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    Responses of photosynthetic traits and adaptive mechanisms of Rhododendron pulchrum Sweet to different light environments.
    LENG Hanbing, SU Ming, ZHANG Chunying
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1793-1801.   DOI: DOI:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.016
    Abstract17)      PDF(pc) (2473KB)(905)       Save
    The aim of this study was to explore leaf photosynthetic and biochemical characteristics and adaptive mechanisms of Rhododendron pulchrum Sweet under different light environments, including full light (FL, 100% natural sunlight), slight shading (LS, 82.01% full light), moderate shading (MS, 50.13% full light), and severe shading (SS, 15.80% full light). The results showed that leaf area and the contents of photosynthetic pigments and total nitrogen increased with decreasing light intensity, while specific leaf mass, total carbon content and carbon/nitrogen ratio decreased, and chlorophyll a/b decreased firstly and then increased. Maximum quantum photochemical efficiency and non-photochemical quenching coefficient were significantly higher under MS and FL treatments than that under the other treatments, respectively. The actual quantum photochemical efficiency, photochemical quenching coefficient, and quantum yield of quenching under SS treatment were significantly lower than that under the other three treatments. Dark respiration rate and light compensation point decreased with decreasing light intensity, while the maximum values in apparent quantum efficiency, maximum net photosynthetic rate and light saturation point) were detected under MS treatment, suggesting the strongest photosynthetic capacity. R. pulchrum under FL treatment had lower net photosynthetic rate (Pn) accompanied with lower stomatal conductance and higher stomatal limitation value. Such decrease in Pn under FL treatment was mainly due to stomatal limitation. In comparison, Pn under SS treatment was inhibited mainly due to the reduction in photochemical efficiency and imbalance in fraction of incident light in photosystem Ⅱ. Our results suggested that R. pulchrum had good performance in tolerance range of light intensities, and that moderate shading (i.e., 50% full light) was optimal for its growth. Consequently, proper shading or community configuration under deciduous forest with sparse canopy should be employed regarding its cultivation or application in gardens.

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    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 0-.  
    Abstract181)      PDF(pc) (448KB)(554)       Save
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    Effects of elevated CO2 and O3 concentrations on emission of isoprene and monoterpenes in Phoebe bournei.
    MA Fangyuan, ZHANG Li, WENG Zishan, LAI Jinmei, LIU Guizhen, GUO Hao, YI Zhigang
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1802-1810.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.034
    Abstract17)      PDF(pc) (3567KB)(513)       Save
    Elevated CO2 and O3 concentrations could affect ecosystem carbon (C) cycling. Isoprene (ISO) and monoterpenes (MTs) are the intermediate products in plant C metabolism, the synthesis and release of which are important pathways of ecosystem C cycling. We conducted a 4-month fumigation experiment with two-year-old Phoebe bournei seedlings. Four treatments, namely the control (CK), elevated CO2 concentration (EC), elevated O3 concentration (EO) and simultaneously elevated CO2 and O3 (EC+EO), were set up to examine the effects of elevated CO2 and O3 concentrations on ISO and MTs release and photosynthetic parameters in P. bournei. The results showed that after one month fumigation, a significant increase in MTs fluxes (P<0.05) and a 5.6% decrease in ISO flux were observed with the EC treatment compared with CK. After 4 months’ fumigation, the ISO and MTs fluxes decreased under EC, EO, and EC+EO treatments. The reduction was the strongest under EC+EO treatment, with the ISO and MTs fluxes being reduced by 76.4% and 89.6%, respectively. The decrease of fluxes might be attributed to the changes of net photosynthetic rate by changing the content of photosynthetic pigments and adjusting stomatal conductance under different treatments, which directly affects C source of ISO and MTs metabolism. The main components of MTs were α-pinene and limonene. Under elevated CO2 and O3 concentrations, net photosynthetic rate gradually decreased with fumigation duration. The effects of independently and simultaneously elevated CO2 and O3 concentrations on ISO and MTs fluxes differed. When we investigated the effects of elevated CO2 and O3 concentrations on ecosystem C cycling, compound factor interaction experiments should be taken into consideration, to provide more reliable data support for understanding the responses of ecosystem C cycling to global climate change.

