Table of Content

10 August 2016, Volume 35 Issue 8

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Carbon storage of the peatland ecosystems in Zoige Plateau, China.

ZHOU Wen-chang1,2, CUI Li-juan1*, WANG Yi-fei1, LI Wei1

2016, 35(8):  1981-1987. 

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The objective of this study was to assess carbon storage of peatland ecosystems in Zoige Plateau of QinghaiTibetan Plateau, China. We selected three sites with different water levels and established a 1hm^-2 peatland plot in each site. The soil profile method and vegetation harvest method were used, and then vegetation biomass, carbon concentration in both vegetation and soil, and soil bulk density from the three sites were analyzed. The results showed that the ecosystem carbon storage in the three study sites of the Zoige Plateau ranged from 761.56 to 1103.40 t·hm-2, with an average value of 976.49 t·hm^-2. The vegetation carbon storage ranged from 13.44 to 15.23 t·hm^-2, with an average value of 14.53 t·hm^-2. The soil organic carbon storage (0-200 cm) ranged from 748.12 to 1088.17 t·hm^-2, with an average value of 961.96 t·hm^-2, which was 3 times of Chinese soil organic carbon storage of wetland, 5 times of Chinese forest soil organic carbon storage, and 11 times of Chinese grassland soil organic carbon storage. The results also revealed that the uncertainty on carbon storage estimation in peatland ecosystems was mainly related to peat depth, bulk density, and soil organic carbon concentration. Consequently, it is essential to further intensify the study on the data of these three soil factors in the peatlands, helping to accurately estimate carbon storage in Zoige Plateau.

Characteristics of spatial distribution of soil total nitrogen in Zoige alpine wetland.

MA Kun, ZHANG Ying, TANG Su-xian, LIU Jun-guo*

2016, 35(8):  1988-1995. 

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To improve our understanding of the nitrogen cycle in the alpine wetlands, this study chose Zoige alpine wetland (Hongyuan  and Ruoergai counties) as study area and focused on spatial distribution of total nitrogen (TN) within soil layers (0-1.0 m), using the field investigation, laboratory analysis and GIS spatial analysis method. TN was vertically differentiated. The TN concentration and TN density decreased with increasing soil depth, being significantly higher in the topmost 0.3 m soil layer than in the 0.3-1.0 m soil layer. Horizontally, the distribution of TN was heterogeneous. The TN stock totaled 62.6 Tg in the uppermost 1.0 m soil layer of the entire study area, of which 53.4% was held in the upper most 0.3 m soil layer, with an average TN density of 3.8 kg·m^-3. The TN stock in the uppermost 1 m soil layer of permanently flooded wetland totaled 29.2 Tg, accounting for 46.7% of the TN stock in the entire study area, with an average TN density of 4.0 kg·m^-3.

Characteristics of biomass carbon and soil organic carbon of 8 common shrubs in arid regions of Xinjiang.

WANG Xin1,2,3,4, YANG De-gang1*, XIONG Hei-gang2, LIU Yan-yan1,2,3, GONG Yan-ming1,2,3

2016, 35(8):  1996-2002. 

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In this study, plants and soil samples were collected from 8 dominant shrub communities including Nitraria tangutorum, Anabasis elatior, Haloxylon persicum, Calligonum mongolicum, Caragana stenophylla, Ephedra przewalskii, A. brevifolia and Potentilla fruticose that extensively distribute in Xinjiang. By determining the contents of plant biomass carbon (PBC) and soil organic carbon (SOC), this study aimed at assessing the variation of PBC and SOC contents among the different shrub communities. The results showed that: (1) The values of PBC density from different shrub communities exhibited the following pattern: P. fruticose > C. stenophylla > E. przewalskii > H. persicum > C. mongolicum > N. tangutorum > A. brevifolia > A. elatior. Except for P. fruticose, the other shrub communities’ underground PBC densities were higher than those above ground. (2) The SOC density was strongly related to the PBC density. Except for E. przewalskii, A. brevifolia and P. fruticose species, the other shrub communities’ maximum SOC densities occurred in 0-10 cm soil layer, and decreased with the increase of soil depth. (3) The storage values of PBC and SOC in the eight shrub communities ranged from (0.41±0.05) × 10⁴ to (33.46±0.60) × 10⁴ Mg and from (0.22±0.01) to (6.88±0.03) Tg, respectively. (4) The SOC content was significantly positively correlated to altitude (P < 0.05), very significantly positively correlated to soil water content, and soil organic matter (SOM) and total nitrogen (TN) contents (P<0.01), while significantly negatively correlated to soil bulk density. The aboveground PBC content was significantly positively correlated to altitude and soil water content, and very significantly positively correlated to SOM, TN, SOC and underground PBC contents, while a very significant positive correlation was observed between underground PBC content and SOM and TN contents.

Spatial variability of soil organic carbon in semi-arid zone at a county scale.

LI Long, YAO Yun-feng*, QIN Fu-cang, GUO Yue-feng, GAO Yu-han, ZHANG Mei-li

2016, 35(8):  2003-2008. 

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The semivariograms and geostatistical method were used to analyze the spatial variations of soil organic carbon (SOC) in Aohan Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, based on soil samples from 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 and 80-100 cm layers. The results showed that SOC contents ranged between 0.23 and 20.71 g·kg^-1 and decreased gradually with increasing soil depth. The spatial correlations \[C₀/(C+C₀) ratio\] of SOC contents in the soil layer of 0-20 cm was 36.61% with a moderate spatial correlation, and the C₀/(C+C₀) ratio of SOC contents in the soil layers of 20-100 cm was <25% with a strong spatial correlation. Soil type was the major factor affecting the spatial variability of SOC content. Prevention of soil and water loss and control of soil desertification might be the effective measures to increase SOC content in the study region.

Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in reclaimed paddy fields vary with reclamation duration in Poyang Lake region.

CAI Jia-yan1, WU Qin1, ZHONG Xin-zi1, HU Jia1, HU Qi-wu1,2*

2016, 35(8):  2009-2013. 

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Wetland conversion to cropland was a typical land use change in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River. As the largest freshwater lake of China, there were 1466.9 km² reclaimed croplands in Poyang Lake region. To clarify the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in the reclaimed croplands in Poyang Lake region, we collected soil samples from paddy fields that were reclaimed during six different periods in typical reclamation area. Subsequently, SOC and TN were measured. Our results showed that SOC content ranged from 13.7 to 28.5 g·kg^-1 for 0-10 cm soil layer, 7.1 to 15.3 g·kg^-1 for 10-30 cm soil layer, and 5.1 to 10.4 g·kg^-1 for 30-50 cm soil layer, respectively. TN contents in the corresponding soil layers varied from 1.2 to 3.6, 0.9 to 2.0 and 0.7 to 1.3 g·kg^-1, respectively. SOC contents were significantly positively correlated with TN contents (P<0.01). Soil layers, reclamation periods and their interactions had significant impacts on SOC and TN contents. SOC and TN contents decreased with soil depth. Moreover, SOC and TN contents in top soils showed a significantly increasing trend with increasing reclamation duration. The soil C/N ratios were maintained relatively stable.

Soil enzyme activities of the main plant communities in inter-dune lowland of Mu Us Sandy Land.

