Table of Content

10 November 2025, Volume 44 Issue 11

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Edge effects of stoichiometric characteristics of desert moss crust patches and their responses to environmental factors.

ZHOU Wenbin, ZHANG Yingying, XU Junhao, HUANG Yunjie, LI Yonggang, ZHANG Yuanming

2025, 44(11):  3521-3530.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.011

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Desert moss crusts are patchily distributed on the desert surface, playing key roles in stabilizing soils, improving nutrient cycling and biodiversity, and maintaining the overall stability of desert ecosystems. In this study, we measured plant stoichiometric characteristics at the edge, middle, and central circles of Syntrichia caninervis crust patches across four sites differing in mean annual precipitation in the Gurbantunggut Desert. We further analyzed the differences in stoichiometric characteristics among the various circles within the patches and their responses to environmental factors. There were significant differences in the stoichiometric characteristics of moss plants across different circles within desert moss crust patches. The magnitude and pattern of these differences varied with mean annual precipitation. The edge effect rate (r) of stoichiometric characteristics differed significantly among sites differing in mean annual precipitation. The stoichiometric characteristics and edge effect rates of different circles within the moss crust patches responded differently to environmental factors. Specifically, wind speed had a significant impact (P<0.01) on the effect rate from the edge to the central circle of desert moss crust patches, with a correlation coefficient of 0.19. In addition, mean annual precipitation and solar radiation had significant (P<0.05) impacts on the effect rate from the edge to the middle circle of desert moss crust patches, with correlation coefficients of 0.17 and 0.20, respectively. Meanwhile, mean annual minimum temperature significantly influenced the edge effect rate of plant stoichiometric characteristics. Our results suggest that desert mosses modulate their stoichiometric characteristics via clustered patch growth, enhancing their environmental adaptability. These findings advance our understanding of how patchiness contributes to moss resilience and clarifies moss growth strategies under changing environments. Thus, this study provides valuable scientific data for predicting the future spatial distribution of desert moss crusts and the stability of desert ecosystems under climate change.





Altitudinal thresholds in hydrothermal responses of radial growth for two dominant tree species in eastern Tibet.

ZHONG Yuan, ZHENG Jiacheng, JIA Hengfeng, QIU Hongyan, LYU Lixin

2025, 44(11):  3531-3539.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.025

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The growth responses of trees to hydrothermal conditions may vary across different tree species and change along altitudinal gradients. However, the patterns of these changes remain unclear, limiting the accuracy of forest growth predictions under future climate change. Using dendrochronological methods, we established five standardized tree-ring width chronologies for Picea likiangensis var. rubescens (north-facing slope) and Juniperus tibetica (south-facing slope) in eastern Tibet, and investigated the response characteristics of radial growth to hydrothermal factors through Pearson correlation analysis and other analytical approaches. The results showed that the growth of both species was primarily influenced by temperature and precipitation in the growing season (April to June). The correlation between tree-ring width and temperature for P. likiangensis changed from negative to positive with increasing altitude, with a significant positive relationship between the correlation coefficients and altitude (R²=0.86). Conversely, the correlation between treering width and precipitation changed from positive to negative with increasing altitude, and such change had a significant negative correlation with altitude (R²=0.93). The altitudinal threshold in which these correlations reversed was identified between 4360 m and 4410 m. In contrast, no such reversal was observed for J. tibetica on sunny slopes, and its radial growth remained negatively correlated with temperature and positively correlated with precipitation across the entire altitudinal gradient. These results suggest that the growth of P. likiangensis at higher altitudes is limited by low temperatures and by water deficit at lower altitudes. The growth of J. tibetica is consistently limited by water availability across all altitudes. The altitudinal threshold effect of tree growth in response to hydrothermal factors reveals the pronounced altitude dependence and ecological complexity of forest growth dynamics. Therefore, systematically examining and precisely defining the altitudinal thresholds of hydrothermal transitions is of significant scientific importance for improving the accuracy and reliability of forest dynamic prediction models.





Responses of different forest plantations to inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in compacted coal mine dump.

WANG Yu, WANG Kun, BI Yinli, YIN Qiqi

2025, 44(11):  3540-3547.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.038

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We investigated the responses of different forest plantations to inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in a newly compacted spoil heap at the Heidaigou coal mine in Zhungeer Banner, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia. We examined the effects of AMF inoculation on understory vegetation diversity, soil physicochemical properties, and enzyme activity in three types of plantations, including Hippophae rhamnoides, Amorpha fruticosa, and Caragana korshinskii. The results showed that AMF inoculation significantly increased species richness and diversity in the Hippophae rhamnoides and Amorpha fruticosa plantations. The inoculated Hippophae rhamnoides plantation exhibited the highest species richness index (2.3215), while the Amorpha fruticosa plantation showed the highest Shannon diversity index (1.9079) and evenness index (0.7438). Furthermore, AMF inoculation significantly increased soil available phosphorus content (from 7.2 to 12.8 mg·kg^-1) and enzyme activities, with phosphatase activity being increased by 25.4% and urease activity by 18.7%, and thus had positive consequences on soil quality. The findings suggest that Hippophae rhamnoides and Amorpha fruticosa are pioneer species suitable for vegetation restoration in newly compacted spoil heaps, and that AMF inoculation plays a significant role in promoting vegetation recovery and enhancing community diversity.





Differences in radial growth response of Quercus wutaishanica across different slope aspects in the Liupanshan Mountains to climate change.