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    Effects of different ratios of  nitrogen and phosphorus addition on the relationship between relative growth rate and fine root traits of Machilus pauhoi seedlings.
    CHENG Jieru, ZHONG Quanlin, ZOU Yuxing, CHANG Yunni, LIAO Penghui
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1811-1819.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.011
    Abstract22)      PDF(pc) (2026KB)(465)       Save
    Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are important nutrients affecting plant growth. Fine root is an important organ to absorb nutrients and water. Here, we analyzed the effects of different N and P application ratios (15∶1, 12∶1, 10∶1, 8∶1) on the growth and fine root traits of 1-year-old Machilus pauhoi seedlings in a pot experiment. The results showed that: (1) All the N and P addition treatments significantly increased leaf biomass, total biomass, and leaf mass fraction, but decreased root-shoot ratio, especially at the treatments with N/P ratios of 10∶1 and 8∶1. (2) Combined applications of N and P significantly increased relative growth rates of both total biomass and biomass of each organ, with a strongest effect under N/P ratio of 10∶1. (3) Combined applications of N and P significantly increased N and P concentrations in fine roots (P<0.05), with no difference among treatments. Fine root N concentration was the highest in the treatments with N/P ratios of 15∶1 and 10∶1. Fine root P concentration was the highest in the treatment with N/P ratio of 10∶1. Combined applications of N and P reduced the average diameter of each fine root order and specific surface area (SRA) of the 1st-2nd order roots, but increased specific root length (SRL) of the 2nd-4th order roots and SRA of the 3rd-4th order roots. The changes of root tissue density (RTD) of each order was opposite to that of SRA. (4) The relative growth rates of total biomass and biomass of each organ were significantly positively correlated with RTD but negatively correlated with SRL and SRA after combined N and P application. The results indicated that application of different N/P ratios affected biomass allocation pattern, relative growth rate, and the relationship between relative growth rate and some fine root traits of M. pauhoi seedlings. The most suitable ratio of N/P for the growth of M. pauhoi seedlings was 10∶1. Our results provide an important reference for the development of precise nutrient management and efficient cultivation of M. pauhoi seedlings.

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    Variations of leaf and fine-root functional traits of five garden tree species across an urban-rural gradient.
    CHEN Leiru, MA Ruihao, WANG Fei, XIA Kai, DENG Pengfei, XU Xiaoniu
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (6): 1281-1289.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202305.027
    Abstract27)      PDF(pc) (2350KB)(355)       Save
    Functional traits are important characteristics that link plants, environment and ecosystems, with a far-reaching significance for indicating environmental changes. In this study, we measured 14 morphological, physiological, and nutrient traits of leaf and fine-root in five garden evergreen tree species, Photinia ×fraseri, Euonymus japonicas ‘Aurea marginatus’, Cinnamomum camphora, Ligustrum lucidum, and Osmanthus fragrans. The differential variations of traits across an urban-rural environmental gradient and the correlation between leaf traits and root traits were analyzed to reveal the survival and adaptation strategies of these species. The results showed that morphological traits of different tree species differed greatly. There were no significant differences in the leaf morphological traits along the urban-rural gradient. The physiological traits showed an increasing trend along the urbanrural gradient, and the similar trend was observed for carbon contents in fine roots and leaves. According to the results of principal component analysis and the theory of plant economic spectrum, the fine roots of the garden tree species tended to adopt a “conservative” strategy, and the survival strategy of tree species as whole appeared “slow investment return” type in the rural sites. This survival strategy was not found in the urban sites. Our findings indicate that urbanization may strengthen the resource acquisition ability of plants for growth and production.

