In this study, we compared the soil physicochemical properties, bacterial α diversity and bacterial community composition in open-pit mining area and the surrounding areas with different distances from the mining workplace in arid gravel desert area. We further analyzed the relationship among vegetation, soil physicochemical properties, and bacterial communities. The results showed that: (1) Soil bulk density and soluble salts on the dump site were higher than that in the undisturbed area (5000 m away from the mining area), while soil water content, pH, organic matter, total N, and available nutrients were lower than that in the undisturbed area. Compared with the undisturbed area, soil water content, soil bulk density, organic matter, total N, and available N, P and K all decreased within 0-2000 m around the mining area. Soil properties were seriously damaged within the range of 0-500 m around the mining area. Soil nutrients increased at 2000-3000 m around the mining area. There was no significant difference in total N and available N and K beyond 3000 m compared with the undisturbed area. (2) Open-pit coal mining did not affect α diversity of soil bacterial community around the dump site and mining area, but altered bacterial community composition on the dump site and within 0-2000 m around the mining area. Compared with the undisturbed area, the abundance of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi decreased by 6% and 21%, respectively, while the abundance of Proteobacteria increased by 24% in the dump site. The abundance of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi increased by 36% and 16%, respectively, while the abundance of Proteobacteria decreased by 58% within the range of 0-500 m around the mining area. Compared with the undisturbed area, the abundance of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi increased by 19% and 8%, respectively, while the abundance Proteobacteria decreased by 35% within the range of 500-2000 m around the mining area. There was no significant difference in the abundance of soil bacterial communities between 2000-5000 m around the mining area and the undisturbed area. (3) The main environmental factors affecting soil bacterial community composition on open-pit mining area were soil bulk and water content in the dump site and within the range of 0-500 m around mining area, and were organic matter and available nitrogen within the range of 500-2000 m around mining area. Vegetation coverage was the main environmental factor affecting soil bacterial community composition within the range of 2000-5000 m. Soil bulk and organic matter were the main factors affecting the abundance of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi, whereas soil water content, total nitrogen, and vegetation cover were positively associated with the abundance of Proteobacteria.





Effect of nitrification inhibitors on nitrogen migration in karst agricultural soils.

SHI Zhiyu, WANG Xiaodan, LU Meng, MAO Ju, GAO Yunlong, MA Xi, YUE Fujun

2025, 44(8):  2531-2540.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.035

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Nitrification inhibitors play a critical role in the migration and transformation of nitrogen in agricultural soils. Using soil column simulations, we investigated the effects of different fertilization treatments on nitrogen transformation and leaching potential in typical yellow soil in a karst region. There were five treatments, including conventional nitrogen fertilizer, conventional nitrogen fertilizer with nitrification inhibitor DMPP, 120% nitrogen fertilizer with nitrification inhibitor DMPP, 80% nitrogen fertilizer with nitrification inhibitor DMPP, and conventional nitrogen fertilizer with nitrification inhibitor DMPP and phosphate fertilizer. The results showed that soil nitrification was inhibited by DMPP. Compared to the conventional fertilization condition, nitrate concentration was reduced by 34.8%±4.2%. The nitrogen reduction strategy (80% of the conventional fertilization amount) combined with DMPP application resulted in a 56.4%±6.1% decrease in nitrate leaching compared to conventional fertilization. The addition of phosphate fertilizer increased nitrate concentration in the soil leachate by 56.2%±5.4% compared to the application of urea and DMPP alone, indicating that phosphorus addition has an inhibitory effect on the function of DMPP. In summary, DMPP application in karst regions can inhibit soil nitrification, effectively reduce nitrate leaching and the risk of groundwater nitrogen pollution, which is of great significance for water resource management and ecological environment protection in karst agricultural soils.





Abundance of nitrous oxide reducers and the driving factors in dryland and paddy soils from Jiangxi Province.

CHENG Yuheng, FENG Mengmeng, WAN Song, DENG Milin, HE Jizheng, LIN Yongxin

2025, 44(8):  2541-2547.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.032

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To explore the characteristics of nitrous oxide-reducing bacteria abundance in dryland and paddy soils and their influencing factors, real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure the abundance of nosZⅠ and nosZⅡ genes in the soils of dryland peanut and flooded paddy fields from 16 sites in Jiangxi Province. The main influencing factors were analyzed. The results showed that the copy number of the nosZⅡ gene in both dryland and paddy soils was significantly higher than that of nosZⅠ, indicating that nosZⅡ-type nitrous oxide-reducing bacteria dominated in acidic agricultural soils. The abundance of nosZⅠ in dryland soils was 2.28×10⁸ copies·g^-1, significantly higher than that found in paddy soils (1.33×10⁸ copies·g^-1), indicating that nosZⅠ-type nitrous oxide-reducing bacteria may prefer dryland soils over paddy soils. However, there was no significant difference in the abundance of nosZⅡ genes between dryland and paddy soils. In dryland soils, the total carbon content was the most important factor influencing the copy numbers of nosZⅠ and nosZⅡ genes, possibly because nitrous oxide-reducing bacteria are heterotrophic microorganisms with total carbon as the carbon sources and energy. Meanwhile, available phosphorus content and pH value were the most important factors explaining the variations of copy numbers of nosZⅠ and nosZⅡ genes in paddy soils, likely because the total carbon content in paddy soils is high and not a limiting factor, making phosphorus and pH more influential. In summary, the abundance of nitrous oxide-reducing bacteria differed in dryland peanut and paddy soils in Jiangxi Province, with nosZⅠ-type nitrous oxide-reducing bacteria favoring dryland soils and nosZⅡ showing no significant preference.





Soil nematode community characteristics in Quercus liaotungensis forest under different restoration years.

MA Huizhen, YAN Benshuai, WANG Huiling, WU Chunxiao, WANG Yunxia, WANG Guoliang

2025, 44(8):  2548-2556.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.028

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Vegetation restoration is considered as one of the most effective approaches for enhancing the ecological environment of the Loess Plateau. Investigating the variations in the abundance and structure of soil nematode community within Quercus liaotungensis forest across different restoration durations, along with their underlying driving factors, can offer valuable theoretical support for scientific management of forest ecosystems on the Loess Plateau. With abandoning farmland as the control, changes of soil nematode community of Quercus liaotungensis with the stand age of 30, 60, and 120 years were studied in Ziwu Mountain, Loess Plateau. The results showed that: (1) The dominant genera of soil nematode in Q. liaotungensis forest differed among restoration durations, with Filenchus being the co-dominant genus and Criconemoides becoming a new dominant genus in 60 and 120 years old plantations. (2) There was no significant change in total soil nematode density with increasing durations of restoration. Soil nematode community structure in 30 years old Q. liaotungensis forest was significantly different from abandoned farmland, 60 and 120 years old Q. liaotungensis forest. (3) The proportion of bacterivores showed a trend of first increase and then decrease with increasing restoration years, while that of omnivores-predators showed a fluctuating increasing trend. The proportion of bacterivores significantly and positively correlated with litter biomass and dominant bacterial taxa. The proportion of fungivores was significantly positively correlated with soil ammonium nitrogen and significantly correlated with dominant bacterial and fungal taxa. The proportion of plant-parasitic nematodes was significantly and positively correlated with dominant bacterial and fungal taxa. The proportion of omnivores-predators was significantly and negatively correlated with the dominant fungal taxa. (4) Soil ammonium nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, and bacterial community structure were the major factors influencing soil nematode community changes in Q. liaotungensis forest with different restoration years. Our results indicated that restoration duration significantly affected the structure of soil nematode communities in Q. liaotungensis forest, and that soil ammonium nitrogen and dominant microbial taxa may be the main factors driving the changes in soil nematode community during vegetation restoration.