ZHU Yuan-jun1, ZHANG Pu-jin3, NIU Ming-li2, GONG De-ming1, ZHAO Li-qing1, QING Hua2*

2016, 35(8):  2014-2021. 

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In order to explore the change of soil enzyme activities of main plant communities under different soil environments in interdune lowland of Mu Us Sandy Land and their relationship with soil physical and chemical properties, 14 kinds of soil physical and chemical properties and 4 kinds of soil enzyme activities (catalase, urease, polyphenol oxidase, invertase) of 6 main plant communities (Phragmites australis, Juncus turczaninowii, Carex duriuscula, Puccinellia tenuiflora, Calamagrostis pseudophragmites and Salix psammophila) were measured, and their difference and the correlation between soil physical and chemical properties and soil enzyme activities of each plant community were analyzed. The results showed that: (1) Catalase activities of C. duriuscula and P. tenuiflora communities were significantly higher than those of S. psammophila and P. australis communities. There was no significant difference in urease activity among the six plant communities. P. tenuiflora and C. pseudophragmites communities had significantly higher soil polyphenol oxidase activity than other plant communities. Invertase activities of S. psammophila, P. australis and C. duriuscula communities were significantly higher than that of S. psammophila community. (2) There was a significant negative correlation between the activities of polyphenol oxidase and invertase, but no significant correlation between other soil enzyme activities was found. (3) The soil physical and chemical properties, including the content of HCO₃^-, Cl^-, K⁺, Na⁺, total P and pH, correlated significantly with hydrogen peroxide enzyme activity. Soil pH showed significant correlation with urease activity. The contents of soil HCO₃^-, Ca²⁺, total N, total C, total organic C and soil pH correlated with polyphenol oxidase activity significantly. Additionally, soil bulk density and soil organic C content showed significant correlation with invertase activity. On the whole, the soil enzyme activities of the main plant communities in interdune lowland of Mu Us Sandy Land were influenced by both plant community types and soil physical and chemical properties.

 

Effect of grazing intensities on soil enzyme activities and soil microbial biomass of Stipa krylovii steppe in different phenological periods.

XU Zhi-chao1, SONG Yan-tao1, WU Yunna1*, HUO Guang-wei1, WANG Xiao-meng1, DAO Ri-na1,2

2016, 35(8):  2022-2028. 

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The effects of grazing intensities on soil enzyme activities (urease, dehydrogenase, sucrase, catalase) and soil microbial biomass were studied in a Stipa krylovii steppe in Hulunbuir of Inner Mongolia during different phenological periods. The results showed that soil dehydrogenase activity in moderately grazed plots was significantly higher than that in lightly grazed plots in periods of seedling establishment, heading, flowering and seed maturation (P<0.05). Catalase activity in lightly and moderately grazed plots was significantly higher than in heavy grazed plots in periods of seedling establishment, heading, flowering and seed maturation (P<0.05). Under the light grazing, soil microbial biomass carbon was significantly lower in heading period than in seed maturation period (P<0.05), and soil microbial biomass nitrogen was significantly higher in heading and seed maturation periods than in seedling establishment and flowering periods (P<0.05). Under moderate grazing, soil microbial biomass carbon was significantly higher in seedling establishment than in heading, flowering and seed maturation periods (P<0.05), and soil microbial biomass nitrogen was significantly higher in seedling establishment period than in heading, flowering and seed maturation periods (P<0.05). Under heavy grazing, soil microbial biomass carbon was significantly higher in seed maturation period than in seedling establishment, heading and flowering periods (P<0.05), and soil microbial biomass nitrogen was significantly higher in seed maturation period than in seedling establishment, heading and flowering periods (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that soil catalase activity was positively correlated with soil microbial biomass nitrogen, and soil microbial biomass carbon was positively correlated with soil microbial biomass nitrogen.

Soil organic matter characteristics and aggregate stability in different development stages of Chinese fir plantation.

ZHANG Yun1, LI Hui-tong1, WEI Zhi-chao1, LIU Chun-hua2, JIANG Zong-kai2, MA Xiang-qing1*

2016, 35(8):  2029-2037. 

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In order to compare the change of soil aggregate stability and organic matter in different development stages of Chinese fir, three stands in youngaged, middleaged and mature stages were selected to measure soil total carbon, total nitrogen, dissolved organic matter, microbial biomass, aggregate size distribution and aggregate stability. The results showed that soil carbon content in topsoil decreased first and then increased from middleaged to mature development stage, and total nitrogen content in topsoil increased with development of Chinese fir plantation, however, total soil carbon content in 20-100 cm soil layer remained unchanged in all three development stages. Dissolved organic matter and microbial biomass decreased significantly with soil depth. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content in 0-20 cm soil layer decreased with the increasing stand age. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in middleaged stand in each soil layer was significantly lower than in youngaged and mature stands. There was a significant correlation between active organic matter and total carbon, total nitrogen, bulk density, pH and water content, to some extent, which suggested that soil active organic matter of Chinese fir plantation was affected by multiple soil factors. With development of Chinese fir plantation, macroaggregate of >5 mm and mean weight diameter (MWD) in each soil layer increased and aggregatedamaging rate decreased. The stability of aggregates declined with soil depth. The proportion of >0.25 mm waterstable aggregate, mean weight diameter and geometry weight diameter of deep soil in middleaged and mature stands were less than in youngaged stand, which indicated that the development of Chinese fir plantation promoted the stability of soil aggregates in subsoil. A significant positive correlation between soil aggregate stability and silt particle content, active organic carbon fractions, total carbon and total nitrogen was found. In conclusion, soil carbon and nitrogen were accumulated and soil structure was improved when Chinese fir plantation developed to mature stage.

Effects of tillage and straw management on nutrient contents and enzyme activities of brown soil.

SUI Peng-xiang1,2, ZHANG Xin-yu2, WEN Xue-fa2, YOU De-bao1, TIAN Ping1, QI Hua1*

2016, 35(8):  2038-2045. 

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To investigate the effects of different tillage and straw management on soil nutrient contents and enzyme activities, a field experiment was conducted in brown soil at the experimental station of Shenyang Agricultural University. Six treatments were established, i.e. moldboard plow tillage with straw removal (CK), moldboard plow tillage with straw incorporation (PTS), notill with straw removal (NT), notill with straw incorporation (NTS), rotary tillage with straw removal (RT), and rotary tillage with straw incorporation (RTS). Soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents and related hydrolase activities were analyzed in 0-15 cm and 15-25 cm layers. The results showed that (1) soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents, and β-1,4glucosidase (βG), β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) and acid phosphatase (AP) activities were higher under RTS and PTS than under CK in 0-15 cm. However, SOC content was significantly lower under NTS and RTS than under CK in 15-25 cm. The NAG activity was significantly higher under PTS than under the other treatments in 15-25 cm. The soil nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N) contents were higher under RTS and PTS than under CK in two soil layers. (2) Higher SOC and TN contents, βG, NAG and AP activities in 0-15 cm and lower SOC contents, higher NAG and AP activities in 15-25 cm were observed under straw return treatments than under straw removal treatments among the three tillage treatments. The NO₃^--N contents were higher under RTS and PTS than under RT and CK in two soil layers, however, the opposite trend was observed under NTS and NT. (3) Principal component analysis showed that RTS and PTS improved SOC, TN and NO₃^--N contents and the activities of the three enzymes. The results suggested that rotary or moldboard plow tillage with straw incorporation (RTS or PTS) were effective managements to improve soil quality in brown soil.