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    Research progress on net carbon sequestration capacity of plants under the background of carbon neutra-lization.
    YANG Qianmin, YUAN Danping, DENG Cunbao, WANG Yansheng, QIAO Ling
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (6): 1484-1496.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202306.015
    Abstract138)      PDF(pc) (1296KB)(342)       Save
    Plants play a key role in regulating the balance of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, improving carbon sequestration capacity and ecosystem carbon stocks, and contributing to the mitigation of global warming. It is therefore of great significance to further understand the factors affecting the net carbon sequestration capacity of plants in order to achieve the targets of carbon peak and carbon neutralization in China. We summarized the recent progresses in carbon fixation pathways in photosynthesis, carbon release processes through litter decomposition, and factors (CO2 concentration, temperature, water content, litter addition and removal) affecting carbon sequestration and carbon release through CO2 and CH4 emissions. The results showed that there was a threshold for the promotion of water, temperature, and CO2 concentration on plant carbon sequestration and the promotion of water and temperature on the CO2 emission from litter decomposition. When the threshold exceeds a certain range, an inhibitory effect exists on the aforementioned process. Litter removal is beneficial to reducing CO2 emission, but the response of CH4 emission through litter decomposition to the above environmental factors has been inconclusive. We propose to strengthen studies on the carbon sequestration ability of plants in different stages of life cycles by the combined action of multiple environmental factors; and on carbon emission mechanisms of tree residues, belowground litter, root exudates, and their responses to environmental factors, which will provide a reference for improving plant carbon sequestration and carbon neutrality.

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    Responses of plant community structure and stability to artificial disturbance in urban remnant mountains.
    SUN Yuzhen, WANG Zhitai, BAO Yu, LIU Shuping
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1829-1840.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.010
    Abstract14)      PDF(pc) (3090KB)(326)       Save
    To explore the responses of plant community of urban remnant mountains to artificial disturbance, plant community structure and stability of urban remnant mountains under different artificial disturbance ways and intensities were analyzed using the theories and methods of community ecology and quantitative ecology. The results showed that: (1) Vertical structure integrity of plant community under different intensities of human disturbance declined with increasing disturbance density. Reclamation, excavation, and construction had significant negative effects on trees and shrubs, while park utilization was beneficial to the integrity of community vertical structure. (2) The diameter class structure of trees exhibited an inverted “J” type distribution under different disturbance intensities. Small diameter trees (DBH<10 cm) accounted for 53%, 58% and 48% of the total individual numbers in the plots under light, moderate and heavy disturbances, respectively. The regeneration potential of tree layer was high. The diameter class structure of tree changed abnormally under reclamation and excavation disturbance ways. (3) Based on the coefficient of variation of community density and the Godron stability index, community stability decreased with human disturbance intensities. Plant communities under the disturbances of trample and park utilization were relatively stable, while those with the reclamation and engineering excavation were most unstable.

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    Effects of strip cutting width on the concentrations and stoichiometry of soil C, N, and P in Phyllostachys edulis forests.
    SHEN Jingxin, FAN Shaohui, LIU Guanglu, WEI Songpo
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1851-1857.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.013
    Abstract18)      PDF(pc) (1192KB)(298)       Save
    Strip cutting of moso bamboo forests is a new strategy proposed in recent years to adapt to mechanized operation. Understanding the effects of strip cutting width on soil nutrient contents and stoichiometric ratios is of great significance for selecting reasonable cutting width and realizing sustainable management of moso bamboo forests. In this study, we compared the effects of different cutting widths (3, 6, 9, and 12 m) on the contents and ratios of soil C, N, P, with moso bamboo forest under traditional selective cutting as the control (CK). The results showed that with the increasing cutting width, the contents of soil C, N and P increased at first and then decreased. The contents of soil C, N, and P were the highest at 6 m and the lowest at 12 m. Soil C/P and N/P increased first and then decreased with increasing cutting width, whereas C/N was relatively stable. The cutting width of 6 m had significantly greater soil C/P than the cutting width of 12 m, while the cutting width of 3 m and 6 m had significantly greater soil N/P than the cutting width of 12 m. In conclusion, the cutting width of 6 m was most beneficial to the accumulation of soil C and N, with higher C/N, C/P, N/P, and more balanced nutrient ratios. Moreover, moso bamboo forest was influenced by the dual constraints of N and P contents, and soil P was more deficient. It is necessary to ensure soil nutrient balance through P fertilizer application and promote the rapid recovery of moso bamboo forest in strip cutting areas in the short term.