Effect of insect herbivory on photosynthetic characteristics and biomass allocation in seedlings of two subtropical tree species.

CHEN Ziliang, XU Qinqin, YANG Yunyun, YAN Bin, HU Yalin

2025, 44(8):  2557-2566.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.021

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Insect herbivory on leaf is a common phenomenon in forest ecosystems, which strongly affects tree growth, ecosystem structure and processes. However, it is unclear how insect herbivory influences plant photosynthesis, biomass accumulation and allocation of subtropical tree species. In this study, we examined the effects of insect herbivory and artificial defoliation on the growth, leaf photosynthetic characteristics and biomass allocation in seedlings of two subtropical tree species (i.e., Cinnamomum camphora and Cryptomeria fortunei). Our results showed that short-term (i.e., two months) insect herbivory increased net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, initial fluorescence (F₀) of two tree species, but decreased intercellular CO₂ concentration and chlorophyll a and b contents. However, long-term (i.e., six months) insect herbivory inhibited the growth and total biomass of seedlings, but increased root shoot ratio. The effects of artificial defoliation on leaf photosynthetic characteristics were generally lower than that of insect herbivory, but there was no difference with respect to their impacts on biomass and its allocation among plant organs. Cinnamomum camphora biomass had significant negative correlations with F₀. Stem biomass of Cryptomeria fortunei was negatively correlated with G_s, and positively correlated with chlorophyll a content. Our results implied that insect herbivory induced a short-term photosynthetic compensation, and therefore stimulating leaf photosynthesis, but inhibited the long-term growth and biomass accumulation of tree seedlings. In addition, the simulation of insect herbivory using artificial defoliation method might underestimate the impacts of insect herbivory.





Effects of nitrogen addition on stoichiometry and metabolic components of Phyllostachys edulis in subtropical region.

LU Jiaohong, ZHANG Qiufang, ZENG Quanxin, PENG Yuanzhen, XU Min, CHEN Linna, CHEN Wenwei, CHEN Yuemin

2025, 44(8):  2567-2574.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.022

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Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is one of the important issues of global changes, which may cause stoichiometric imbalances in plants and negatively affect plant metabolism. Phyllostachys edulis is a bamboo species with long cultivation history, wide distribution, and important economic value in China. In this study, we conducted a field experiment with three nitrogen addition levels \[control (CT), low nitrogen (LN), and high nitrogen additions (HN)\] to simulate nitrogen deposition in a Ph. edulis forest in Daiyunshan National Nature Reserve, Fujian Province, China. The effects of nitrogen addition on the stoichiometry and metabolic components of Ph. edulis were investigated by determining basic physical and chemical properties of soils, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents of Ph. edulis leaves and roots, the biomass of fine roots, and the metabolic component contents of leaves. The results showed that nitrogen addition significantly increased phosphorus content, carbon∶phosphorus (C∶P) ratio and nitrogen∶phosphorus (N∶P) ratio of leaves, but did not affect those variables and biomass in fine roots. Those results indicated that phosphorus use efficiency of Ph. edulis differed across organs in response to nitrogen addition. High nitrogen addition significantly increased leaf malondialdehyde content and decreased superoxide dismutase activity, whereas low nitrogen addition had no significant effect on the metabolic components in leaves. This result suggested that Ph. edulis can maintain relatively stable metabolic activity under low nitrogen addition. In summary, this study clarified nutrient use characteristics of different organs of Ph. edulis under nitrogen deposition, and identified the stronger adaptive strategy of leaves under low nitrogen addition.





Characteristics of wind/snow damage of Juglans regia and its relationship with tree growth attributes in different slope aspects in West Tianshan Valley, Xinjiang.

WEI Haiying, LIU Huaqing, JIA Yanyan, ZHANG Wei

2025, 44(8):  2575-2581.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.026

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After a severe wind/snow disaster in January 2022, we conducted a survey of the damage of Juglans regia in different slope aspects in Xinjiang Wild Walnut Nature Reserve. The distribution characteristics of different damage grades of J. regia were analyzed, and the influence of tree growth characteristics and slope aspect on the damage grades was explored. The results showed that: (1) 561 individuals had different degrees of damage in the reserve. The number of the damaged individuals of J. regia was in the following order: Grade Ⅳ (20) < Grade Ⅴ (95) < Grade Ⅲ (101) < Grade Ⅱ (150) < Grade Ⅰ (215). The damaged individuals at grades I to III accounted for 83.07% of the total damaged individuals. (2) With the increases of DBH and height classes, the proportions of damaged individuals increased sharply, decreased sharply, and then remained stable. The damaged trees of grade Ⅰ had the highest average DBH and height, which showed significant difference with other four damage grades. (3) The damage rate of different slope aspects was in order of semi-sunny slope (17.11%), sunny slope (18.54%), shady slope (29.59%), and semi-shady slope (34.76%). Grades Ⅰ to Ⅱ mainly occurred on semi-shady slope, while Grades Ⅲ to Ⅴ mainly occurred on shady slope. In the four slope aspects, there was no significant difference in the proportion of damaged individuals at the same damage grade (P>0.05). (4) DBH and height of J. regia and their interaction had significant effects on damage grades (P<0.05), but the damage grade was not significantly affected by slope aspect (P>0.05). Our results can provide scientific reference for the management and protection of J. regia in sudden wind/snow disaster.





Fine-scale spatial genetic structure of an endemic and endangered Dipterocarpaceae species (Hopea reticulata) in Hainan Island.

DUAN Jiyu, CAI Ying, RAO Chaokang, TANG Liang

2025, 44(8):  2582-2590.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.024

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Hopea reticulata Tardieu belongs to the genus Hopea from Dipterocarpaceae, which is only naturally distributed in Ganza Ridge of Hainan Island in China. The slash-and-burn agriculture and logging have resulted in the degradation of the original lowland rainforest to secondary forest in Ganza Ridge. After the establishment of Ganza Ridge Provincial Nature Preserve, vegetation in lowland rainforest gradually recovered and developed into a tropical rainforest community with H. reticulata as the sole dominant species. To evaluate conservation efficacy and genetic dynamics, 102 individuals of H. reticulata were divided into three age classes (youth, adult, and post-adult) based on diameter classes. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained via double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) to assess nucleotide diversity and fine-scale spatial genetic structure. The results showed that H. reticulata maintained a high nucleotide diversity (π=0.25527), surpassing two endangered species, Vatica guangxiensis (π=0.21780) and Horsfieldia hainanensis (π=0.17200). The structure analysis, NJ tree and PCoA analysis revealed no significant genetic differentiation among age classes. All the three age classes showed a significant fine-scale spatial genetic structure, the strength (Sp=0.0283-0.0240) of which was negatively correlated with ages, probably due to the limited seed dispersal and self-thinning within the population. In summary, H. reticulata population in Ganza Ridge maintained a relatively high level of genetic variation due to the large population size. The nuts of H. reticulata are wingless and fall around its parent trees after maturity. The limited seed dispersal distance leads to a strong fine-scale spatial genetic structure. With increasing population ages, intraspecific competition intensifies, and the strength of fine-scale spatial genetic structure would decrease in elder age classes. Based on these findings, we suggest that the distance between individuals for seed collection and for cross-pollination should be at least more than 260 m to reduce genetic similarity, and preserve offspring genetic diversity in the work of provenance collection and human-assisted pollination.