Characteristics of rainfall partitioning by  Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forest canopy in Horqin Sandy Land, northern China.

LIU Ya1,2, Alamusa1*, CAO Jing1,2

2016, 35(8):  2046-2055. 

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Water stress is regarded as one of the main reasons leading to the decline of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, MP) in Horqin Sandy Land, where the soil moisture mainly comes from the rainfall. However, few studies have so far addressed the rainfall partitioning in MP forest in this region. In this study, a 35year old MP forest in Ulanaodu experimental station was selected, the effects of MP forest on rainfall partitioning, the thresholds of components, and the effective rainfall recharge were analyzed by monitoring the rainfall, throughfall, stemflow and interception in the forest. A total of 31 rainfall events occurred from May to September of 2015, showing a characteristic of small rainfall amount and low rainfall intensity. The throughfall, stemflow and interception accounted for 69.28%, 1.26% and 29.45% of incident rainfall, respectively. The amount of effective rainfall recharge was 117.67 mm, accounting for 70.54% of rainfall. The throughfall increased linearly with the increase of rainfall, and the occurring threshold was about 0.85 mm of rainfall. Meanwhile, the stemflow showed an obvious quadratic polynomial relationship with rainfall, and the stemflow would occur once the rainfall was above the threshold 2.44 mm. Furthermore, the interception showed an obvious power function equation with the rainfall, and the interception ratio presented an exponentially decreasing trend with increasing rainfall. Additionally, the ratio of rainfall partitioning was affected by rainfall grade, and when rainfall grade was about 15-20 mm, there was a supreme proportion (90.35%) of effective rainfall occurring in forest. These results are of significance for understanding the rainfall recharge role and the water mechanism of MP forest decline in the semiarid region.

Response divergence of Abies fargesii treering widths to climate variation in the Niubeiliang Nature Reserve of the Qinling Mountains.

GAO Na, LI Shu-heng*, BAI Hong-ying, WANG Jun

2016, 35(8):  2056-2065. 

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The heterogeneity of response of treering width of Abies fargesii to climate change in the Niubeiliang Nature Reserve of the Qinling Mountains was analyzed by dendroclimatological methods during periods of 1969-1992 and 1993-2013. The results showed that a divergence problem existed in the radial growth responses of A. fargesii to temperature indicators in the study area. The characterization of A. fargesii radial growth chronology series was explored by correlation analysis and response function analysis. During 1969-1992, the treering widths of A. fargesii did not correlate with the mean annual and seasonal temperature, but had significant negative correlations with the mean temperature of March and September and the precipitation of February and April in the current year. In addition, the treering width of A. fargesii showed a significant positive correlation with the mean temperature of May in the current year. During the period of 1993-2013, the treering widths of A. fargesii showed a significant positive correlation with the mean temperature of the previous autumn, especially in the previous October, while a negative correlation with the precipitation in February of the current year. Moreover, the treering width of A. fargesii was negatively correlated with the average rainfall in the previous winter during the two periods. This study indicated that in the context of global warming, the responses of A. fargesii radial growth to climatic variables were different in the two periods in the Niubeiliang Nature Reserve of the Qinling Mountains.

Response of Stipa to grazing intensity and climate factors in different grasslands of Inner Mongolia.

QIN Jie1, HAN Guo-dong1*, QIAO Jiang1,2, WU Qian1

2016, 35(8):  2066-2073. 

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A consecutive fiveyear experiment was conducted to study the responses of relative biomass of Stipa species in meadow steppe, typical steppe and desert steppe to different grazing intensities (no, light, moderate or heavy grazing) in Inner Mongolia in relation to precipitation and air temperature patterns over time. The relative biomass of Stipa baicalensis was inversely related to grazing intensity in meadow steppe, irresp ctive of precipitation. In contrast, the relative biomass of S. grandis in typical steppe increased with precipitation (r=0.326) in the control plots, yet it decreased (r=-0.319) with precipitation in the light grazing plots and was significantly greater than that of the control plots in dry years. S. breviflora’s relative biomass decreased with grazing intensity in desert steppe, but the differences among treatments were not statistically significant. S. breviflora’s relative biomass was also negatively correlated with precipitation in nongrazing (r=-0.459), light grazing (r=-0.583), and moderate grazing plots (r=-0.440), yet positively with air temperature in all treatments (r=0.282-0.299) except for heavy grazing. In conclusion, in meadow steppe where water was not a limiting factor, fluctuations in precipitation and air temperature had no great influence on the dominant species in the community, while gra-zing was the main factor of grassland degradation. Fluctuations in precipitation and air temperature became the key factors of grassland degradation in typical and desert steppe where the precipitation was less.

Urban forest tree species composition and arrangement reasonability in Harbin, northeast China.

XIAO Lu1, WANG Wen-jie1,2*, ZHANG Dan2, HE Xing-yuan2, WEI Cheng-hui1, LV Hai-liang2, ZHOU Wei1, ZHANG Bo1

2016, 35(8):  2074-2081. 

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Urban forest is an important part of urban ecosystem, which plays an important role in building comfortable surroundings and improving urban ecological environment. The configuration of urban forest is directly related to urban forest ecological function. The 10/20/30 “rule of thumb” states that urban forest should comprise no more than 10% of any particular species, 20% of any one genus or 30% of any single family otherwise urban forest will influence the stability of urban ecosystem. This rule is very popular in foreign countries, but less common in China. In the present study, 196 sites within the 4th ringroad in Harbin were selected and classified according to administrative region, city ringroad and forest type, and the species composition was investigated, and evaluated according to 10/20/30 “rule of thumb”. There were 66 common trees, belonging to 18 families and 34 genera in Harbin urban forest. The most common species was Populus alba (13.5%), the most common genus Populus (37.6%) and the most common family Salicaceae (45.5%). Harbin forest tree configuration was reasonable at species level but not at the genus and family level based on the 10/20/30 “rule of thumb”. The primary reason was that singlespecies genus and family occupy absolute predominance in the urban forest. To solve this problem, we should choose species less from Populus and Salicaceae but more from other- genus and families in the urban forest construction. Meanwhile, we also made some specific recommendations for tree species selection of different administrative regions, ring-roads and forest types.

Population distribution patterns of dominant species in major forest communities in Daqinggou Nature Reserve.

LIU Gui-feng1*, LIU Yu-ping1, CHENG Wei-yan1, BAI Ri-tu2, AN Li-wei1, ZHANG Zhi-wei1

2016, 35(8):  2082-2087. 