NIU Jiale, YU Pengtao, WEI Jiangsheng, LIU Bingbing, WANG Yubing, WU Yiheng

2025, 44(11):  3548-3558.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.024

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Slope aspect determines the allocation of water and heat resources, thereby influencing tree growth. Investigation of the radial growth of Quercus wutaishanica across different slope aspects provides valuable insights for the sustainable management and conservation of natural Q. wutaishanica forests. Based on the dendrochronology method, we drilled tree core samples of Q. wutaishanica on three distinct slopes (shady, semi-shady, and semi-sunny) in the Qiuqianjia Forest Farm of the Liupanshan Mountains. We constructed tree-ring width chronologies and basal area increment (BAI) series on the three slopes and analyzed the radial growth trends of Q. wutaishanica across different slopes and their responses to climate change. The results showed that climate had become warmer and drier from 1974 to 2020. The mean annual temperature underwent a significant abrupt shift in 1998, while there were no significant abrupt shift points for mean annual rainfall and average annual standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). Following the abrupt shift of temperature (1998-2020), the radial growth of Q. wutaishanica declined in all slope aspects, with the semi-sunny slope exhibiting the most significant decline. Both the tree-ring width index and BAI exhibited a significant downward trend (P<0.05). Temperature in May, rainfall in current spring (March-May), and SPEI in current summer (June-August) had the most significant impact on tree growth (P<0.05). Among the three slopes, temperature in May showed the strongest negative correlation with the shady slope and the weakest negative correlation with the semi-sunny slope. Conversely, spring rainfall and summer SPEI exhibited the strongest positive correlations with the semi-sunny slope and the weakest positive correlations with the shady slope. Before and after the abrupt shift of temperature (1998), spring rainfall and summer drought stress were the primary limiting factors for radial growth. These findings suggest that warming-induced drought stress has significantly constrained the radial growth of Q. wutaishanica. Among the three slope aspects, the radial growth of Q. wutaishanica on the semi-sunny slope exhibited the most pronounced decline, and was the most sensitive to climatic factors, with the greatest risk of further decline. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical role of slope aspect in shaping the climate-growth relationships of Q. wutaishanica, especially in the context of warming-induced drought stress. Future forest management and conservation strategies in the Liupanshan Mountains should prioritize the protection of Q. wutaishanica forests on semi-sunny slopes.





Photosynthetic physiological and biochemical response of three subtropical broadleaved tree species to short-term changes in light intensity based on FvCB model.

GAO Guannü, TANG Xinglin, LYU Huifei, WANG Lingling, ZHOU Benzhi

2025, 44(11):  3559-3568.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.019

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To investigate the physiological and ecological strategies of light adaptation in subtropical broadleaved tree species, the modified rectangular hyperbola model and the FvCB model were used to fit the fluorescence CO₂ response curves (A/C_i curves) of Sapium sebiferum, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and Castanopsis sclerophylla under different light intensities (200, 500, 800, and 1100 μmol·m^-2·s^-1). The photosynthetic physiological and biochemical characteristics of these species were then analyzed. The results showed that when intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i)<30 Pa, leaf net photosynthetic rate (A) of the three tree species increased almost linearly, and the greater the light intensities, the greater the increase of A. When C_i>30 Pa, the increase of A tended to be slow. Under the same C_i, A increased significantly with the increase of light intensity. Stomatal conductance (g_s) decreased with the increase of C_i. Under the same C_i, g_s increased significantly with the increases of light intensity. When C_i<35 Pa, the electron transport rate (J) of PSII increased significantly with the increases of C_i. When C_i>35 Pa, J tended to be stable with the increases of C_i. Under the three light intensities (500, 800 and 1100 μmol·m^-2·s^-1), initial carboxylation efficiency (Φ_c) was significantly greater than that at light intensity of 200 μmol·m^-2·s^-1. When light intensity >500 μmol·m^-2·s^-1, leaf photosynthetic capacity (P_nmax) of the three species were higher than that at lower light intensities. Mesophyll conductance (g_m) increased significantly with the increases of light intensity. The maximum electron transfer rate (J_max), maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco (V_cmax), and light dark respiration rate (R_d) were not affected by light intensity. Sapium sebiferum, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and Castanopsis sclerophylla could enhance photosynthetic carbon sequestration capacity by increasing g_m and light energy utilization efficiency under high light intensities, and the photosynthetic physiological and biochemical characteristics responded significantly to light intensity changes, which provide an important theoretical basis for the breeding of subtropical plantation tree species and the prediction of forest carbon sink dynamics under the background of global climate change.





The sap flow characteristics and influencing factors of Castanopsis lamontii and Schima superba in Xinfengjiang Reservoir Area.

FENG Yingjie, ZHAO Xinyu, ZHANG Weiqiang, LIU Peiling, HUANG Fangfang, LIU Xiaodong

2025, 44(11):  3569-3577.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.027

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Exploring the characteristics of sap flow among different tree species and environmental regulation mechanisms is of great significance to sustainable forest management and regional water resource management. We investigated the diurnal distribution characteristics of sap flow in these two tree species, Castanopsis lamontii and Schima superba, in the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest in the Xinfengjiang Reservoir Area, and synchronously monitored the environmental factors outside the forest. The results showed that the average daytime and nighttime sap flow rates of C. lamontii were 4.7±0.2 and 0.20±0.01 cm³·cm^-2·h^-1, respectively. The average daytime and nighttime sap flow rates of S. superba were 3.3±0.1 and 0.22±0.02 cm³·cm^-2·h^-1, respectively. The total sap flow in C. lamontii was 236.7 mm during the whole study period, which was higher than that in S. superba (147.5 mm). The contributions of daytime sap flow to total sap flow were 93.1% and 91.9% for C. lamontii and S. superba, respectively. The contributions of nighttime sap flow were 6.9% and 8.1%, respectively. The daytime sap flow of the two tree species was significantly affected by various environmental factors (P<0.01), while the nighttime sap flow had different responses to environmental factors. Daytime temperature and daytime photosynthetically active radiation were the main factors affecting the daytime sap flow of both species in wet and dry seasons. For nighttime sap flow, daytime sap flow, nighttime precipitation, and nighttime vapor pressure deficit were the main factors influencing both species during the wet season. In the dry season, the dominant factors for C. lamontii were daytime sap flow, nighttime temperature, nighttime precipitation, and nighttime vapor pressure deficit. For S. superba, the only relevant factors were nighttime vapor pressure deficit and nighttime precipitation. Therefore, it is necessary to fully consider the nighttime variations in sap flow in order to improve the accuracy of estimating the tree water consumption. Our results provide a reference for accurately estimating forest water consumption and forest water management.