Ecological stoichiometry of carbon and nitrogen for Gleditsia sinensis in the Yellow River desertification region.

ZHANG Ganggang, LIU Qiao, FAN Xiao, WANG Yang, RUAN Chao, LIU Yanping, FAN Dingcheng

2025, 44(8):  2591-2597.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.005

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Gleditsia sinensis is one of the top ten recommended tree species for ecological restoration in the Yellow River Basin. Clarifying the ecological stoichiometry characteristics of G. sinensis community is helpful to the scientific configuration and optimization of plant communities and the effective construction of green ecological barrier along the Yellow River desertification region. By using the method of substitution of space for time, different diameter at breast height (DBH) classes of G. sinensis (large, medium, and small trees) were analyzed and sampled by trunk analysis. LSD-mean multiple comparison method was used to quantify the differences in biomass, total carbon content (TC), total nitrogen content (TN), carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N) and carbon density (CD) in organs of G. sinensis among different DBH classes. The results showed that there were significant differences in the ecological stoichiometric characteristics in organs among different DBH classes (P<0.05). There were significant differences in stem biomass, TN and C/N of branch between large and small trees. The TC of branch and TN of leaf for different DBH classes exhibited a sizedependent relationship. The TC and TN in leaves of different DBH classes were higher, and the C/N showed an increasing trend. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the proportions of the biomass of each organ of trees across different DBH classes and the proportions of CD, as well as the proportions of TC and TN. These results are of great significance for plant arrangement model and regional ecological restoration of the fragile ecosystems in the Yellow River desertification region.





Distribution and the influencing factors of Davidia involucrata population in Mabian Dafengding Nature Reserve.

LIU Tingting, LUO Huan, HUANG Yaohua, FU Liqiang, PU Guanhua, YIN Huakang, MAO Ze’en, ZHANG Jindong

2025, 44(8):  2598-2607.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.019

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To furnish the theoretical foundation for conserving dove tree (Davidia involucrata), we examined the demographic number, age structure, and spatial distribution pattern of D. involucrata population in the Mabian Dafengding National Nature Reserve of Sichuan Province. Based on field survey data, the suitable habitat distribution and its influencing factors were simulated by MaxEnt model. The results showed that: (1) The reserve is rich in dove tree resources, with an estimated 11666.73 hm² of suitable habitat, constituting roughly one-third of the reserve’s total area and hosting about 27510 individuals. The population exhibited a marked scarcity of saplings and juvenile trees, presenting a typical inverted pyramid age structure that indicates a declining population. (2) Dove trees predominantly occupied areas along river valleys at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2200 m, with the majority situated between 1200 and 2200 m. (3) The primary environmental variables affecting habitat suitability were the proximity to rivers, altitude, and the range of annual temperature, with optimal conditions being found within 0 to 250 m from rivers, at elevations of 1200 to 1900 m, and experiencing annual temperature fluctuations of 26.2 to 27.2 ℃. (4) Human activities such as bamboo harvesting and grazing severely threatened the habitats of dove trees, impeding seed germination and plant growth, and thereby adversely affecting population regeneration. We suggested initiating pilot conservation projects to strengthen the protection of dove tree germplasm resources in the Mabian Dafengding Reserve. Moreover, we should conduct experiments on dove tree breeding, population renewal, and innovative development and utilization. Artificial nurturing of saplings with problems in natural regeneration should be implemented to promote population sustainability. Planning bamboo shoot collection and livestock grazing areas, standardizing the bamboo shoot collection and grazing behaviors of local people around the reserve, and reducing human disturbances under the canopy were recommended. Upon meeting the necessary conditions, these measures can be expanded to the entire Liangshan Mountain range, which is crucial for the conservation of the dove trees.





Photosynthetic responses of seedlings from two Prunus mume cultivars to drought and subsequent rewatering.

WANG Zixu, LUO Chunyan, GUO Ziyan, TONG Yuhang, ZHENG Weijun, LI Qingwei

2025, 44(8):  2608-2617.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.025

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We investigated physiological responses of Prunus mume ‘Meiren’ and ‘Gu Lihong’ to drought stress and rehydration, aiming to provide scientific basis for evaluating drought resistance in Prunus mume. By applying a drought treatment, the photosynthetic and physiological parameters of potted seedlings were monitored under different drought durations (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days), followed by a 7-day rehydration period. The results showed that with increasing drought stress, ‘Gu Lihong’ exhibited more severe leaf wilting and yellowing than ‘Meiren’. After 14 days of drought, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll a+b contents decreased more significantly in ‘Gu Lihong’ than in ‘Meiren’. Gas exchange parameters, including net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (G_s), transpiration rate (T_r), maximal photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m), effective photochemical quantum yield (Y(II)), and relative electron transport rate (ETR), declined progressively with drought stress in both cultivars, with a more pronounced decrease in ‘Gu Lihong’. In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble sugar (SS), free proline (Pro), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were significantly higher in ‘Meiren’. Rehydration partially restored the photosynthetic and physiological parameters of both cultivars. Drought stress inhibited photosynthesis in ‘Meiren’ leaves. ‘Meiren’ demonstrated stronger drought resistance by mitigating oxidative damage through the accumulation of osmoprotectants and the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby preserving membrane integrity and function under stress conditions. Overall, ‘Meiren’ exhibited greater drought resistance and resilience than ‘Gu Lihong’.





Effects of straw strip mulching coverage on winter wheat yield and soil water and heat distribution in Loess Plateau.

ZHOU Meng, LI Baozhan, CHEN Hui, CHAI Yuwei, YANG Yong, ZHANG Senyu, WANG Zeyi, CHANG Lei, HUANG Caixia

2025, 44(8):  2618-2628.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.017