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Three types of forest community (Fraxinus mandshurica, Quercus mongolica, and Ulmus macrocarpa) were investigated to explore the population distribution patterns of dominant species in Daqinggou Nature Reserve in Inner Mongolia. By using theoretical distribution model and aggregation intensity index, the distribution patterns of F. mandshurica, Q. mongolica, and U. macrocarpa under different developmental stages and at different spatial scales were analyzed. The results showed that the population of dominant species generally presented a clumped distribution. However, populations in Ⅱ (4 cm≤DBH<8 cm) and Ⅳ (DBH≥24 cm) developmental stage of F. mandshurica and those in Ⅲ (8 cm≤DBH<24 cm) and Ⅳ developmental stage of U. macrocarpa showed random distributions. The clustering intensity of all three populations decreased with the increasing stem age (DBH) or developmental stage. F. mandshurica and U. macrocarpa showed random distributions but Q. mongolica presented a clumped distribution with the developmental stage. The clustering intensity of the same population and developmental stage decreased with increasing study scale. Our study proved that both the distribution pattern and clustering intensity of the three populations were affected by the developmental stages and spatial scales.

Taxonomic diversity of Larix principisrupprechtii forests in Shanxi Province.

ZHAO Rong*

2016, 35(8):  2088-2093. 

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To explore the taxonomic diversity of Larix principisrupprechtii forests in Shanxi, 40 stands were investigated. In total 219 species were recorded, belonging to 145 genera, 49 families, 34 orders, 5 classes, and 3 phyla. In spite of the great species richness, most species fell within a small number of taxa. The dominant orders were Rosales and Campanulales, and the dominant families Compositae, Rosaceae, and Ranunculaceae, and the compositions of genera and species within families exhibited differences. The average taxonomic difference index (Δ⁺) and the taxonomic difference variation index (Λ⁺) were used to measure the taxonomic diversity of L. principisrupprechtii forests. The results showed that most of the Δ⁺ values and all the Λ⁺ values in the 40 stands were above their theoretical average values, respectively, which suggested that the species in the forests had high taxonomic diversity and were mainly composed of distant relatives, while there was a low evenness in taxonomic hierarchies. The Δ⁺ value was significantly correlated with the environmental factors (P<0.05), such as longitude, slope, slope position, altitude and species number, but the correlation between Δ⁺ and latitude and aspect was not significant (P>0.05). Moreover, the Λ⁺ value had a significant correlation with altitude, longitude, slope and species number (P<0.05), while it had no significant correlation with latitude, aspect and slope position (P>0.05).

Effects of plant diversity on ammonia volatilization in simulated constructed wetlands.

LUO Bin1, HAN Wen-juan1, DU Yuan-yuan1, TANG Yu-li2, CHEN Xi1, ZHU Kang-di1, GE Ying1, CHANG Jie1*

2016, 35(8):  2094-2100. 

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Ammonia volatilization makes a vital contribution to the formation of atmospheric haze. However, the effect of plant diversity on ammonia volatilization is still unknown in biodiversityecosystem functioning researches. This study conducted a microcosm experiment simulating constructed wetlands. Two species, Cichorium intybus L. and Rumex japonicus Houtt., were used to set two monoculture treatments and a mixture treatment (the basic model to test diversity effect). Ammonia volatilization flux was measured in initial stage (with hydraulic retention time of 1 day) and later stage (with hydraulic retention time of 7 days) after the simulated wastewater was supplied. The results showed that: (1) ammonia volatilization from the mixture treatment was lower than the average of that from the two monocultures (for 1 day, P<0.05; for 7 days, P=0.068); (2) ammonia volatilization from R. japonicus monoculture was lower than that from C. intybus monoculture (for 1 day, P<0.05; for 7 days, P=0.062); (3) plant diversity had a stronger suppression effect on ammonia volatilization in initial stage than that in later stage of wastewater feeding; (4) species identity had a greater effect on ammonia volatilization and related ecosystem functioning than species richness. This study suggests that assemblage of appropriate key species is beneficial to improving the ecosystem functioning in constructed wetlands.

Variance in leaf functional traits of 89 species from the eastern Guangdong of China.

CHEN Wen1, WANG Ju-Hong2*, MA Rui-Jun2, QI Wei3, LIU Kun3, ZHANG Li-Na4, CHEN Xue-Lin4

2016, 35(8):  2101-2109. 

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Leaf functional trait reflects resource capture ability and use efficiency of plants. To determine leaf functional traits of common plant species from the eastern Guangdong, and whether variation in leaf traits among species is related to phylogeny, life history attributes, and/or other environmental factors, we surveyed leaf traits of 89 species including leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and leaf N content (LNC). The effects of family grouping, life form, plant height, distribution, origin and habitats on leaf traits of 89 plant species were determined using oneway ANOVAs and the least significant difference test (LSD). The effects of single variables and interaction of multiple factors on variance in leaf traits among 89 species were analyzed using general linear model (GLM). The result showed that the average values of LA, SLA, LDMC and LNC of 89 species were 20.59 cm², 300.149 cm²·g^-1, 0.2213 g·g^-1 and 2.55%, and coefficients of variation were 145.06%, 97.21%, 36.40% and 27%, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between LDMC and SLA among the 89 plant species (P<0.001). There was a significant difference in SLA and LDMC between those species from different family groupings. Gramineae species had the maximum value of LDMC (0.359 g·g^-1) and minimum value of SLA (163.749 cm²·g^-1), and Umbelliferae species had the minimum value of LDMC (0.136 g·g^-1) and the maximum value of SLA (1091.42 cm²·g^-1). The LA of shrubs and liana species was significantly greater than that of herbs (P<0.01), and LA of high plants was greater than that of short species (P<0.05). Family groupings of species had an important impact on variation of leaf traits, explaining 26.3%, 30.2%, 40.9%, and 13.8% of variation in LA, SLA, LDMC, and LNC, respectively. The interactions between family groupings, plant height, and life form explained 82.5%, 80.9%, 79.4%, and 56.7% of variation in LA, SLA, LDMC, and LNC, respectively. The distribution area, origins, and habitats of species had no or less influence on leaf traits (P>0.05). Overall, the variation of leaf traits among species may be mainly influenced by phylogeny and life history traits.

Effects of nitrogen sources on the growth of Skeletonema costatum.

QIAO Qian, WANG Zhao-hui*, GUO xin

2016, 35(8):  2110-2116. 

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Skeletonema costatum is a common dominant diatom species in the coastal environments. The capacity of S. costatum to utilize nitrate (NO₃^-), urea, and five amino acids was studied, and the growth of S. costatum under different proportions of NO₃^- and urea was examined. Furthermore, the maximum specific growth rate (μ_max) and halfsaturation constant (K_s) of S. costatum were determined using NO₃^- as the sole nitrogen (N) source. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of nitrogen enrichment on the growth of diatoms and primary productivity of marine environments. The tesults showed that S. costatum was able to utilize both dissolved inorganic nitrogen (NO₃^-) and dissolved organic nitrogen (urea, almandine, glycine, threonine, serine and aspartic acid). The best growth was recorded in culture with NO₃^-, followed in culture with urea. Alanine was one of the most easily utilized amino forms, followed by threonine, serine and aspartic acid. However, the growth was relatively lower when using glycine as sole N source compared with the other amino acids. Algal cells grew better in culture with both NO₃^- and urea as nitrogen sources compared with that with NO₃^- or urea as sole N nutrient. Maximum cell density was found in the culture with 75% urea and 25% NO₃^-. The specific growth rate and environmental capacity increased with the increasing NO₃^- concentration (0-1000 μmol·L^-1), and the μ_max and K_s of S. costatum were 0.426 d^-1 and 25.0 μmol·L^-1, respectively. The results suggested that S. costatum could use various organic N, and grew well under high N levels. Therefore, the sufficient organic N and high N concentration in the coastal waters might play important roles in the occurrence of algal blooms.