Structure and function of endophytic bacterial community in Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. seed.

ZHAI Yixiao, ZHU Zhaohua, LI Xinrong, MIAO Yingxiang, LI Shanjia

2025, 44(11):  3578-3587.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.014

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Endophytic bacteria can promote plant growth and are important germplasm resources for biological fertilizers. Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. is a regional characteristic bulk product of “Top ten medicinal materials in Gansu Province”. It is of great significance to understand the structure and function of its seed endophytic bacteria for the discovery of microbial resources. In this study, microbial high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the diversity of endophytic bacteria in Astragalus membranaceus seeds and predict the function of FAPROTAX. Endophytic bacteria were isolated by isolation, culture and purification technology, and their plant growth promoting (PGP) characteristics in vitro were detected. The results showed that the endophytic bacteria in Astragalus membranaceus seeds contained 2582 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), belonging to 25 phyla and 277 families, with Pseudomonadota as the dominant phylum (43.84%). The main function of the bacterial community was chemoisooxia (29.70%), and there were also a small number of potential pathogenic bacteria (15.61%). Nine kinds of endophytic bacteria were isolated from seven kinds of culture media, with Bacillus (93.75%) as the dominant genus. Among the 16 endophytic bacteria, two strains produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 11 strains produced siderophores, six strains of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and 15 strains of nitrogen fixing bacteria. Our results confirmed that endophytic microorganisms in Astragalus membranaceus seeds colonize and coexist with a variety of beneficial functional bacteria and potential pathogenic bacteria, which can provide a basis for the mining and scientific utilization of endophytic microbial resources in seeds.





Responses of leaf carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichimetry to altitude in the Yulong Snow Mountain.

XUE Zijing, ZHANG Yuan, YUAN Bosen, ZHAO Lanfang, WAN Lu, ZHANG Xiyuan, GUO Ziyi, SHI Xiaoyi, PU Tao, WANG Shijin, SHI Fuxi

2025, 44(11):  3588-3597.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.033

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To understand the responses of plant nutrients and their stoichiometric characteristics to altitude in the alpine glacier ecosystems in Southwest China, we investigated the changes in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichimetry in leaves of plants from different life-forms (i.e., trees, shrubs, and herbs) along an altitude gradient (2900, 3100, 3300, 3600, 3900, 4100, 4300, and 4500 m) in the Yulong Snow Mountain, southeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The mean values of leaf C, N, and P contents were 489.03, 16.26, and 1.65 g·kg^-1, and the mean values of leaf C∶N, C∶P, and N∶P ratios were 33.39, 354.72, and 10.78, respectively. Leaf C contents of trees and shrubs were significantly higher than that of herbs, while leaf N and P contents were significantly lower than those of herbs. Leaf C∶N, C∶P, and N∶P ratios of trees and shrubs were significantly higher than those of herbs, and leaf N∶P ratios of trees, shrubs, and herbs were 10.70, 12.07 and 8.80, respectively. Leaf C contents, C∶N and C∶P ratios for all of the plants decreased with altitude, while leaf N and P contents increased with altitude. Leaf N and P contents of trees showed an increasing trend with altitude, but leaf C∶N and C∶P ratios showed a decreasing trend. Leaf N contents and N∶P ratios of shrubs tended to increase with altitude, while leaf C∶N ratios tended to decrease with altitude. Leaf N contents and N∶P ratios of herbs showed a decreasing trend, whereas leaf C∶P and N∶P ratios showed an increasing trend. Our results indicated that altitude significantly affected leaf nutrient contents and stoichiometry in the Yulong Snow Mountain, and that plants were generally limited by N availability.





Analysis of effects of intercropping driving crop competitive stability under different ratios of nitrate and ammonium nitrogen.

YAN Yuedang, XIE Xiuting, DAI Lili, CHENG Xia, LIU Yingchao

2025, 44(11):  3598-3605.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.018

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We examined the effects of intercropping on crop stability under different ratios of nitrogen forms with a wheat (Tricum aestivum) and faba bean (Vicia faba) intercropping system. A pot experiment was designed under treatments with different ratios of nitrate and ammonium nitrogen including nitrate nitrogen alone (N1), nitrate∶ammonium=1∶3 (N2), nitrate:ammonium=2∶2 (N3), nitrate∶ammonium=3∶1 (N4), and ammonium nitrogen alone (N5). We analyzed crop yield increase (OY), aggressivity (A_WF), relative interaction intensity (RII), interspecific compatibility (RYT) and productivity stability of intercropping system by measuring crop biomass under different cropping conditions. The results showed that wheat biomass was increased under intercropping compared with monocropping. Intercropping wheat biomass was increased by 86.0% than monocropping under N2 treatment (P<0.05). A_WF of wheat was greater than 0 and RYT was greater than 1 under different nitrate and ammonium nitrogen ratios. The maximum values of A_WF and RYT were reached under N2 treatment. Compared with monoculture, there was a significant difference in the temporal stability of intercropping wheat and faba beans under N1, N2, and N3 treatments. Under N1 and N2 treatments, there was a significant difference in structural stability between intercropped wheat and faba bean. The RII and A_WF of wheat were positively correlated with the temporal stability of aboveground biomass in the intercropping system, while the RII of faba bean was negatively correlated with the temporal stability of the intercropping system. In conclusion, intercropping has both competitive and synergistic effects on productivity stability, with the most obvious effect under the N2 treatment.