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This study aimed to explore the impacts of corn straw strip mulching on soil moisture, temperature, and winter wheat yield in farmland located on the Loess Plateau, and to seek an appropriate straw strip mulching technique tailored for winter wheat cultivation in this region. The winter wheat cultivar “Kangzhuang 974” served as the test subject, with straw strip mulching implemented in configurations of 3 rows (S3, 58.8% coverage), 4 rows (S4, 50.0% coverage), and 5 rows (S5, 41.7% coverage). Plastic film mulching (PM, mulching coverage 100.0%) and no mulching (CK) were used as controls. The results showed that, compared to CK, the straw strip mulching treatments significantly boosted soil moisture across the entire 0-200 cm soil profile during the entire growing season by 14.1%, with an order of S3 > S4 > S5. Across different growth stages, S3 exhibited the highest increase during the maturity stage (32.5%), whereas S5 showed the smallest increase during the seeding stage (1.8%). The strongest moisture increase was observed in the 0-20 cm layer for S3 (32.8%), with the least increase found in the 180-200 cm layer for S5 (4.5%). Water storage in the 0-200 cm soil layer peaked at maturity, with S3, S4, and S5 increasing by 31.1%, 21.5%, and 9.2%, respectively. Within soil layers, S4 showed the largest increase at 180 cm (10.3%), while S5 demonstrated the smallest increase (1.1%). Throughout the entire growing season under PM, soil moisture and water storage in the 0-200 cm layer increased by 20.3% and 19.7%, respectively. Straw strip mulching significantly reduced the average soil temperature of 0-25 cm layer during the whole growth period of winter wheat by 1.67-3.14 ℃, and the total effective accumulated soil temperature by 12.6%-30.8%. S3 had the largest cooling range, followed by S4 and S5. PM showed a warming effect during the whole growth period of winter wheat. In terms of yield components, S5 enhanced yield, water use efficiency (WUE), panicle number, and panicle number per unit area by 9.8%, 13.8%, 1.8%, and 22.0%, respectively, but reduced 1000-grain weight by 11.7%. PM increased yield and WUE by 26.5% and 47.9%, respectively. Therefore, considering yield formation, WUE, and moisture retention benefits, S5 is a suitable planting and mulching method for arid winter wheat cultivation on the Loess Plateau.





Effects of vermicomposting from spent mushroom substrate on yield and quality of potatoes.

FANG Zhirong, CHEN Shaoqing, QING Yuan, YAN Lang, LUO Bangzhou, BU Jinchao, CHEN Yuping, WU Jian

2025, 44(8):  2629-2639.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.037

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Improving soil structure and fertility can increase crop yield and quality. To provide empirical evidence for the reuse of spent mushroom substrate, we investigated the effects of spent mushroom substrate fermented by biochemical fulvic acid (BFA) agent and vermicompost produced by spent mushroom substrate fermented by BFA agent on soil physicochemical properties, soil enzymes, rhizosphere soil microbial diversity, as well as the tuber yield and quality of potato. The results showed that T1 treatment (150 kg·hm^-2 (20%) NPK fertilizer + 7.5 t·hm^-2 of vermicompost) performed better than T2 treatment (20% NPK fertilizer + 7.5 t·hm^-2 of spent mushroom substrate composting). Compared with chemical fertilizer application alone (750 kg·hm^-2 NPK fertilizer, CK treatment), the T1 treatment significantly increased the contents of available phosphorus, available potassium, organic matter, soil pH, the activities of acid phosphatase, neutral phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, sucrase, catalase and urease, the number and weight of large potatoes, the number and weight of whole potatoes, and the contents of dry matter, starch, vitamin C and potassium of potato tubers. T1 treatment increased the relative abundances of norank_f_norank_o_Gaiellales, Mycobacterium, Mortierella, Paraphaeosphaeria, Naganishia, Trichocladium, and Pseudaleuria, which promoted the release of soil hydrolytic nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium in rhizosphere. In conclusion, T1 treatment improved soil physical and chemical properties, enhanced soil enzyme activities, changed the composition of soil microbial communities, promoted nutrient release, and increased potato yield and quality.





Effects of combined organic and inorganic application on decomposition characteristics and nutrient release rates of different green manures in rice fields.

YANG Wei, ZHU Jie, YAO Lai, ZHAO Dongzhu, NIE Jiangwen, JIANG Mengdie, ZHU Bo, YI Lixia, LIU Zhangyong

2025, 44(8):  2640-2647. 

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Clarifying the kinetic characteristics of decomposition, carbon and nitrogen release of different winter green manures under the combined applications of organic and inorganic fertilizers can provide a theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of green manure resources and nutrient management strategies in rice cultivation in southern China. Under pot conditions, a nylon bag mesh method was used to examine the substitution of varying amounts of chemical nitrogen fertilizers with different green manures in rice paddies. The experiment involved replacing 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of chemical nitrogen fertilizers with aboveground parts of Chinese milk vetch, ryegrass, and rape while maintaining total nitrogen levels. Green manure residues were collected in nylon mesh bags on 0, 14, 24, 29, 34, 42, 48, 55, 69, 83, 111, 139, 167, and 192 days for analysis of dry matter decomposition, carbon and nitrogen release characteristics using the two-pool model. The results showed that the dry matter decomposition, carbon and nitrogen release exhibited a rapid initial phase, followed by a subsequent slow phase. On day 34 after decomposition, 81.9%-85.2%, 82.1%-84.3% and 61.2%-70.6% of dry matter decomposition amount was observed for Chinese milk vetch, ryegrass, and rape, respectively. At 34-192 days of decomposition, 11.8%-14.4%, 11.5%-13.4% and 14.9%-21.9% of dry matter decomposition amount was observed for Chinese milk vetch, ryegrass, and rape, respectively. Specifically, Chinese milk vetch and ryegrass exhibited relatively higher decomposition rates of dry matter, carbon, and nitrogen under the 25% replacement treatment, while rape showed higher rates under the 50% replacement treatment. Further analysis using the two-pool model showed that Chinese milk vetch and ryegrass had higher decomposition rates of dry matter, carbon and nitrogen than rape, and Chinese milk vetch exhibiting the highest decomposition rates of dry matter and nitrogen under the 25% replacement treatment, with a rate of 0.15% per day for both. The C/N ratio was negatively correlated with the decomposition of green manures, and carbon and nitrogen release. In summary, Chinese milk vetch demonstrated superior performance in decomposition and nutrient release, particularly under the 25% replacement rate.





Characteristics of the benthic macroinvertebrate functional groups and their relationships with vegetation factors in Hengsha Dongtan.

WANG Yutong, TONG Chunfu, WANG Tao, ZHANG Shengnan

2025, 44(8):  2648-2658.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.030

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We analyzed the relationships between benthic macroinvertebrate communities and vegetation factors in the salt marsh of Hengsha Dongtan in the Yangtze Estuary. The benthic macroinvertebrate communities were classified into different functional groups according to their feeding habits, feeding form, and life style. The characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrate functional groups and their relationships with the vegetation factors were analyzed. Gastropoda and Malacostraca were the dominant groups. The dominant species were Assiminea sp., A. violacea, A. latericea, Chiromantes dehaani, and Ilyoplax deschampsi. The abundance and biomass of the different functional groups  varied across sites. Among the feeding habit functional groups, omnivores had the greatest number of species, accounting for 50.00% of the total. Herbivores in more than 55.55% (5/9) sites had the highest relative importance index. Among the feeding form functional groups, shredders had the greatest number of species, accounting for 33.33% of the total. Scrapers in more than 44% (4/9) sites had the highest relative importance index. Among the life style functional groups, the number of species of semi-infauna was the largest, accounting for 50.00% of the total. Epifauna in more than 66% (6/9) sites had the highest relative importance index. Different vegetation factors were associated with different functional groups. The abundance and biomass of the feeding habit functional groups were significantly correlated with one or several factors in the combination of rhizome biomass, shoot density, and shoot height of plants (P<0.05). The abundance and biomass of the feeding form functional groups were significantly correlated with shoot height of vegetation (P<0.05). There were significant correlations between the biomass of life style functional group and the combinations of shoot density and height (P<0.05). In the future studies of benthic macroinvertebrate communities, it is necessary to choose the proper functional group classifications according to the research objectives.