Effect of different water nutrient conditions on growth of Vallisneria spinulosa and V. denseserrulata. #br#

LIN Chao1, HAN Cui-min1, YOU Wen-hua2*, CHENG Hua1, YAN Hui-min1, SHEN Qi-fan1

2016, 35(8):  2117-2121. 

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According to the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus of the water in Gonghu Lake (ranging from 0.4 to 4 mg·L^-1, 0.04 to 0.4 mg·L^-1, respectively), a controlled experiment using Vallisneria spinulosa and V. denseserrulata was conducted to investigate their growth, physiological traits and the differences between the cogenus plants in response to different water nutrient levels. The results showed that the nutrient levels had no significant effects on the final biomass of the two plants, whereas the maximum height of V. spinulosa in treatments increased by 19% (P<0.05), 63% (P<0.05) and 205% (P<0.01), and the maximum height of V. denseserrulata in the highnutrient treatment was significantly higher than in the lownutrient treatment (P<0.05). The clonal propagation abilities of V. spinulosa and V. denseserrulata were significantly decreased by 30% and 20% in highnutrient water, respectively. V. spinulosa and V. denseserrulata suffered from nutrient stresses in lownutrient water, as demonstrated by the increase in the MDA content (P<0.05) and the decrease in the chlorophyll content (P<0.05). These two species had wide adaptation to the concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus ranging from 1.5 to 4 mg·L^-1 and 0.15 to 0.4 mg·L^-1, respectively.

Mapping the infestation of Dendroctonus armandi in Shennongjia forested region using Landsat and MaxEnt model.

MA Wang1,2, FANG Lei1, FANG Guo-fei3, YU Yue4, ZHANG Xu3, YANG Jian1*

2016, 35(8):  2122-2131. 

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Accurate spatial information on the location and extent of the forest pest infestation is important for the manager to take prompt and effective preventative measures. In 2014, Pinus armandii in the Shennongjia Forestry District was largely attacked by Dendroctonus armandi, a typical tree trunkboring pest. In this study, we mapped the pest infestation based on the forest inventory data, Landsat images and DEM products. We proposed a novel method that employed a MaxEnt model and iteration threshold segmentation algorithm (MaxEntSegmentation) for this purpose. In order to evaluate reliability and accuracy of the proposed method, the traditional spectrum index analysis algorithm was also carried out and its performance was compared. The results showed that the MaxEnt model was capable of accurately mapping the infested area using spectral indices, elevation, slope, potential solar radiation, with the AUC as high as 0.938. MaxEntSegmentation algorithm had higher overall classification accuracy (73.68%) compared with the traditional spectral index algorithm (64.47%) when three classification classes (health, lowseverity infestation, and highseverity infestation) were included. The results suggest that this proposed algorithm can improve the accuracy of pest detection and is suitable for mapping forest pest infestation in areas with mixed forest stands and variable terrains.

Spatio-temporal pattern analysis of land use change trajectories based on stability mapping in Xiamen.

LI Hui1*, FENG Li2, NIE Qin1, SUN feng-qin1, WU Xue-wen1

2016, 35(8):  2132-2143. 

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Based on Landsat MSS/TM images in 1983, 1993, 2001, 2006 and 2010, spatiotemporal patterns of land use change in Xiamen were analyzed. An improved change trajectory analysis of stability mapping, land use change degree, landscape indexes and systematical clustering method were synthetically applied in this study. The results showed that woodland and unused land decreased significantly, buildup land increased continually, cultivated land first increased and then decreased, and water body almost unchanged from 1983 to 2010. During the study period, the trajectory of land use change involved seven process categories. Quantitatively, the main transfer directions of land use types were the conversion to cultivated land and buildup land. The conversion to cultivated land mainly occurred in the period between 1983 and 1993, accounting for 9.2% of the total area of Xiamen, among which the area converted from forest land accounted for 5.17% of the total area. Buildup land was mainly converted from erosive woodland, cultivated land and marine reclamation land; Extension mode had been a peripheral type to filling type growth, with urban form evolution from unstable form to stable form, and gradual extension from the inside island to suburbs and outer suburbs of the outside island. Due to the topographic conditions, the woodlands were well protected at high altitude, while in flat areas the conversion between woodland and cultivated land happened frequently, with the conversion proportion of 14.64% of total area. The urban spatial structure was determined by the clustered, relatively clustered and relatively dispersed types, and the total area of these three types was more than 80% of the whole city. Along with the urbanization, urban spatial structure was developed from relatively dispersed type to relatively clustered type. There were more than 1300 kinds of trajectory in dispersed type located on the river entrances to the sea in the outside island, accounting for 4.75% of the total area of the city, which indicated that land use in these areas was in a very unstable state. The results provide basic data support for the rational use of land resources, landfill control scale, and scientific arrangement of landfill in Xiamen.

Temporal and spatial variation of dissolved organic matter and its controlling factors in seagrass bed ecosystem of Xincun Bay, Hainan Island.

LIU Song-lin1,2, JIANG Zhi-jian1, ZHOU Chen-yuan1,2, WU Yun-chao1,2, GAN Mao-lin1,2, ZHANG Jing-ping1, HUANG Xiao-ping1*

2016, 35(8):  2144-2151. 

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To examine the temporal and spatial variation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its controlling factors in seagrass bed, seawater DOM was investigated in winter and summer seasons in Xincun Bay, Hainan Island. Seawater salinity showed an increasing trend from the northern estuary to the southern seagrass area, while seawater pH presented a decreasing trend from southwest to northeast region in both winter and summer. The content ranges of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) were 1.93-8.89, 0.29-2.44 and 0.002-0.45 mg·L^-1, respectively, with the average contents of 4.73, 0.64 and 0.08 mg·L^-1, respectively. The highest content of DOC occurred in seagrass area in winter, and that occurred in estuary in summer. The DON in the two seasons showed high content in fish cagefarming and the adjacent seagrass area. DON content in seagrass area was lower in summer than in winter. The highest content of DOP was found in the estuary or fish cage-farming area. Higher DOC/DON was observed in summer than in winter, while DOC/DOP and DON/DOP showed an inverse trend. Our study revealed that the main sources of DOM were seagrass release, inputs from river runoff and fish cage-farming in Xincun Bay. This study also indicated that the DOM in winter had relatively high bioavailability, which can enhance the cycle of microbial food loop. Seasonal variation of seagrass growth, river runoff and light intensity may alter the distribution and composition of DOM, and influence the biogeochemical cycle of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in seagrass bed ecosystems.

Barrier effect of Ring Changbai Mountain Scenic Highway on middle and large sized mammals. 

WANG Yun1*, GUAN Lei1, PIAO Zheng-ji2, KONG Ya-ping1

2016, 35(8):  2152-2158. 