The effect of duck farming density on rice yield and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and utilization in rice-duck co-culture system.

LIU Hongjiang, GUO Zhi, ZHANG Yuefang, SUN Guofeng, ZHANG Liping, ZHOU Wei, SHENG Jing

2025, 44(11):  3606-3612.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.010

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Based on an experiment with different duck farming densities, we examined the effects of rice-duck co-culture on rice yield of cultivar Nanjing 46 and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and utilization, providing theoretical reference for the production practice of rice-duck co-culture. Six treatments including conventional control (CK), releasing of 0 (D0), 75 (D1), 150 (D2), 225 (D3), and 300 (D4) ducks per 1 hm² were set up. The rice yield, biomass, nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and utilization were analyzed. Results showed that: (1) rice-duck co-culture significantly reduced rice yield, mainly due to the decrease in the number of effective panicles in rice. Appropriately increasing the farming density of ducks led to an increasing trend in rice yield, with D3 treatment having the highest rice yield. (2) The co-culture of rice and duck significantly reduced the biological yield of rice, whereas both the biological yield and harvest index of rice increased with appropriately increasing the farming density of ducks. The higher rice yield under D3 treatment was the result of the combined effect of the increase in biological yield and harvest index. (3) Rice-duck co-culture significantly reduced nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake of rice plants. With the increases of duck farming density, nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake of rice plants gradually increased. Rice-duck co-culture could significantly improve the efficiency of nitrogen-based dry matter production and grain production of rice. (4) Rice-duck co-culture significantly improved plant phosphorus concentration. Higher duck farming density could significantly increase the phosphorus uptake of rice plants. Rice-duck co-culture significantly reduced the efficiency of phosphorus-based dry matter production and grain production in rice. (5) Although rice-duck co-culture increased production costs, it ultimately improved economic benefits by increasing output value, and increasing duck farming density can further enhance economic benefits. In summary, rice-duck co-culture with the D3 treatment of 225 ducks per 1 hm² resulted in relatively high rice yield, biological yield, and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake, and thus achieved higher economic benefits.





Interactive effects of cultivar and planting density on root morphology of summer maize.

HUANG Ziyue, WANG Yuanyuan, MA Shoutian, LIU Zhandong, GAO Yang, ZHANG Junpeng

2025, 44(11):  3613-3619.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.017

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To clarify the regulatory effects of different cultivar-density combinations on root growth in summer maize, a field experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023. We examined the interactive effects of cultivar and planting density on root morphology of two cultivars of summer maize, with different maturity periods, Zhengdan 958 and Dika 517. Three planting densities were set as low density (60000 plants·hm^-2), medium density (75000 plants·hm^-2), and high density (90000 plants·hm^-2). The results showed that root weight density, root length density, and average diameter of Dika 517 under different planting densities increased by 3.7%-39.5%, 2.1%-19.9% and 2.0%-24.5%, respectively, compared to Zhengdan 958. Compared with low density, root weight density and average diameter decreased by 4.2%-40.4% and 2.7%-25.8%, respectively, under medium and high density planting conditions, while root length density increased by 3.2%-15.2%. Cultivar, planting density, year, and the interaction between cultivar and density had significant effects on root weight density, root length density, and average diameter of summer maize. The changes of root architectural parameters (β values) indicated that the vertical distribution of roots for Zhengdan 958 and Dika 517 deepened with increasing planting density. These findings provide valuable insights for the selection of maize cultivars and the optimization of planting density.





Effects of elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration and CdCl₂ stress on plant growth and photosynthetic performance of maize.

ZHANG Jiarui, MO Xiaoyan, SONG Wei, LI Fei, MA Chao, HAO Lihua, ZHENG Yunpu, LIU Liang

2025, 44(11):  3620-3628.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.004

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To better understand the physiological and ecological responses of maize to elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration and soil cadmium pollution under future climate change, we investigated the interactive effects of different CO₂ concentrations and CdCl₂ stresses on leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll content, plant biomass as well as the MDA content and related antioxidant enzyme activities of the maize cultivar Zhengdan 958 in a split-plot experiment with environmental growth chambers. Elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration increased net photosynthetic rate (P_n) by 24% (P<0.001) and 6% (P<0.05) under mild and severe CdCl₂ stress, respectively. Elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration decreased the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance of maize leaves (P<0.001), and thus increased the instantaneous water use efficiency (P<0.001). Mild CdCl₂ stress significantly increased leaf biomass under ambient CO₂ concentration (P<0.001), but elevated CO₂ concentration decreased root biomass (P<0.05) and stem biomass of maize (P<0.001). Mild and moderate CdCl₂ stress increased MDA content and POD activity in maize leaves under different CO₂ concentrations, but elevated CO₂ concentration reduced MDA content and POD activity. There were significantly interactive effects of CO₂ concentration and CdCl₂ stress on the P_n of maize plants (P=0.002). Our results suggested that elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration could increase net photosynthetic rate and instantaneous water use efficiency of maize under mild and moderate CdCl₂ stress, but reduce the MDA content, thus improving the resistance of maize plants to CdCl₂ stress.





Effects of wollastonite powder application on soybean physiology and element uptake.