Applying infrared camera technology to assess biodiversity and activity patterns of avian and mammalian species in the Jintongshan Region of Hunan Nanshan National Park.

LI Xufeng, ZHANG Ronghua, NIE Meihong, YANG Shengdong, ZHAI Jiazheng, LI Songwen1, ZHOU Lin, ZHANG Zhiqiang

2025, 44(8):  2659-2668.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.023

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The ongoing surveillance of wildlife resources constitutes the cornerstone for effective conservation and management of wildlife within nature reserves. To establish a comprehensive understanding of wildlife resources as well as to promote wildlife protection and management in the Jintongshan Region of Hunan Nanshan National Park, infrared cameras were used to monitor mammalian and avian resources from June 2021 to August 2022. This monitoring campaign encompassed an installation of 60 infrared camera stations, accumulating a total of 15343 effective camera-days and yielding 3733 individual and valid photos. We identified 19 mammal species belonging to 4 orders and 12 families, as well as 53 bird species belonging to 6 orders and 20 families. Luscinia phaenicuroides and Emberiza tristrami are new records for the region. Moschus berezovskii, Viverricula indica, and Syrmaticus ellioti are classified as Class Ⅰ nationally key protected wild animals in China. Ursus thibetanus, Tragopan temminckii, and Pitta nympha are among 15 species classified as Class Ⅱ nationally key protected wild animals in China. Dremomys pyrrhomerus had the highest relative abundance in mammals, while Lophura nycthemera was the most abundant in birds. The activity patterns of Lophura nycthemera, Chrysolophus pictus, Paguma larvata, and Melogale moschata were highly overlapping. In contrast, there were significant differences in the daily activity rhythms of Elaphodus cephalophus and Sus scrofa, as well as between Dremomys pyrrhomerus and Petaurista petaurista. The activity rhythms of Lophura nycthemera and Dremomys pyrrhomerus varied between the rainy and dry seasons, while there was no such divergence in the activity patterns of Sus scrofa. Our results highlight the importance and necessity of continuous wildlife resource monitoring in nature reserves. The use of infrared camera technology to understand the activity rhythms of common species can significantly contribute to wildlife resource protection and management.





Factors affecting the nest-site selection of three sympatric nesting sandpipers in Zhalong Wetland, China.

WANG Wenjun, XU Lin, SUN Zhongyao, XU Lingxia, ZONG Cheng, CHENG Kun

2025, 44(8):  2669-2677.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.012

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Nest-site selection is an important aspect of avian reproduction. How sympatric breeding species using similar habitat resources compete and coexist is a hotspot issue in avian ecological research. To explore the nest-site selection differences among sandpiper species breeding in the same colonies of Songnen Plain, we analyzed the nest measures, nest-site habitat characteristics and nest-site selection factors of sympatric nesting Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) and Asian Dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus) in Zhalong National Nature Reserve and its surrounding wetlands from May to June in 2022 and 2023. The results showed that the inner diameter and outer diameter of nests of Recurvirostra avosetta were significantly larger than those of Himantopus himantopus and Limnodromus semipalmatus, and that the outer diameter of nests of Himantopus himantopus was significantly bigger than that of Limnodromus semipalmatus. The number of plant species, average plant height and vegetation coverage around nests of Limnodromus semipalmatus, Himantopus himantopus and Recurvirostra avosetta decreased sequentially. Limnodromus semipalmatus nests were closest to other inter-specific and intra-specific nests, resulting in the highest nest density. Moreover, there were significant differences among nest distances to water surface and farmland of three sandpipers. Nest-site selection of all three species was influenced by vegetation and concealment factors, water availability, disturbance, and competition factors. However, the primary influencing factors differed among the species. The vegetation and concealment factors were the most important for the nest-site selection of Himantopus himantopus and Recurvirostra avosetta, while competition was the principal factor for Limnodromus semipalmatus.





Influencing factors of fish passage in fishway of Duobu Hydropower Station in Xizang.

LYU Linli, HU Jiansheng, FENG Chunping, YIN Zhengchang

2025, 44(8):  2678-2688.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.038

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Based on the monitoring data of catches, fish passing and environmental factors of Duobu Hydropower Station in Xizang, we screened out the factors affecting the passing of protected fish species. The results showed that: (1) The same-side vertical slit fishway design adopted by the Dobu fishway can better meet the fish passage of the river section. (2) The amount of fish passage in May was significantly greater than that in June. The active period of Schizothorax macropogon Regan, Schizothorax waltoni Regan and Schizopygopsis younghusbandi Regan generally occurred before June. The active period of Schizothorax o’connori Llord could be up to mid-June. (3) Among the examined water quality indices, higher dissolved oxygen content, lower pH, and smaller turbidity were beneficial for fish passage. The increases of water temperature had stronger inhibitory effects on the amount of passage of Schizothorax waltoni than other fish species. Schizothorax o’connori was more tolerant to the reduction of water quality than other three fish species. (4) Among the project operating parameters, the increases and drastic changes in the inflow, downstream flow and tailwater level had greater negative impacts on fish passage. Decreasing and fluctuating of average head was associated with the reduction of passage for Schizothorax waltoni, Schizopygopsis younghusbandi, and Schizothorax o’connori. Decreasing and fluctuating of reservoir water level had an inhibitory effect on dam-crossing activities of Schizothorax waltoni. Schizothorax o’connori adapted to a greater range of changes in the project operating parameters than other fish species. (5) The change of hydraulic parameters in the fishway had no significant effect on Schizopygopsis younghusbandi. Small water depth and high variability of fish entrance were conducive to attracting Schizothorax macropogon to pass through the fishway. Greater flow, water depth, and fish outlet flow velocity in the fishway as well as their greater variability were more favorable to the passage of Schizothorax waltoni. Drastic changes in flow and flow rate in the fishway were more favorable to the passage of Schizothorax o’connori.





The effect of temperature on swimming ability of four fish species.

WU Chijie, YU Lixiong, LIN Xiaoju, WANG Min, ZOU Yuanchao, XU Qiaoqing, DUAN Xinbin

2025, 44(8):  2689-2695.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.004

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To explore the differences in swimming ability among different species of fish (Pelteobagrus eupogon, Siniperca chuatsi, Carassius auratus, and Paramisgurnus dabryanus) as well as the effects of domestication temperature on swimming ability, the critical swimming speed (U^r_crit) and burst swimming speed (U^r_burst) of those four species were tested under conditions of 26±1 ℃ and 10± 1 ℃ using the velocity increment method. The results showed that the U^r_crit and U^r_burst of the four fish species were significantly different (P<0.01). Compared with the control at low temperature, the U^r_crit of Pelteobagrus eupogon, Siniperca chuatsi, and Carassius auratus showed an extremely significant increase (P<0.01) at high temperature, while that of Paramisgurnus dabryanus showed a significant increase (P<0.05). Among them, the Siniperca chuatsi of Carassius auratus was the largest, followed by the Siniperca chuatsi of Siniperca chuatsi and Pelteobagrus eupogon, while the U^r_crit of Paramisgurnus dabryanus was the smallest. There was no difference in U^r_crit between the low and high temperature group (P>0.05). The U^r_crit of Carassius auratus was the largest, followed by the U^r_crit of Pelteobagrus eupogon and Siniperca chuatsi, while the U^r_crit of Paramisgurnus dabryanus was the smallest. Overall, there are differences in the critical swimming speed and burst swimming speed among the four species. Temperature has a significant effect on the critical swimming speed of the four fish species, but has little effect on the burst swimming speed. Our results can provide reference for scientific fish breeding and resource restoration.