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Recognition of barrier effect of road on wildlife is one of the main contents of road wildlife ecology research. In this paper, we selected the surrounding Ring Changbai Mountain Scenic Highway, which traverses the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, as a research area, and carried out sample line investigations from 2008 to 2012, to assess the barrier effect of highway on middle and large sized mammals. The results indicated that: (1) Twelve middle and large sized mammal species were found within the range of roadside 500 m, and five species were Chinese national protected species; (2) Species richness and the number of mammal signs in Korean pine broadleaved forest were significantly higher than those in secondary white birch forest; (3) Species richness of inside reserve of the road was significantly higher than that of outside reserve of the road, and especially in snow season, species richness and the number of mammal signs of inside reserve of the road were significantly higher than those of outside reserve of the road; (4) The numbers of signs had no significant differences between two sides of the road and two vegetation types for wild boar (Sus scrofa), Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus), Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica), sable (Martes zibellina), yellowthroated marten (Martes flavigula), Asian badger (Meles leucurus), Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and Manchurian hare (Lepus mandshuricus); however, the number of signs of Siberian weasel in Korean pine broadleaved forest was significantly higher than in secondary white birch forest in snow season, and the number of signs of wild boar and Siberian roe deer in Korean pine broadleaved forest were significantly higher than in secondary white birch forest in nonsnow season; (5) In snow season, in terms of the relationship of the number of signs and the crossing rate within the range of roadside 50 m, the crossing section of red deer (Cervus elaphus) through the highway was limited only in K25 to K27, meaning that the barrier effect of highway on red deer was serious. (6) The yearly rate of crossing highway of mammals was negatively correlated to daily traffic volume, although the relationship was not significant. This study indicated the barrier effect of the Ring Changbai Mountain Scenic Highway on middle and large sized mammals had appeared, and this situation showed a serious tendency over time. Presently, human disturbance outside the nature reserve was serious, and we thus recommend building migration corridors for mammals between the nature reserves.

Effect of temperature on timing of reproduction and nesting success in a tropical population of barn swallows in south China.

LUO Rong-Song1, SU Tong-Ping2,3, NIU Nan2, LIANG Wei2*

2016, 35(8):  2159-2163. 

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Temperature could have a causal effect on avian timing of reproduction, and effects of climate change on avian lifehistory traits are the main focus in ecological research. During two breeding seasons (April) in 2014 and 2015, effect of temperature on breeding date and nesting success of barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), a tropical population in four villages of Lingao, Hai-nan, south China, was investigated. The results showed that barn swallows delayed their timing of reproduction in 2015 compared to their breeding date in 2014, and breeding nest use by swallows in 2015 was significantly lower than that of 2014 (x2=70.37, P<0.001). The mean minimum temperature of April in 2015 was 2 ℃ lower than in 2014 (t=0.794, df=71, P=0.442), and low temperature and local temperature fluctuations had negative effect on the breeding date of barn swallows. However, there was no significant difference in clutch size (t=0.670, df=87, P=0.505) and nesting success (t=0.794, df=71, P=0.442) between the two breeding years. In conclusion, we found that even in the tropical Hainan, low temperature and local temperature fluctuations had negative effect on breeding date of barn swallows, but not on their breeding performance.

Diurnal activity rhythms and time budgets of Cuora mouhotii and C. galbinifrons.

LONG Zai-zhong, WANG Ji-chao*, XIAO Fan-rong, SHI Hai-tao

2016, 35(8):  2164-2169. 

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The present study investigated daily activity and time budgets of two Chinese turtles, Cuora mouhotii and C. galbinifrons, to test how the diurnal cycles of closely related species sharing the same environment were affected by interspecific competition. Instantaneous scan sampling was conducted at Diaoluoshan village, Diaoluo Nature Reserve, Hainan Island, China, from June to October 2015. The results showed that both species were diurnal, spent most of their time resting, and had limited movement and feeding time. For C. mouhotii, only one peak activity period was observed for both movement (06:00-07:00 AM) and feeding (10:00-11:00 AM). In contrast, C. galbinifrons exhibited one feeding peak (01:00-02:00 PM), but two peak periods for movement (09:00-10:00 AM and 05:00-06:00 PM). Moreover, C. galbinifrons spent considerably more time resting than C. mouhotii and less time moving and feeding. The coefficient of overlap was 0.78 for moving and 0.38 for feeding. These results indicate that although these two species live in the same distribution area, they can adopt suitable strategies for foraging and feeding in order to exploit food resources with minimal temporal overlap, which is advantageous to both species.

The effects of heating/cooling rate and acclimation mode on the determination of thermal tolerance of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and guppy (Poecilia reticulata).

XIA Ji-gang*, CAI Rui-yu, LV Xiao, CHENG Mei-lin, FU Shi-jian

2016, 35(8):  2170-2174. 

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In order to investigate the effects of heating/cooling rate and acclimation mode on the thermal tolerance of different fish, the relevant parameters, such as critical thermal maxima (CT_max), critical thermal minima (CT_min), lethal thermal maxima (LT_max) and lethal thermal minima (LT_min), were measured in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) and guppy (Poecilia reticulata) after 2 weeks of acclimation at 28 or 26-30 ℃. All the parameters were determined at a given heating/cooling rate (0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 ℃·min^-1). Our results showed that the heating/cooling rate had marked influence on all the parameters (P<0.05). The CT_min and LT_min of both fish species decreased with the decrease of cooling rate, whereas the CT_max and LT_max decreased or remained unchanged under the low heating rate. The CT_min and LT_max were significantly affected by acclimation mode (P<0.05). Compared with constant temperature acclimation, dielfluctuating temperature resulted in increasing trends in LT_max of both fish species and a decreased trend in CT_min of guppy. Moreover, the thermal tolerance amplitudes of zebrafish were wider than that of guppy. The results indicated that the heating/cooling rate had more pronounced effect on the measurement of cold tolerance than heat tolerance in fish, and that the heating/cooling rate would produce more influence on fish with narrower thermal tolerance amplitude.

Genetic diversity of White bream, Parabramis pekinensis from the Middle Yangtze River.

CHEN Hui-juan1,2, WANG Deng-qiang2, DUAN Xin-bin2, CHEN Da-qing2, LIU Shao-ping2*, LI Yun1*

2016, 35(8):  2175-2181. 

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In this study, mitochondrial DNA cytb gene and D-loop sequences were used to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic structure of White bream Parabramis pekinensis populations from 4 major spawning grounds (Yidu, Shashi, Yanwo, Tuanfeng) in the middle Yangtze River. The results showed that 82 polymorphic sites and 86 different haplotypes were identified among mtDNA cytb sequences, and the average haplotype diversity (H_d) and average nucleotide diversity (P_i) were 0.930 and 0.00244, respectively. Forty six polymorphic sites and 76 different haplotypes were identified among mtDNA Dloop sequences, and the H_d and P_i values were 0.972 and 0.00505, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and haplotype network structure suggested that most of the genetic variation in the four populations was within groups, with no significant genetic divergence among populations. Meanwhile, pairwise average Kinura 2parameter distances, the F_ST value and N_m value also revealed that genetic exchange existed among populations. The neutral test showed that historical population expansion occurred in P. pekinensis, and the expansion appeared in the late Quaternary glacial period.

Effect of salinity on osmoregulation of Anguilla japonica.

XIA Bao-mi1,2, HOU Jun-li1, ZHAO Feng1, ZHUANG Ping1, ZHANG Long-zhen1*

2016, 35(8):  2182-2188. 