CHEN Xiangyu, ZHANG Weiwei, WANG Chenhui, ZHAO Zhifang, HU Enzhu

2025, 44(11):  3629-3635.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.002

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To investigate the effects of wollastonite application on soybean photosynthesis and stress resistance physiology, as well as the absorption and allocation of elements derived from silicate weathering products in plants, a pot experiment was conducted to examine the effects of wollastonite powder on soybean photosynthetic parameters and physiological indicators at different growth stages, and plant Ca and Si contents at late stage. The results showed that wollastonite application significantly enhanced net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration in soybean during the second trifoliate (V2) and full flowering (R2) stages, while reduced water use efficiency. At the V2 stage, the malondialdehyde content in leaves was increased by 42%, while DPPH radical scavenging activity declined significantly. At the full seed stage (R6), the ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and total phenol content was increased by 38% and 9.5%, respectively. Furthermore, wollastonite application significantly enhanced chlorophyll a content in leaves at the V2 and R6 stages by 23% and 54%, respectively. The stem and leaf biomass, total biomass as well as shoot-to-root ratio of soybeans in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. Meanwhile, wollastonite application significantly increased Ca concentration in soybean roots, leaves, and pods by 71%, 20% and 22%, respectively, and the Si content in stems and pods by 52% and 25%, respectively. Overall, wollastonite application enhances photosynthesis, antioxidant capacity, and the absorption and allocation of Ca and Si, contributing positively to the growth of soybean.








Positive effect of foliar spraying diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate on the growth of mung bean seedlings under cadmium stress.

SUN Jiaqi, ZHANG Chen, DONG Yanlei, FANG Shumei, WANG Qingyan, JIANG Haipeng, LIANG Xilong

2025, 44(11):  3636-3645.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.037

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Cadmium (Cd), one of the most ecotoxic heavy metals, severely inhibits growth and development of crops. We investigated the effects of foliar spraying diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6) on morphogenesis, photosynthetic pigment content, osmotic regulatory substances, and antioxidant defense systems in two cultivars of mung bean (Lyufeng 2 and Lyufeng 5) at the seedling stage under 100 μmol·L^-1 Cd stress in a pot experiment. The results showed that foliar spraying DA-6 increased total chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The POD and CAT activities in Lyufeng 2 were increased by 35% and 197% respectively, while those in Lyufeng 5 were increased by 204% and 378% respectively. However, SOD activity in both cultivars declined under Cd stress. Foliar spraying of DA6 improved glutathione metabolism (P<0.05). In particular, the GSH content of Lyufeng 2 was increased by 30%, GSSG was significantly decreased by 78%, and the GSH/GSSG ratio was increased by 458%. For Lyufeng 5, the GSH content was increased by 53%, GSSG was significantly decreased by 84%, and the GSH/GSSG ratio was increased by 617%. DA-6 could effectively alleviate Cdinduced growth inhibition in mung bean seedlings through synergistic activation of the POD-CAT antioxidant system, reconstruction of glutathione redox homeostasis, and increase of photosynthetic pigment content. Notably, Lyufeng 2 and Lyufeng 5 showed maximum increases of 59% and 51% in stem diameter and 107% and 78% in total dry biomass, respectively. Our results provide theoretical basis and technical support for the application of exogenous plant growth regulators to alleviate Cd stress in crops.





Effects of combined application of biochar with fertilizers on soil nutrient contents and microbial communities of Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation.

JIA Zhirong, XUE Xupeng, FAN Jianzhong, YE Juncheng, GAO Ge, GE Xiaogai, LI Zhengcai

2025, 44(11):  3646-3655.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.006

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Exploring the changes in soil nutrient contents and microbial communities of forest plantation under different combined applications of biochar with fertilizers is of great significance for understanding the mechanism underlying soil carbon cycling. A field experiment in a Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation was conducted with five treatments, including control (CK, no materials applied), biochar (B), biochar combined with nitrogen fertilizer (BN), biochar combined with phosphorus fertilizer (BP), biochar combined with both nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers (BNP). Soil nutrient contents, microbial biomass, and microbial community structure were measured in different soil layers (0-10, 10-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm) in a whole growing season, while the main environmental factors influencing soil microbial communities were determined. The results showed that different treatments significantly affected soil nutrient contents and microbial biomass. In the 0-10 cm soil layer, the contents of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) were significantly reduced by 25.3% and 14.9% in the B treatment, 20.5% and 13.5% in the BP treatment, and 23.8% and 14.9% in the BNP treatment, respectively. The microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) in the BP treatment was significantly higher than that in other treatments. In the 10-20 cm layer, SOC contents and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were significantly lower in BP and BN treatments than CK, respectively. In the 20-40 cm layer, the MBN was significantly lower in B, BP, BP, and BNP treatments than in CK, and the microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) in the BNP treatment was significantly higher than that in the B treatment. In the 40-60 cm layer, the available phosphorus (AP) content was significantly lower in B, BP, BP, and BNP treatments than in CK, while the MBP in the BP treatment was significantly higher than that in other treatments. Additionally, the relative abundance of actinomycetes in 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm soil layers significantly increased in BNP treatment. Our results suggested that SOC played a key role in shaping microbial communities. Biochar application provided carbon sources, enhanced microbial biomass, and regulated microbial community structure. This study provides valuable insights for soil carbon management and sustainable development of C. lanceolata plantations.





The effect of chemical control of Mikania micrantha on soil enzyme activity.

SONG Xue, WANG Hui, YAO Xinuo, YANG Xiaosheng, ZAN Qijie

2025, 44(11):  3656-3661.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.003

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To understand the impact of chemical control over Mikania micrantha on soil ecological environment, we assessed the control effects of 25% 2,4-D picloram, 24% 2,4-D clopyralid and 70% sulfometuron-methyl on Mikania micrantha and evaluated their effects on soil enzyme activity. The results showed that the killing rate of 25% 2,4-D- picloram and 24% 2,4-D clopyralid on Mikania micrantha was 100%, and the control effects were significantly higher than that of 70% sulfometuron-methyl. Additionally, 25% 2,4-D picloram significantly promoted soil catalase activity, while 24% 2,4-D clopyralid did not affect soil catalase activity. On the 14th, 21st, and 49th day after spraying, the activity of soil catalase under 25% 2,4-D picloram was significantly higher than that under 70% sulfometuron-methyl. The effects of 25% 2,4-D picloram and 24% 2,4-D clopyralid on soil phosphatase activity exhibited a “promotion-inhibition” pattern, while 70% sulfometuron-methyl did not affect soil phosphatase activity. On the 14th day after spraying, the activity of soil phosphatase under 25% 2,4-D picloram was significantly higher than that under 24% 2,4-D clopyralid and 70% sulfometuron-methyl. The effect of 24% 2,4-D clopyralid on soil urease activity exhibited a “promotion-inhibition” pattern, while 25% 2,4-D picloram and 70% sulfometuron-methyl did not affect soil urease activity. On the 14th day after spraying, the activity of soil urease under 25% 2,4-D picloram was significantly lower than that under 24% 2,4-D clopyralid. Overall, soil enzyme activity can be used as an indicator to characterize soil pollution after chemical control of Mikania micrantha.