The impact of landscape pattern evolution of Yellow River estuary wetlands on hydrological connectivity from 1986 to 2023.

BAI Yunyi, YU Junbao, LI Yunzhao, ZHOU Di, LI Xue, GUAN Bo, WANG Xuehong, YANG Jisong, QU Chenyu, YAN Chang

2025, 44(8):  2696-2705.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.010

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Based on the landscape pattern index and hydrological connectivity index methods, the impact of changes in the spatial distribution pattern of wetland landscape types on wetland hydrological connectivity were explored in Yellow River estuary wetlands over the past 40 years (1986-2023). The results showed that herbaceous marshes, river wetlands, shrub wetlands, and croplands were fragmented, with dispersed landscape patterns. The patch connectivity of coastal tidal flat, reservoir pits, aquaculture ponds, salt ponds and construction lands had increased, and the landscape patterns were concentrated and compact. Hydrological connectivity in the wetland first declined and then increased, with overall poor connectivity. The patch area ratio (PLAND), average patch area (MPS) of herbaceous marshes were significantly positively correlated with overall connectivity index (IIC) and potential connectivity index (PC), while the splitting index (SPLIT) was significantly negatively correlated with PC. The landscape shape index (LSI) and SPLIT index of coastal tidal flats were significantly positively correlated with IIC and PC. The  LSI of river wetlands showed a significant negative correlation with PC. The   MPS of aquaculture ponds exhibited a significant negative correlation with IIC. Additionally, the  LSI correlated significantly negatively with both IIC and PC. There was no correlation between landscape pattern distribution of cropland and hydrological connectivity. Our results indicated that the evolution of landscape pattern affected wetland hydrological connectivity in the Yellow River estuary. This study provides a new theoretical perspective for hydrological connectivity research in the Yellow River estuary wetlands and offers references for the protection and optimization of hydrological connectivity.





Wetland dynamics in the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve during 2000-2020.

TANG Ying, FAN Xiaomei, WANG Linlin, YANG Qing

2025, 44(8):  2706-2716.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.011

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The Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve is a designated national wetland nature reserve in China. The effective monitoring of wetland resources within the reserve is of paramount importance for ecological restoration and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). In this study, the simple non-iterative clustering (SNIC) segmentation algorithm integrated with random forest classifier (SNIC-RF) was used to extract wetland information from 2000 to 2020 at 5-year intervals. Both centroid and transfer matrices were used to explore the spatiotemporal variations and conversions among wetland types. The results showed that: (1) Wetland classification based on SNIC-RF achieved overall accuracies greater than 0.89, with Kappa coefficient exceeding 0.87. Compared with the results using only RF, the SNIC-RF method improved the overall accuracy by 2.7%-14.1% and the Kappa coefficient by 3.5%-16.4%, respectively. SNIC-RF demonstrated excellent accuracy in delineating artificial wetlands such as reservoirs and ponds, where distinguishing spectral information was challenging. (2) The wetland area fluctuated from 2000 to 2020, with an increasing trend in the intensity of fluctuations during the period from 2010 to 2020. Natural wetland areas diminished continuously, whereas the proportion of artificial wetlands steadily increased. (3) Before 2010, wetland conversions primarily occurred in natural wetlands, with minimal involvement of artificial wetlands. After 2010, the conversions predominantly shifted from various wetlands to non-wetland types, with paddy fields being the primary source. The expansion of artificial wetlands mainly originated from the conversion of non-wetlands and mudflats. (4) Wetland migration in the Dawenliu Nature Reserve was more complex and intense than that in the Yiqianer Nature Reserve. The centroids of the artificial wetlands in both regions continuously migrate eastward, reflecting the development of the ecological economy in Dongying City.





The differences in carbon density between sunken and horizontal green space systems in Nakao River Wetland Park of Nanning City.

HU Shiyi, YANG Gairen, HUANG Zirong, YU Fang, DENG Wen, LI Lisha, DENG Yusong, LU Baopeng

2025, 44(8):  2717-2725.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.018

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Sunken green spaces offer important advantages for managing runoff and preserving water quality, which are commonly used in urban areas. However, their potential for carbon sequestration is not well understood. We investigated the Nakao River Wetland Park in Nanning, employing plot surveys and laboratory tests to evaluate carbon content and storage in both vegetation and soil of sunken green spaces-including bioswales, rain gardens, and water-purified terraced fields-in contrast to horizontal green spaces, such as traditional lawns and layered tree-shrub-grass environments. The results showed that: (1) In layered tree-shrub-grass configurations, the carbon density in sunken green spaces was higher than that in horizontal green spaces (P<0.05). Specifically, vegetative carbon densities for rain gardens and water-purified terraced fields were 2.42 and 1.43 kg·m^-2 respectively, which were 2.2 and 1.3 times greater than those of tree-shrub-grass landscapes. For that with single-layer structure, the carbon density of bioswales was at 0.15 kg·m^-2, making it 1.2 times that of conventional lawns. (2) In the 0-20 cm soil layer, carbon densities in rain gardens and water-purified terraced fields reached 5.39 and 2.15 kg·m^-2, respectively, being 3.1 and 1.2 times higher than that of tree-shrub-grass landscapes. Bioswales in the 0-20 cm soil layer displayed a carbon density of 2.40 kg·m^-2, which was 2.5 times higher than conventional lawns. (3) The main reason for carbon accumulation in sunken green spaces is the increases in plant growth by enhancing organic matter and nutrient accumulation due to larger catchment areas. This study helps improve the understanding of carbon sequestration capabilities and mechanisms within sunken green space ecosystems.





Temporal and spatial variations of vegetation ecological quality and its driving factors in the inland river basins of Hexi.

REN Liwen, WANG Xingtao, JIANG Youyan

2025, 44(8):  2726-2735.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.001

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Hexi is located in arid and semi-arid area of Northwest China, which is a typical ecologically fragile area. We examined the temporal and spatial variations of vegetation ecological quality in the inland river basins in Hexi based on watershed scale and quantified the response of vegetation to climate change and human activities, aiming to provide scientific reference for future ecological protection and construction in inland river basins. Based on vegetation ecological quality index (EQI) and meteorological data, the temporal and spatial variations of vegetation EQI in the inland river basins of Hexi from 2000 to 2022, as well as the contribution rates of climate change and human activities were investigated by using the methods of trend analysis, partial correlation analysis and multiple regression residuals analysis. The average vegetation EQI from 2000 to 2022 was 6.9, which showed a significant upward trend with a growth rate of 0.8·10 a^-1. Among the three major basins, Shiyang River basin had the highest average value and average annual growth rate of EQI. The area with the improved vegetation EQI accounted for 80.3% of the total since 2000. The proportions of the areas with improved and degraded vegetation EQI were 30.1% and 0.9% from 2000 to 2010, and 4.8% and 15.2% from 2010 to 2022, respectively. The vegetation EQI was positively correlated with temperature and precipitation, and was more sensitive to precipitation. The areas with positive contributions of climate change and human activities to the variations in vegetation ecological quality accounted for 77.3% and 72.9%, while those with negative contributions accounted for 9.7% and 19.0%, respectively. Overall, the vegetation ecological quality in the inland river basins in Hexi was jointly affected by climate change and human activities. In the areas with degraded vegetation ecological quality, the effect of human activities was greater than that of climate change.