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In the present study, the Japanese eels (505.1±35.7） g, Anguilla japonica, were reared at salinity 0 (control), 10, 33 for 14 days respectively. The serum osmolality, ion concentration and activity of gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase were measured at 0, 1, 4, 12, 24, 96 h and 14 d. The result showed that the isosmotic point was estimated as 329.1 mOsm·kg^-1 and corresponded to salinity 10.48. With the increased duration of experiment, serum osmolality and ions (Na⁺, Cl^-) concentration showed a similar fluctuating tendency of a decrease after an initial increase. The serum K⁺ concentration was less affected by the salinity. The gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity in salinity 10 reached the minimum (5.40±0.72） μmol·mg^-1·h^-1 at 12 h, and then recovered to （7.17±0.85） μmol·mg^-1·h^-1 at 96 h, which was not significantly different from that in the control (P>0.05). However, at salinity 33, the gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity descended acutely, then ascended rapidly and the maximum was observed at 24 h (13.05±0.62） μmol·mg^-1·h^-1, which was 1.5 times higher than that in the control (P<0.05). Therefore, there were three phases in the osmoregulation of Japanese eels in response to salinity change. The first was the ra〖HJ*3〗pid increase period, in which serum osmolality and ions (Na⁺, Cl^-) concentration increased abruptly, whereas the gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was inhibited. The second was the slow increase period, in which serum osmolality and ions (Na⁺, Cl^-) increased slowly, and the gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was activated to compensate the loss of water to alleviate the rise of osmolality. The third was the adaptation period, in which the gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was in high state, and the active transport ability was enhanced, resulting in gradual recovering of the serum osmolality and ions (Na⁺, Cl^-) concentration.

Effects of Ca²⁺ concentration in water on the survival and growth of juvenile Gymnocypris przewalskii.

LIU Ya-jing1,2, YAO Zong-li1, LAI Qi-fang1*, ZHOU Kai1, HAN Yi-long1, WANG Hui1, GAO Peng-cheng1, ZHONG Qi-cheng1, ZHENG Liang1

2016, 35(8):  2189-2195. 

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Lake Qinghai, a typical salinealkaline water body, has a low calcium concentration, which is only 1/10 of the seawater with same salinity. The static acute toxicity test and laboratory growth experiment were conducted to explore the effect of Ca²⁺ concentrations on the survival and growth of juvenile Gymnocypris przewalskii. The results showed that 100% of the juveniles G. przewalskii survived in water of Ca²⁺ concentration from 0 to 2431.10 mg·L^-1 in 96 h. In the 60 d growth experiment, juveniles G. przewalskii in both the high Ca²⁺ group (the concentration of Ca²⁺ was （1246.02±9.83） mg·L^-1) and low Ca²⁺ group (10.83±0.11） mg·L^-1 had a significantly lower body length, body weight, absolute growth rate of body length, and absolute growth rate and specific growth rate of body weight than the control group (with Ca²⁺ concentration of （120.65±1.62） mg·L^-1, although their survival rates were higher than 95%. All the indicators measured were ranked as high Ca²⁺ group < low Ca²⁺ group < control group. The growth index was reduced more obviously in the high Ca²⁺ group and the specific growth rate was only 54.62% of that in the control group. In conclusion, G. przewalskii can survive in water with a wide range of Ca²⁺ concentration, but high or low Ca²⁺ concentration would lead to poor growth performance of G. przewalskii, especially in high Ca²⁺ concentration.

Analysis on suitability of seawater iron concentration for Plocamium telfairiae.

YANG Chao-jie, FANG Chao, ZHANG Pei-dong*, ZHANG Xiu-mei, XU Qiang

2016, 35(8):  2196-2201. 

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The effects of different seawater iron concentrations \[23 (natural seawater, control), 100, 300, 500, 700, and 900 μg·L^-1\] on relative growth rate, phycobiliprotein content, peroxidase activity, and nitrogenase activity of Plocamium telfairiae were examined at 20 ℃ under controlled laboratory conditions to determine the suitability of seawater iron concentration for P. telfairiae during a period of 30 days. The results showed that the greatest relative growth rate (RGR) attained was 1.14 %·d^-1 under the 100 μg·L^-1 treatment, which was significantly higher (P<0.01) than those attained under other treatments. RGR of P. telfairiae ranged from 0.26 %·d^-1 at 900 μg·L^-1 to 0.34 %·d^-1 at 500 μg·L^-1 with an average of 0.30 %·d^-1, which showed no significant difference compared with that attained in control treatment (P>0.05). The contents of three phycobiliproteins exhibited a similar variation pattern, increasing significantly with the seawater iron concentration increasing from 23 to 100 μg·L^-1 and decreasing gradually with the seawater iron concentration increasing from 100 to 900 μg·L^-1. The greatest peroxidase activity was 14.5 U·mg^-1 in the 100 μg·L^-1 treatment, which was significantly higher than those attained in the other treatments (P<0.05). However, no marked difference was found in nitrogenase activity among different seawater iron concentration treatments (P>0.05). Suitability analysis suggested that growth of P. telfairiae was significantly promoted by seawater iron concentration of 100 μg·L^-1 as compared to the higher iron enrichment in seawater (300-900 μg·L^-1).

Temperature tolerance and the effects of temperature on respiratory metabolism of Palaemonetes sinensis.

JIANG Hong-bo1, BAO Jie1, CONG Yan-yi1, SHEN Xu-dong1, PAN Di-xi1, YU Ye-hui1, LI Xiao-dong1,2*

2016, 35(8):  2202-2207. 

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In order to understand temperature tolerance and respiratory metabolism of Palaemonetes sinensis, effects of temperature on survival and oxygen consumption rate (OCR), ammonia excretion rate (AER), asphyxiation point (AP) of P. sinensis were studied in laboratory. The results showed that P. sinensis possessed strong temperature tolerance. Tolerance range of temperature was 0-37 ℃. In low temperature groups, P. sinensis began to decrease activity when temperature fell to 5 ℃ and lost motor ability at 0 ℃. All shrimps were dead after keeping 6 h at 0 ℃ then transferring to room temperature. In high temperature groups, P. sinensis began to decrease activity when temperature increased to 31 ℃ and an abnormal reaction appeared at 34 ℃. Some of shrimps died at 37 ℃ and all shrimps were dead when temperature increased to 39 ℃. Temperature had extremely significant effects on OCR, AER and AP (P <0.01). The OCR and AER of P. sinensis increased with the increase of temperature at 10-30 ℃. Regression analysis showed that OCR and AER had a significant linear correlation with temperature. The equations were OCR=-0.077+0.018^T (R²=0.955) and AER=-0.008+0.002^T (R²=0.915), respectively. With increasing temperature, AP of P. sinensis increased at first and decreased subsequently. The range of AP was 0.19-0.31 mg·L^-1 at 10-30 ℃. The range of O/N ratio at different temperatures was 7.61-13.24, indicating that P. sinensis took protein as the major energy source and fat as secondary.

Community structure of zooplankton in the Jinshahe Reservoir and its relationship with environmental factors.

GUO Fei-fei, ZHANG Yun, ZHAO Guang, AO Meng-jun, LEI Du-juan, XIONG Bang-xi, MA Xu-fa*

2016, 35(8):  2208-2216. 