Effects of urbanization on soil enzyme stoichiometric characteristics of different stand types.

ZHANG Shuai, CHEN Naiyu, JIA Xiuhong, HUAI Haoqi

2025, 44(11):  3662-3672.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.023

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Soil enzyme activity and its stoichiometric characteristics are important indicators for characterizing the balance of microbial metabolism and soil nutrient supply. However, the stoichiometric characteristics of soil enzymes and the differences in microbial nutrient limitations among different forest stand types under the background of rapid urbanization remain unclear. We analyzed soil enzyme stoichiometry and its influencing factors across coniferous forest (pure Pinus massoniana forest), broad-leaved forest (camphor forest or oak forest), mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest in both urban areas (Turtle Mountain, Yujia Mountain and Lion Mountain), and suburban areas (Jiufeng Mountain, Qinglong Mountain, and Jiuzhen Mountain) of Wuhan. We further explored the nutrient limitation of soil microorganisms. The activities of β-1,4-glucosidase (BG), β-1,4-N-acetylglucosidase (NAG), leucine aminopeptidyase (LAP), and acid phosphatase (ACP) were higher in the urban areas than those in the suburban areas, while the activities of BG and ACP in broad-leaved forests were significantly higher than those in coniferous forests and mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests. The soil enzyme vector angles (VA) of all stands were >45°, indicating that microorganisms were generally phosphorus-limited, with the degree of limitation being higher in the suburb aeras. Redundancy analysis showed that soil available nutrients (available N and P), C∶N, and MBN were the main factors affecting soil enzyme activities and stoichiometric ratios. In conclusion, urbanization may regulate microbial metabolism and enzymatic stoichiometric changes by altering the availability of forest soil nutrients and microbial biomass, thereby influencing soil nutrient cycle. It is suggested that in future urban forest management, native broad-leaved tree species should be appropriately increased to optimize stand structure, and that fertilizers should be applied reasonably to alleviate soil P limitation in suburban forests, thereby promoting sustainable management of urban forests.





Distributions and sources of particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the Changjiang Estuary during a drought year.

XU Huanlin, XU Wenqi, MU Jinglong, WU Nian, LIU Sumei, LIN Xianbiao

2025, 44(11):  3673-3682.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.034

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The year 2022 marked a period of extreme hydrological drought in the Changjiang Basin. Research on the distribution characteristics and sources of particulate biogenic elements at the Changjiang Estuary under drought plays an important role in understanding the marine biogeochemical cycles. Based on the observational data of particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the Changjiang Estuary during October to November (autumn), we analyzed the spatial distributions of particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the estuary waters under drought season, as well as the main controlling factors. In conjunction with the particulate carbon stable isotope data, a two-end-member mixing model was used to quantitatively estimate the contributions of riverine input organic matter and marine authigenic organic matter to the sources of particulate organic matter. The results showed that the concentrations of particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus decreased along the salinity gradient and were positively correlated with suspended particulate matter (SPM) and negatively correlated with temperature and salinity. Those results indicated that the changes of SPM in the Changjiang Estuary waters and the mixing process of salty and fresh water were important factors regulating the spatial distribution of particulate carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Areas with a significant positive deviation from the theoretical dilution line in the concentrations of particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were found at the estuary and in the bottom layer of nearshore waters, corresponding to the highvalue areas of SPM and chlorophyll a. This suggested that sediment resuspension and biological processes played an additive role. Compared to particulate organic carbon and particulate nitrogen, sediment resuspension had a stronger additive effect on particulate phosphorus, causing the ratios of carbon to nitrogen to phosphorus deviate from the Redfield ratio. The twoendmember mixing model showed that from the estuary to the nearshore and then to the offshore, the proportion of riverine input organic matter gradually decreased, while the proportion of marine authigenic organic matter gradually increased, with the proportion of marine authigenic organic matter nearshore being greater than that of riverine input. Our results provided a new perspective for understanding the response of the biogeochemical cycles in the Changjiang Estuary to extreme climate change.





Characteristics of soil particle size distribution at the estuary of Maoling River, Beibu Gulf.

LIN Junliang, TIAN Yichao, ZHANG Yali, BAI Xiaomei, ZHANG Qiang, TAO Jin, YANG Yunzhen

2025, 44(11):  3683-3693.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.012

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The distribution of soil particle size is a fundamental parameter of soil physical properties and plays a crucial role in influencing material cycling and energy flow in mangrove ecosystems. We analyzed soil particle size composition, vertical distribution characteristics, and influencing factors across different vegetation types of Sonneratia apetala, Aegiceras corniculatum, Cyperus malaccensis, and bare flats in the Maoling River estuary of Beibu Gulf. Soil types in the study area included sandy chalk and silt. The average particle size (Φ) of the soils of Sonneratia apetala and bare flats decreased with increasing soil depth, while that of the soils of Aegiceras corniculatum and Cyperus malaccensis decreased first and then increased. Sand content decreased from upstream to downstream of the Sonneratia apetala sampling sites, and silt and clay contents increased. Sand content increased in the seaward and landward direction of secondary tidal channels, and silt and clay contents decreased. Our findings indicated that the particle size composition of estuarine mangrove soils was influenced by coastal zone type, runoff input, sand transport, and benthic fauna. Our results provide an important basis for the study of mangrove soil carbon sinks and coastal zone management.