Characteristics of water and heat changes and sensitivity analysis of grassland NPP in Bairin Right Banner, Horqin grassland over the past 64 years.

HAN Bo, SHI Yiping, SONG Yantao, HUO Guangwei, NA Muhan, WU Yunna, YANG Jinshun, Amen Buhe

2025, 44(8):  2736-2748.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.006

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The continuous rise in global temperature and changes in precipitation patterns have profound impacts on the structure and function of grassland ecosystems. Based on the daily temperature and precipitation observation data of Bairin Right Banner Meteorological Station in Horqin grassland from 1959 to 2022, we analyzed climate in time series by using methods such as cumulative anomaly, Mann-Kendall test, Morlet wavelet analysis, and rescaled range analysis. Further, the net primary productivity (NPP) of the grassland was estimated by using the Miami model and Thornthwaite Memorial model. The results showed that: (1) Over the past 64 years, the mean annual temperature in Bairin Right Banner was 5.67 ℃, with increasing rates of 0.32 ℃·10 a^-1 for annual average temperature, 0.24 ℃·10 a^-1 for maximum temperature, and 0.40 ℃·10 a^-1 for minimum temperature. The greatest warming trend was observed in spring. The mean annual precipitation was 349 mm, showing a weak increasing trend. Precipitation distribution was uneven throughout the four seasons, with summer precipitation accounting for 72.39% of the total. Extreme precipitation events became more pronounced after 2000. (2) Regarding climate mutation, there was a shift from low to high temperatures in 1996, and the mutation point for annual precipitation occurred in 2005 and 2010. Regarding climate cycles, there was a significant cyclic variation in mean annual temperature over 14 years, exhibiting multiple fluctuations from low to high and back to low. Annual precipitation showed significant cyclic variations over 48 years, alternating between high and low levels. (3) In terms of future climate prediction, the climate in Bairin Right Banner is projected to follow the trends observed over the past 64 years, overall showing a trend towards aridification. (4) The NPP of grassland was more sensitive to precipitation than temperature, and it will face greater challenges under the trend of aridification in future climates. These results are beneficial to the restoration of the Horqin grassland ecosystem and the protection of grassland resources, providing a scientific basis for its ecological risk assessment and agricultural production management.





The impact of warming on the decomposition rate of marsh litter in Zoige alpine wetland.

LI Siqi, XU Peixuan, HU Zhaoyi, WU Zhengjiang, ZHANG Kun, DONG Liqin

2025, 44(8):  2749-2755.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.020

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Global warming is profoundly affecting litter decomposition in plateau ecosystems. We evaluated the impacts of warming on the litter decomposition rate in a Zoige alpine marsh on the Tibetan Plateau. Based on the field manipulative experiments and laboratory incubation experiments, we analyzed the effects of warming on litter decomposition rates of Carex muliensis, the contents of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) of decomposing litter, and CO₂ flux during one-year decomposition. The results showed that: (1) Warming significantly increased the soluble sugar content in the litter of C. muliensis (P<0.05), while significantly decreased lignin content and C/N ratio (P<0.05). (2) After one-year decomposition, warming resulted in a decrease of 33.98% in litter mass, being significantly greater than that of 28.84% in the control (P<0.05). (3) The contents of C, N, and P in the litter all showed a decreasing trend during decomposition, with the decline being much greater in summer than that in spring and autumn. (4) During the rapid decomposition phase, CO₂ flux under warming treatment was significantly higher than that in the control (P<0.01). CO₂ flux had a significant positive correlation with surface temperature (r=0.82, P<0.05) and litter mass loss (r=0.77, P<0.01). Our results help elucidate litter decomposition dynamics and its environmental effects in highaltitude marshes under warming conditions.





Habitat suitability evaluation and corridor construction of red deer (Cervus canadensis) in the Huangnihe forest region, Jilin Province.

TIAN Xinmin, MENG Zijing, LIU Xiaohui, JI Xuyang, WANG Xinxue

2025, 44(8):  2756-2763.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.015

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In the context of strong human disturbance, various environmental factors directly or indirectly affect the habitat quality and distribution of wildlife. Red deer (Cervus canadensis) is a large herbivorous animal in temperate forests. It maintains ecological balance and biodiversity by feeding on plants and providing food resources for top predators. Therefore, conducting habitat suitability assessments and corridor planning is crucial for the restoration and protection of this species. In this study, we used the line transect survey method and footprint tracking to collect occurrence location information of red deer at the Huangnihe forest area in Jilin Province. Environmental variables at six resolution scales (30, 60, 120, 240, 480, 960 m) were resampled in ArcGIS 10.4. The optimal resolution scale of the study area was selected to predict the suitable habitat of red deer by using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. Then, potential ecological corridors were constructed by using the minimum cost path method. The results showed that: (1) based on the contribution rate of environmental factors and the rationality of response curve, the 60 m resolution scale was ultimately selected for modeling and analysis, with an AUC value of 0.931±0.016, indicating the reliability of the model. (2) Roads, vegetation types, and terrain were the main environmental factors affecting red deer. The closer to the road, the farther away from farmland, the 400 m away from coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, and the altitude of 380-480 m, the highest probability of red deer appearing. (3) The most suitable habitat area for red deer was 136.81 km², accounting for only 6.79% of the total area, and the habitat was fragmented. (4) Five core habitat patches were established based on the distribution of suitable habitats, and four corridors were constructed. By reasonably planning the construction of the corridors according to the actual situation of the red deer habitats in Huangnihe of Jilin Province, this study promoted the connectivity and integrity of the red deer habitats.





Comparison of acute ecological effects of graphene oxide and nano copper oxide in constructed wetlands.

LI Xuan, CHEN Jingjing, YAN Chunni, HUANG Juan, QIAN Xiuwen, WANG Luming

2025, 44(8):  2764-2770.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.034

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Graphene oxide (GO) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) lead to environmental exposure risks due to their widespread applications. The differences in properties, structures, and environmental behaviors may cause different ecological effects. We compared the effects of short-term exposure of 0.5 mg·L^-1 GO and CuO NPs on the operational performance of constructed wetlands (CWs) and the ecotoxicity mechanism. The results showed that the exposure of GO and CuO NPs did not affect COD and TP removal in the CWs. Removal rate of NH₄⁺-N in wetlands exposed to GO and CuO NPs was reduced by 5% and 9%, respectively, indicating that both GO and CuO NPs could inhibit the nitrogen removal effect in CWs. Compared with GO, CuO NPs inhibited nitrification more heavily. GO and CuO NPs exposure inhibited dehydrogenase activity. CuO NPs also had a significant inhibitory effect on urease activity. Phosphatase activity was the most responsive, which was significantly increased under both exposures. In the microbial nitrogen metabolism pathway, nitrification functional genes were inhibited by both GO and CuO NPs exposure, while denitrification functional genes were promoted by CuO NPs exposure. These results could provide a theoretical basis for assessing the ecotoxicity of different types of nanoparticles.