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    Review on the pathways of soil nitrous oxide production and its research methods.
    HE Meixia, DUAN Pengpeng, LI Dejun
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (6): 1497-1508.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202306.001
    Abstract121)      PDF(pc) (1548KB)(275)       Save
    Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas in the troposphere and contributes to ozone depletion in the stratosphere. Soil N2O production involves biotic (autotrophic nitrification, heterotrophic nitrification, nitrifier denitrification, nitrification-coupled denitrification, heterotrophic denitrification, codenitrification, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium) and abiotic pathways. A couple of N2O production pathways may occur simultaneously, it is thus difficult to quantify the contribution of a single pathway to N2O production. However, quantifying the contribution of individual pathways to total N2O production is necessary to mitigate soil N2O emission, or to simulate soil N2O production and its responses to global change using Earth system models. Some methods have been developed to decipher N2O production pathways, including molecular methods, inhibition techniques, and stable isotope methods. Here, we review current status of soil N2O production pathways and their research methods. We pointed out the advantages and disadvantages of each method and the knowledge gaps. The information is useful for researchers to carry out relevant researches, or can help understand the major sources of soil N2O emission and thus make effective measures to mitigate soil N2O emission.

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    Development of low-carbon community in China: Retrospect and prospect.
    CHEN Yixin, ZENG Hui
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 2003-2009.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.006
    Abstract43)      PDF(pc) (480KB)(275)       Save
    Carbon peak and carbon neutrality are important strategies for China’s future socioeconomic development. To achieve the goal of “dual-carbon” strategy, a national-level action plan is needed, as well as strong public participation. Developing a low-carbon community is an important strategy for public participation, materializing low-carbon economy and carbon neutrality. Here, we review the development of low-carbon community concept and analyze the characteristics of low-carbon communities. We examined the problems in low-carbon community deve-lopment in China, including the lack of detailed guidance in planning and construction, the lack of evaluation and supervision in community maintenance, and the lack of detailed guidance for public participation and behaviors in the collective action. Finally, we discussed the challenges and areas for future low-carbon community development in China from the perspectives of both government and public participation in order to achieve the “dual-carbon” strategy. We believe that the following two major areas should be focused during building low-carbon communities: to establish a low-carbon community development model under the government guidance and to quantitatively evaluate the carbon neutrality potential of low-carbon community construction and its contribution in carbon neutrality, thus to enhance the public’s sense of gaining in participating in the construction of low-carbon communities.

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    Allocation of nonstructural carbohydrates in trunks of three main afforestation tree species in Horqin Sandy Land.
    WANG Kai, SHI Liang
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1841-1850.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.009
    Abstract18)      PDF(pc) (3708KB)(273)       Save
    Trunk is the main organ for storing non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) in trees. NSC allocation patterns in trunk can reflect carbon storage strategy and adaptability of trees. We measured the concentrations of soluble sugar, starch and NSC in trunks of three main afforestation conifer species (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, P. densiflora, and P. tabuliformis) in Horqin Sandy Land, the radial and vertical variations in trunks, and compared the interspecific variations in allocation patterns. The results showed that, at the middle and base of crown heights of trunks, concentrations of soluble sugar and NSC of the three species decreased with increasing radial depth. At breast and stump heights of trunks, soluble sugar concentrations and the ratios of sugar to starch gradually decreased, starch concentrations gradually increased, and NSC concentrations remained unchanged with increasing radial depth. NSC concentrations were higher at the middle of crown height than  at crown base, breast and stump heights of P. sylvestris var. mongolica, while they were higher at the middle and base of crown heights than at breast and stump heights of P. densiflora. There were no differences in NSC concentrations at different heights of trunks of P. tabuliformis. NSC concentrations in trunks of P. densiflora were higher than those of P. sylvestris var. mongolica and P. tabuliformis. Therefore, trunk is important pool for starch reserves for all the three conifer species, which is conducive to adapt to the environment of Horqin Sandy Land. The trunks of P. densiflora stored more carbohydrates, which may facilitate its resistance to adverse environments.