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Zooplankton samples were collected in August and October of 2013, and January and April of 2014 in the Jinshahe Reservoir. A total of 95 zooplankton species were recorded, consisting of 45 protozoan, 40 rotifers, 7 Cladocera, and 3 Copepoda. The density of zooplankton varied between 4939.9 and 27238.1 ind·L^-1 and the biomass of zooplankton ranged from 0.56 to 1.49 mg·L^-1. Zooplankton in the Jinshahe Reservoir was dominated by protozoan and rotifer. Correlations between the dominant species of zooplankton and environmental factors which were screened by Pearson analysis were calculated using redundancy analysis, and the results suggested that the community structure of zooplankton could be significantly influenced by PO₄^3--P and COD among the selected environmental factors. The species diversity index was higher in summer and autumn than in spring and winter, but evenness index showed uniform distribution of zooplankton among the four seasons.

Recent progress on the influence of hormone on acoustic communication in anuran amphibians.

HUANG Min-yi1,2*, DUAN Ren-yan1, MEN Qiu-lei1, YU Dao-ping1,2

2016, 35(8):  2217-2224. 

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Animals respond to internal and external environmental stimuli by means of acoustic communication which plays a critical role in mate choice decisions and reproductive success in anuran amphibians. Based on the types of amphibian acoustic communication and their acoustic spectrum characteristics, three major factors determining acoustic communication were reviewed here: acoustic generator, the levels of hormone in vivo and hormone in vitro (environmental hormone). Additionally, the mechanisms of acoustic communication in anuran amphibians were further analyzed, and a prospect of future research on anuran acoustic communication was proposed to provide theoretical support for the protection and recovery of reproductive and ecological environment for anuran amphibians.

Aging crustacean based on the lipofuscin analysis: A review.

ZHU Guo-Ping1,2,3,4*, SONG Qi1

2016, 35(8):  2225-2233. 

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Age is one of the important parameters of fishery population dynamic model and fishery stock assessment. Unlike the finfish species whose aging can be examined by the calcified structures, such as otolith, spine and vertebrae, the calcified structure, such as carapace, of crustaceans disappear periodically for its complex moulting process, so crustacean’s aging is an unsolved problem for many years. Size frequency (SF) method are used to estimate crustacean’s age in the past years, however, many potential uncertainties existed in the results derived from SF. The lipofuscin level increases with the increase of animals’ age, so, if there is no correlation between morphological measurements and age, lipofuscin has been considered as a biomarker of the crustacean’s aging in the recent years. In order to get profound insight into this approach and its application to the crustaceans, this review summarized the progress of determining the age of crustaceans, introduced the composition and features of lipofuscin, and explored the relationship between lipofuscin level and the body length or age. Then this review described the quantification techniques of lipofuscin using histological and solvent extraction techniques. Three common calibration methods were analyzed in detail. Finally, this review put forward opinions and the direction of development in aging crustacean based on the lipofuscin analysis in the future.

Research progress on filler application and purification mechanisms in constructed wetland wastewater treatment system.

JI Ze-hua, FENG Chong-ling*, WU Xiao-fu, ZHOU Sang-yang, HUANG Hui-min

2016, 35(8):  2234-2243. 

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As an essential component of constructed wetland system, filler combines all reactions into a coherent whole and plays an important role in removal of various pollutants in the wastewater treatment process. This paper reviews the progress of research on filler applications in constructed wetlands. The major types of wetland fillers are natural minerals, industrial byproducts and modified media. The characteristics, pollutant removal capacity and mechanism, application feasibility and limitation of the major filler types were compared. The problems observed in engineering application examples and relevant countermeasures for improving the filler application efficiency were discussed. The purpose of this review is to provide reference for screening and integrated use of fillers in construction of wetland systems for treatment of various types of wastewaters.

Progress and comparison of techniques in the study of avian blood parasites.

ZHOU Jie1, XIA Can-wei1, ZANG Chun-xin2, DONG Lu1*

2016, 35(8):  2244-2250. 

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Avian blood parasites are an important model group in the study of parasitic disease and species evolution. On the basis of historical overview on detection of avian blood parasites, we compared the differences in sample preparation, sensibility of detecting prevalence and accuracy of parasites classification between blood smear test methods and molecular biology test methods. We proposed that, to exactly obtain the prevalence of avian blood parasites, it is important to choose test methods based on the research purpose. Metaanalysis indicated that the detection rate of molecular biology method was significantly higher than that of blood smear method. Moreover, blood smear method might underestimate the prevalence when it was low. This article also forecasted the role of molecular technique in promoting the studies of avian blood parasites.

Ecological function zoning based on elementstructurefunction: A case study in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture.

PENG Jian1,2*, HU Yi-na1, Lü Hui-ling2, LI Tian-yi1, CHEN Xin2

2016, 35(8):  2251-2259. 

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Ecological function zoning comprehensively reflects the different characteristics of regional ecological function, which is an important basis of differentiated spatial governance to natural resource development and ecoenvironmental protection. Aiming at the existent problems of the multiple analytical framework and subjective and complicated weighted value in previous ecological function zoning, the ecological function zoning of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture was carried out based on systematic analysis framework of elementstructurefunction. An index system was constructed from three aspects of basal element, interference structure, and dominant services. By the application of SOFM, ecological service zoning, basal element zoning, interference structure zoning, and comprehensive ecological function zoning were conducted. Finally, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture was divided into 4 ecological function zones and 10 ecological functional subzones. Through comparing the different zones, it was found that the comprehensive ecological function zoning was mainly controlled by the zoning of primary ecosystem services, with an overlapping rate of 79.98%. By adopting the framework of element, structure, and function, this study systematically described the characteristics and spatial difference of regional ecosystem structure and function, providing a new approach for the zoning of ecological function.

Establishment and application of evaluation index system and evaluation method of the construction of “three types of land” in Shanghai.

WANG Xue1,2, SONG Xue-jun1,2, HU Yue1,2, ZHANG Rui-feng1,2, CAI Yong-li1,2*

2016, 35(8):  2260-2270. 

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As the key elements of urban ecosystems, green land, woodland, and wetlands (three types of land) sustainably provide ecological services. Shanghai is promoting the construction of ecological city. It is necessary to evaluate urban ecological environment level involving green land, woodland and wetlands. According to the feature and the scale of construction of green land, woodland, and wetlands in Shanghai, ecological environment in Shanghai was statistically analyzed in order to establish an evaluation index system for the three elements. This article statistically analyzes Shanghai’s ecological environment, and therefore builds an evaluation index system for these three ecological elements. By the method Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), we clarify the index system into three categories, i.e., quantitative indicators with target, quantitative indicators without target and qualitative indicators, and give 5level rankings under each category. Based on this index system, we perform membership evaluation and thereafter render a result with comprehensive assessment. The result indicates that within the scope of single indicator,vetical greening, woodland structure and wetland consevation, as well as their mutual connectivity require improvement. The comprehensive assessment shows that the memberships of levels I, II, III, IV and V are  0.3261, 0.3411, 0.2208, 0.0707, and 0.0446. In conclusion, the overall status of the three types of land in Shanghai is at level II, a relatively high level in ecological environment costruction, yet it still has space to improve.