Driving forces of industrial carbon emission and embodied carbon flows in Shenyang and Dalian.

BAO Yuning, ZHONG Hongli, YU Xiaoman, LIU Mingda

2025, 44(8):  2771-2778.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.014

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As the largest energy consumer and CO₂ emitter in the world, China’s industrial CO₂ emission has reached to 85.3% of the country’s total CO₂ emission amount. Cities have become the critical area and strategic direction for industrial CO₂ reduction. Through literature review and data calculation, we calculated the total amount of industrial CO₂ emission and analyzed the driving factors for two typical industrial cities in Liaoning Province, Shenyang and Dalian, from 2010 to 2020, using IPCC inventory method. Multi-regional input-output model was used to explore embodied CO₂ flows between Shenyang and Dalian. Our objectives were to clarify the current situation of industrial CO₂ emission of the two cities, aiming to provide some reference information about industrial CO₂ reduction and cooperation for other Liaoning’s cities in the future. The results showed that: (1) During 2010-2020, industrial CO₂ emission of Dalian increased by 572.46×10⁴ t with a 3.77% average annual growth rate, while industrial CO₂ emissions of Shenyang decreased by 14.67×10⁴ t with an average annual growth rate of -0.1%. Energy consumption was mainly concentrated in raw coal and electricity. (2) Energy intensity exhibited an inhibiting effect on CO₂ emission for Shenyang and Dalian, being -50.41% and -20.51%, respectively. On the contrary, energy structure and output scale had a motivating effect, being 1.81% and 47.79% for Shenyang and 1.42% and 78.07% for Dalian, respectively. (3) Net transfer amount of embodied CO₂ emissions through industrial chains from Shenyang to Dalian was 63.43×10⁴ t. Embodied CO₂ flows of electricity, heat production and supply industry (88.89×10⁴ t), coal mining industry (26.97×10⁴ t) from Shenyang to Dalian exceeded those of electricity, heat production and supply industry (52.49×10⁴ t), and chemical industry (9.09×10⁴ t) from Dalian to Shenyang.





Research advances in the effects of bioturbation at sediment-water interface on methane emissions from wetlands.

CHEN Dalü, ZHAO Lufeng, TANG Jianjun, HU Liangliang, CHEN Xin

2025, 44(8):  2779-2789.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.036

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The interface between sediment and water plays a crucial role in matter cycling of wetlands. Bioturbation has multifaceted impacts on methane generation and oxidation as well as its transport between water column and sediments, making it a hot research topic in recent years. We conducted a comprehensive review on animal bioturbators, their disturbance characteristics, and the impact of bioturbation at the sediment-water interface on methane emissions of wetlands. The aim of this review was to provide a valuable reference for further investigation into the carbon sink function of wetlands and their effective management. Most research has demonstrated that bioturbation enhances methane emissions of wetlands, with the extent of such impact varying among different bioturbator species. Bioturbation can modify the microbial processes that produce and oxidize methane by altering the distribution of organic carbon in sediments, nutrient fluxes, and redox potential conditions. Bioturbation can directly modify sediment structure and porosity, which would facilitate methane transport through bubbling. Furthermore, bioturbators can indirectly impact methane emissions by altering vegetation and aquatic food chains at the sediment-water interface. This review underscores the necessity for strengthening future research in the following areas: (1) taking into account multiple temporal and spatial scales; (2) investigating the interactions between bioturbators and other organisms; (3) integrating various disciplines and technologies; (4) assessing the response of bioturbators to climate change; and (5) fostering applied research.





Biophilic city planning theory and the global practices.

YANG Wenyue, YE Hongyu

2025, 44(8):  2790-2799.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.009

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Biophilic city is a new development model designed to address the sharp decline in urban biodiversity and meet human needs for close contact with nature. It embraces the concept of harmonious coexistence and symbiosis between humans and other organisms within the urban environment, striving to build a life community that integrates “humans”, “nature”, and “other organisms” in the city. We systematically review the connotation, planning, and design principles, and content of building a biophilic city. By examining practical cases from Singapore, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Wellington, we analyzed their exemplary experiences across four scales: regional, urban, community, and architectural, aiming to provide reference and inspiration for the planning and design of biophilic cities in China. The construction of biophilic cities will help enrich urban biodiversity, enhance the integrity, stability, and resilience of urban ecosystems, and increase people’s sense of happiness in their biophilic experiences.





Automatic identification of the width of farmland shelterbelt based on GF-6 image.

ZHU Suhua, ZHENG Xiao, FAN Junmei, ZHAO Lanlin

2025, 44(8):  2800-2807.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.027

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Farmland shelterbelts are the direct ecological barrier of agroecosystems. The width of shelterbelts directly affects the fulfillment of the protective function and subsequent management. In the continued construction of farmland shelterbelts, it is critically needed to identify the width at the regional scale quickly and accurately. In this study, Fuqiang Town, Dazhong Town and Xingnong Town of Baiquan County, the core area of black land in Heilongjiang Province, were selected as the research area. The Gaofen6 Satellite Imagery (GF-6) data were selected to extract the patch information of farmland shelterbelt by object-oriented and buffer segmentation technology, and each shelterbelt was extracted and its width was calculated. The results showed that: (1) Farmland shelterbelt was sensitive in the blue band, near-infrared band, and normalized difference vegetation index, which can be used to separate farmland shelterbelt and non-farmland shelterbelt. (2) The automatic recognition results of the width of the farmland shelterbelts based on object-oriented and buffer segmentation technology showed a strong correlation with the measured width, with an R₂ value of 0.73. (3) The width of farmland shelterbelts in Fuqiang Town, Dazhong Town, and Xingnong Town was basically the same, mainly concentrated on 17-24 m, accounting for 32.64%, 33.24% and 30.29% of the total area of farmland shelterbelts in each township, respectively. The object-oriented and buffer segmentation technology created here will provide method support for the subsequent construction and management of farmland shelterbelts.





The application of multisource data in cultural ecosystem services accounting in Chengjiang City.

LUO Jinyi, WEI Xiaoyan, PAN Yingying, ZHOU Jian, WU Ruidong

2025, 44(8):  2808-2816.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202508.003

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The accounting of cultural ecosystem services is challenging due to its intangible nature, which presents a significant difficulty in assessing the values of current ecosystem services. The lack of targeted monitoring surveys and data statistics systems has led to deficiencies of relevant accounting parameters and input data, hindering progress in accounting cultural ecosystem services. Using government statistic data as the foundation, combined with internet data and questionnaire survey data, we applied relevant theories on cultural ecosystem service valuation and adopted the travel cost method and market value method to estimate the value of tourism and health services in natural scenic areas, landscape value-added services for hotels and private housing, and paleontological research and education services in Chengjiang. The results showed that the total value of these three cultural services in Chengjiang amounted to 4.486 billion CNY in 2021, with tourism and health services in natural scenic areas valued at 3.496 billion CNY, landscape value-added services at 0.889 billion CNY, and paleontological research and education services at 0.101 billion CNY. This study addresses the issue of data deficiencies by integrating multi-source data to account the value of cultural ecosystem services at the county level, providing an approach that can be extended to other areas. The findings support the value realization of ecosystem products and the development of ecological compensation mechanisms in Chengjiang.