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    Characteristics and influencing factors of crop water demand and yield in Shache irrigation area of Xinjiang.
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1858-1868.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202307.017
    Abstract20)      PDF(pc) (5172KB)(265)       Save
    The Shache irrigation area is an important area for agricultural planting in Xinjiang. To establish effective agricultural planting management and water resource allocation strategy, we analyzed water demands of three main crops (wheat, corn, and cotton) during the whole growing season in Shache irrigation area and their relationship with meteorological factors by using PenmanMonteith model and path analysis, based on the meteorological data of Shache County from 1990 to 2019. We further estimated crop yield through water demand-yield model, and analyzed the meteorological conditions in high-yield years to obtain important factors affecting crop yield. The results showed that water demands of wheat, corn, and cotton showed a slight upward trend from 1990 to 2019. Water demands of the crops in irrigated areas were affected by a variety of meteorological factors, with wind speed as the most important one. The meteorological conditions in the simulated high-yield years were different during different growing periods of the three crops. Temperature was one of the key factors leading to the fluctuation of crop yield. This study provides an effective reference for agricultural production and sustainable development in arid irrigated areas.

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    Effects of organic fertilizer application combined with bacterial agent on the growth and nutrient contents of reclaimed plants in mining area.
    WANG Dongli, ZHENG Xiaoying, LIU Yang, ZHAO Xiaoliang, LIAN Zhao, WANG Dong, XIE Wei, GUO Jianjun
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1928-1935.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202306.031
    Abstract26)      PDF(pc) (1532KB)(260)       Save
    Plant growth is restricted in the reclaimed waste dumps due to the harsh habitat. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to explore whether the addition of a mixed microbial agent would have synergistic effects with organic fertilizer on reclaiming plants, Sophora flavescens. The mixed microbial agent was composed of three strains at dosages of 3.6, 10.8 and 18 g·m-2 (T1, T2 and T3) applied in combination with organic fertilizer, while no microbial agent addition as control (CK). The growth characteristics of Sophora flavescens and the contents of C, N and P in stems, leaves and roots were examined to reveal the synergistic effects and mechanisms of combined application of microbial agent and organic fertilizer. The results showed that: (1) The combined application could promote plant growth. T2 treatment significantly increased plant root diameter, root fresh weight, root dry weight and bud number (P<0.05) by 26.49%, 122.76%, 109.84% and 21.41% respectively. The comprehensive growth characteristics of plants were in the order of T2>T1>T3>CK, suggesting that moderate dosage was more conducive to plant growth. (2) The combined application had different effects on plant nutrient contents, and significantly improved the total nitrogen content of stems and leaves, with T3 treatment having the most significant effect (an increase of 29.22%). However, it did not affect organic carbon content in stems, leaves and roots and total nitrogen and total phosphorus contents in roots, and was unfavorable to the improvement of total phosphorus content in stems and leaves (P<0.05). Plants were always limited by P during their growth. (3) The contents of organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus were higher in stems and leaves than those in roots. (4) The application of bacterial agent combined with organic fertilizer could increase C/P and N/P in stems and leaves (P<0.05), but did not affect C/N in stems and leaves, the C/P, N/P and C/N in roots. Our results indicated that medium dosage of microbial agent combined with organic fertilizer (T2) is more conducive to the growth of S. flavescens in the study area, but phosphorus fertilizer should be supplemented in time.

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    Topographic effect of county-level land-use landscape pattern in the dry-hot valley of Jinsha River, Yunnan Province.
    XU Yingjie, YANG Shaowei, ZHANG Junming, SUN Yongyu, YANG Xiubiao, OU Zhaorong
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1982-1992.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.012
    Abstract16)      PDF(pc) (2428KB)(249)       Save
    The dry-hot valley of Jinsha River region is one of the most ecologically fragile regions in China. Understanding land-use landscape patterns in this region has great significance for regional ecological and environmental regulation. Based on land-use data of four periods in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, as well as the GIS spatial ana-lysis and landscape pattern analysis methods, we investigated the landscape pattern and topographic effect of land use with different elevation ranges, slope categories and topographic position indices. The aims of this study were to reveal the driving mechanisms of land-use landscape pattern change and provide a scientific basis for regional ecological regulation and control. The results showed that the degree of land-use landscape fragmentation was strengthened from 2005 to 2020, landscape heterogeneity was obvious, landscape diversity was increased, and landscape evenness was improved. Woodland, grassland and arable land were landscape substrates of the study area. The main landscape types of dry-hot zone were grassland and arable land, with a significant growth in area of waters and construction land. The main landscape types in the non-dry-hot zone were woodland and grassland, with a continuous decrease of arable land area and a constant increase of construction land area. The distribution trend of slope and topographic position of various land-use types were almost the same. Arable land, water area, and construction land were mainly distributed in low terrain, while woodland, grassland, and unused land were primarily distributed in middle and high terrain. There was an obvious topographic effect of land-use landscape patterns in the study area. Natural factors drove the basic pattern of land-use landscape in the study area. The impacts of human factors on regional land-use landscape pattern had been strengthened during the past 15 years, while the effects of human factors had become more obvious after 2015. In the future, more research about landscape pattern in the dry-hot valley of the Jinsha River should be done on the construction of regional landscape ecological security pattern and response characteristics and mechanism of regional land-use landscape pattern to global climate change.