Characteristic of biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions and their impacts on the formation of atmospheric secondary pollutants in China.

BAI Guangkun, KONG Fanlong, LI Zhicai, LI Lingyu

2025, 44(11):  3694-3703.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.035

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To explore the temporal and spatial variations of biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOCs) emissions, based on the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land cover dataset, the meteorological model WRF and BVOC emissions estimation model MEGANv3.2 were used to simulate the BVOC emissions in China in 2020. The maximum incremental reactivity method and the fractional aerosol coefficient method were used to quantify the impacts of BVOC emissions on ozone (O₃) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. The results showed that the total BVOC emissions in China in 2020 was 29.16 Tg, with isoprene, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and other VOCs (OVOCs) accounting for 27.54%, 22.29%, 3.16%, and 47.05% of the total annual emissions of BVOC, respectively. In terms of temporal distribution, BVOC emissions in spring, summer, fall, and winter accounted for 17.49%, 63.68%, 16.12%, and 2.71% of the total emissions, respectively. In terms of spatial distribution, BVOC emissions generally showed a trend of high in the southeast and low in the northwest, with the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangdong Province, and Hunan Province having the highest BVOCs emissions, accounting for 11.08%, 8.06%, and 8.02% of the total emissions. The total O₃ formation potential (OFP) and SOA formation potential (SOAP) of BVOC emissions in 2020 were 175.17 and 2.60 Tg, respectively, with isoprene being the main source of OFP, accounting for 48.63% of the total OFP, and monoterpenes being the main contributor to SOAP, accounting for 74.90% of the total SOAP.





Photoaging process of polyethylene microplastics from different sources.

YANG Zhiguo, LEI Lei, XIAO Wentao, ZHANG Siyu

2025, 44(11):  3704-3712.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.036

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Photoaging is an important transformation process of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. However, the photoaging process of MPs derived from commonly used commercial plastics is unclear. Herein, pure polyethylene (PE) polymer (PE_s), PE plastic bag (PE_b) and agricultural plastic film (PE_m) were used as examples to examine changes of physical and chemical properties during photoaging process of MPs. PE_b and PE_m MPs were prepared by mechanical crushing. The results showed that small pieces of MPs were peeled off from original MPs with the irradiation. Rough surface of PE MPs gradually changed to smooth surface. After irradiation, crystallinity of MPs increased by 6.1%-12.14%. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer characterization showed that C-O content increased by 0.08-0.125, -OH content increased by 0.016-0.098, carbonyl index increased by 0.06-0.153, and conjugated ketones increased by 0.005-0.081. MPs showed different degrees of photoaging: PE_s>PE_b>PE_m. The photoaging was mainly induced by the light absorption of original chromophores, which led to bond breakage and photooxidation reaction, and then produced oxidation products such as ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters. The presence of additives caused differences in concentrations of hydroperoxide products, which are important intermediates in the photoaging process, resulting in different photoaging rates. Our results revealed the differences in photoaging process of PE MPs from different sources, which provided important information for evaluating ecological risks of PE MPs.





Isolation, screening, and degradation characteristics of petroleum hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms under low nitrogen stress. 

WANG Changdong, WANG Chunhui, JI Binling, KONG Fanlong, SHI Jiaxin, ZHANG Na, WANG Sen

2025, 44(11):  3713-3723.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.029

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To solve the problem of low degradation efficiency of petroleum hydrocarbon degrading bacteria in oil contaminated soil and oily sludge with low nitrogen, we screened and isolated four bacterial strains from oil contaminated soil in Dongying, using nitrogen-free and nitrogen-containing liquid media. According to the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequence analysis, the four strains were identified as Acinetobacter venetiae (W), Agromyces sp. (B), Brevibacillus invocatus (G), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (T). GC-MS results showed that all the four strains had high nitrogenase activity (224.41-324.63 nmol·mL^-1·h^-1). Compared to nitrogen-containing conditions, the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by strains B and T increased slightly under the nitrogen-free conditions, but still significantly lower than the degradation rate of petroleum hydrocarbons by strains W and G. Under nitrogen-free conditions, the degradation rates of petroleum hydrocarbons by the “W+T”, “G+T”, and “W+B+G+T” combinations decreased to different degrees, but the “B+T” combination maintained close to 60%. The results of degradation products in liquid medium showed that strain W could degrade long-chain alkanes (C₂₂-C₄₀) to short-chain alkanes (C₁₄-C₁₉), strain B had the best degradation effect on short-chain alkanes (C₁₀-C₂₁), while strain G and T showed good degradation effect on petroleum hydrocarbon components (C₁₀-C₄₀). In the actual soil remediation experiments, the degradation efficiency of petroleum hydrocarbons by the combination of “W+B+G+T” (56.9%) was much higher than that of single strain (≤32.1%). The relative abundance of microorganisms associated with the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons increased in the treatments with the addition of strains compared to the control. The relative abundance of A. venetianus with petroleum hydrocarbons degradation ability increased by 21.23% and 2.58% in the treatment with strain W and “W+B+G+T”, respectively. Meanwhile, the relative abundances of Agromyces sp. (B) and S. maltophilia (T) also increased to varying degrees.





Spatial pattern and cooling effect of park green space in Xi’an based on morphological spatial pattern analysis.