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    Habitat characteristics of rodents in desert steppe in the middle part of northern piedmont of Qilian Mountains.
    MA Yijie, WANG Jun, QU Yong, CHU Bin, TANG Zhuangsheng, BAO Daerhan, HUA Rui, HUA Limin
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1911-1919.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.008
    Abstract18)      PDF(pc) (3110KB)(237)       Save
    Rodent damage is becoming increasingly serious across desert steppe in the middle region of the northern piedmont of Qilian Mountains, which threatens local animal husbandry and grassland ecological protection. It is therefore of great significance to identify the characteristics of local rodent habitats for precise control over rodents. In this study, we investigated the geographical distribution of rodents in this region as well as soil physical characteristics and plant community structure in the main distribution areas, aiming to reveal the habitat characteristics of rodents at three aspects of vegetation landscape, soil, and plants. Results showed that desert steppe was the main distribution area of rodents in the study area. The density of rodent holes was significantly correlated with soil compactness and soil moisture of the 0-30 cm layer (R2>0.32, P<0.05). Vegetation coverage, plant biomass, Patrick index and Pielou index were significantly correlated with rat hole density (R2>0.31, P<0.05), while the frequency of Salsola passerina was significantly negatively correlated with rodent hole density (P<0.05). The results of redundancy analysis showed that soil compactness of 0-30 cm layer significantly affected the habitat selection of rodents (P<0.01). Our results demonstrate that soil compactness of 0-30 cm layer is the main environmental factor affecting habitat selection of rodents in the study area.

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    Effects of leaf number of woody seedlings on herbivory intensity in a subtropical forest in Ailao Mountain.
    YANG Anting, ZHANG Xiang, WANG Bo
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (6): 1299-1306.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202305.025
    Abstract33)      PDF(pc) (1178KB)(230)       Save
    Investigating the correlation between herbivory intensity and number of leaves of individual seedlings can help us better understand the effects of food abundance on herbivory intensity at small scale. In this study, we compared the correlations between herbivory intensity and the number of leaves among seasons and plant species in a subtropical forest in Ailao Mountain, using linear mixed model and generalized linear mixed model. Across all the species, a significant Ushaped pattern was detected between the number of leaves and herbivory frequency (i.e., the ratio of the number of leaves suffered insect herbivory to the total number of leaves of a target individual) in September and May, but a humpshaped pattern in December. The number of leaves had a minor effect on herbivory intensity (i.e., proportion of leaf area damaged by insect) in all the seasons. At the species level, much more complicated results emerged, including monotonic increasing and decreasing trends, and U-shaped and hump-shaped patterns, although many species did not show a clear trend, indicating that the effect of leaf number on herbivory was species specific. The results would help us further understand the role of herbivorous insects in species coexistence and diversity maintenance of seedling communities in subtropical forests. Future studies of plant-herbivore interactions should consider the role of both species specificity and seasonal variation, as well as different herbivory indices.

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    Habitat variations of typical soil arthropods community structure in Hani peatland.
    LIN Yiling, SUN Xin, LIU Dong, DAI Guanhua, LIU Jiping, WU Haitao
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1869-1879.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202308.003
    Abstract19)      PDF(pc) (3215KB)(223)       Save
    Peatlands are characterized by low nutrient availability, high environmental gradient complexity, and high microhabitat variability. We investigated soil fauna in Hani peatlands of Changbai Mountain in October 2019 and September 2020 to explore the effects of environmental gradient and microhabitat heterogeneity on typical soil arthropods community structure. A total of 71454 soil springtails and mites were collected. At the spatial scale, there were substantial variations in density, richness, dominant species, endemic species, and diversity index of soil springtails and mites among different peatland habitats. At the temporal scale, community structure of soil arthropods varied greatly between 2019 and 2020, while the community structure of soil arthropods in the moss hummock microhabitats remained relatively stable. Among different microhabitats, soil arthropods density, species richness, and diversity index were significantly higher in moss hummock microhabitats than those in surrounding Carex miyabei community microhabitats. There was no significant difference in soil arthropod diversity among moss hummock microhabitats formed by different moss species. Fourteen indicator species of soil arthropods were recorded in moss hummock microhabitats. Results of redundancy analysis showed that water table depth and total organic carbon content of mosses were the key environmental factors influencing soil arthropods community in moss hummock microhabitats.

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    Temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of drought during winter wheat growth stages in Jiangsu Province.
    REN Yifang, ZHANG Lei, LI Yutao, LING Fenghua
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (8): 1890-1901.   DOI: 10.13292/j.1000-4890.202306.017
    Abstract26)      PDF(pc) (6152KB)(218)       Save
    Jiangsu Province is a key region for wheat planting in southern China, where droughts occur frequently during the growing season of winter wheat under the background of climate warming. Understanding the regularity of drought occurrence, especially the characteristics of drought in different growth stages of winter wheat, is crucial to avoid the risks to winter wheat yield. Based on data of weather, soil moisture and winter wheat phenology observations, drought indices were established by considering the effects of soil moisture and water demand at each growth stage of winter wheat. Furthermore, based on the relationships between drought index and soil relative moisture in the 0-10 cm layer, drought levels in different growth stages of winter wheat were determined. The spatial and temporal distributions of winter wheat drought in different growth stages in different regions of Jiangsu Province during 1981-2020 were then analyzed using regression and empirical orthogonal function (EOF) methods. The results showed that there were obvious temporal and spatial variations of winter wheat droughts in different growth stages. Spatially, drought intensity was stronger in north region and weaker in south region, and the frequency was higher in north region and lower in south region. Moderate and severe droughts mostly occurred in north and central Jiangsu, while mild drought mainly occurred in south Jiangsu. Temporally, the most severe and frequent droughts occurred in the emergence-overwintering periods. Compared with 1981-2000, the occurrence period with frequent droughts during 2001-2020 gradually shifted from emergence-overwintering stage to heading-maturity stage. In practice, special attention should be paid on the regions with severe drought and the periods with frequent occurrence, in order to reduce the potential losses caused by drought in a scientific and comprehensive way and to transfer the risk reasonably.

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    Characteristics and influencing factors of soil organic carbon components under different environmental conditions in Poyang Lake wetland.
    YUAN Jihong, REN Qiong, ZHOU Liyin, MIAO Lujun, CHI Yunyang, WAN Fang, WANG Jinping, WAN Songxian
    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (6): 1323-1329.  
    Abstract130)      PDF(pc) (3098KB)(216)       Save
    Changes of environmental conditions can affect carbon sink function of wetlands. Understanding the effects of environmental conditions on soil organic carbon and its components in wetlands can provide scientific guidance for soil carbon regulation in wetlands. Here, we investigated the effects of water levels (high and low water level) and vegetation types (Triarrhena lutarioriparia and Polygonum hydropiper) on soil organic carbon and its components in Poyang Lake wetland. We analyzed the relationships between soil physicochemical properties and soil organic carbon components. Results showed that heavy fraction organic carbon was the main component of soil organic carbon, accounting for more than 70% of the total. Water level had significantly stronger effects on soil organic carbon components than the vegetation type. Soil organic carbon, heavy fraction organic carbon, particulate organic, soluble organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon of P. hydropiper community in high water level were 109.2%, 115.5%, 175.8%, 239.4%, and 61.7% higher than those in low water level, respectively. Soil pH was significantly negatively correlated with soil total carbon, heavy fraction organic carbon, and particulate organic carbon. Soil water content and total nitrogen content were significantly positively correlated with organic carbon components. Therefore, increasing water level is beneficial to soil carbon accumulation in wetlands.

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    Chinese Journal of Ecology    2023, 42 (6): 0-.  
    Abstract54)      PDF(pc) (12747KB)(215)       Save
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