MA Mengting, WANG Yicheng, HUANG Xiaojun

2025, 44(11):  3724-3734.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.026

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Park green space is one of the important ways to mitigate the urban thermal effect. Clarifying the cooling effect of the spatial pattern of park green space is crucial for optimizing the urban ecological network and fine-tuning the management of urban green resources. Taking 18 park green spaces in the main urban area of Xi’an City as the research object, we quantified the spatial pattern of green spaces based on morphological spatial pattern analysis, and examined the effects of the internal spatial pattern of green spaces on the average surface temperature, cooling distance, and cooling intensity of the green spaces in terms of point, line, and surface patterns. The results showed that surface temperature was positively correlated with branch lines, isolated islands and bridging areas, and negatively correlated with the core area. Cooling distance was positively correlated with the core area and negatively correlated with branch lines. Cooling intensity was positively correlated with the core area and negatively correlated with the bridging area, branch lines, and isolated islands. The cooling effect could be optimized by reasonably controlling the ratio of bridging area, fringe area, and ring road area, and taking into consideration of the proportion of the pattern and the distribution situation. The core area contributed the most to surface temperature, cooling intensity, and cooling distance. The interaction between other spatial patterns also affected the cooling effect. The overall ecological benefit and cooling effect of green space can be maximized by increasing the scale of core green space in areas with relatively scattered green space patterns, reasonably constructing bridge areas connecting different core areas, fully utilizing edge effects to create ring road areas, extending branch lines and integrating isolated islands.





Spatiotemporal variations and driving forces of vegetation coverage in the Liaohe Delta from 2000 to 2020.

SUN Haozhong, WANG Ming, WANG Guodong, ZHANG Tao, YUAN Yusong, ZHAO Meiling, MENG Jingci

2025, 44(11):  3735-3745.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.013

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Based on Landsat images, annual average temperature, and GDP in the Liaohe River Delta from 2000 to 2020, we analyzed the characteristics of spatiotemporal variation and driving factors of vegetation NDVI using trend analysis, geographic detector model, and land use transfer matrix. The results showed that Liaohe River Delta had an overall high vegetation coverage. From 2000 to 2020, the NDVI showed a fluctuating upward trend with a rate of 0.028 per decade. The area of high vegetation coverage had increased, while the areas of low and medium low vegetation coverage had decreased. The NDVI of most areas was greater than 0.6, and the overall vegetation coverage was good. Spatially, the NDVI was high in the east and south, and low in the central and western regions, with high and medium-high vegetation coverage areas being the main ones. The NDVI of the Liaohe River Delta from 2000 to 2020 was jointly influenced by natural factors and human activities. Land use type, population density, GDP, and annual precipitation were the main influencing factors, while slope, aspect, and vegetation type were indirect ones. The explanatory power of land use types on NDVI changes was over 40%, followed by population density and GDP (over 10%). In the process of influencing vegetation NDVI, various factors were not independent of each other but had interactive effects. The interaction enhanced the impact of single factors such as annual average temperature and elevation, which had relatively small effects, on vegetation NDVI.





Analysis of environmental and economic metabolism of rural households in ecologically fragile areas: A case study of Zhangwu County, Northwest Liaoning Province.

XU Yueping, LIU Ye, LI Hongqing, GANG Shuang6, XUE Bing, REN Wanxia

2025, 44(11):  3746-3755.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.008

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Study on the environmental-economic metabolism of rural households in ecologically fragile areas is of great significance for rural precise governance and regional sustainable development. Northwest Liaoning Province is a typical ecologically fragile area and an important ecological security barrier in northern China. Improving the ecological environment quality and enhancing the livelihood of farmers and herders are crucial for revitalizing rural areas in Northeast China. We chose seven townships in the northern part of Zhangwu County, which is seriously affected by wind erosion in the Northwest Liaoning Province, as the study area. Using methods such as questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews, and based on a framework of family-scale environmental and economic metabolism, we investigated the environmental and economic metabolism activities of typical farmer households in the region, characterized by carbon emissions and water resource consumption. The results showed that in the northern region of Northwest Liaoning, the average household water consumption and use intensity were 14105 m³ and 0.14 m³·yuan^-1, respectively. The average household carbon emissions and carbon intensity were 36.72 t CO₂·a^-1 and 0.31 kg CO₂·yuan^-1, respectively, with the per capita carbon emissions reaching 9.90 t CO₂·a^-1. There were great differences in water consumption, carbon emissions, and their respective intensities across households dominated by planting, breeding, and combined planting and breeding. The planting-dominated households exhibited the highest water consumption and intensity. The breeding-dominated households showed the highest carbon emissions. The planting-breeding combined households displayed the highest carbon emission intensity. However, the environmental-economic metabolic characteristics of the three types of households showed “high water consumption and high carbon emission”. The differing livelihood strategies were the primary reasons for the difference of environmental economic metabolism level. Notably, the breeding-dominated households demonstrated relatively higher environmental-economic metabolism efficiency per unit of income. In the future, more  feasible strategies should focus on accelerating the transition of rural areas into low-carbon, green and circular sustainable development models to achieve rural revitalization.



Changes of plant productivity and soil physicochemical properties during the recovery of bare patches caused by plateau pika.

DUNA Yuanyuan, WU Tong, WANG Ni, SUN Xiaodan, BAI Yanping, GUO Zhenggang

2025, 44(11):  3756-3763.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.031

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Vegetation productivity and soil physicochemical properties are the basis for determining the structure and function of grasslands. In this study, we divided the disturbed area of plateau pikas into vegetated zone, plateau pika induced new bare patch, old bare patch, and abandoned bare patch. Based on the space-for-time substitution method, we investigated changes in aboveground biomass of different plant functional groups, total aboveground and underground biomass, and soil physicochemical properties, as well as soil degradation caused by plateau pika. The results showed that the aboveground biomass of sedges and grasses were highest in vegetated zone, while the aboveground biomass of forbs and legumes, and total aboveground and underground biomass of vegetation were relatively higher in vegetated zone and abandoned bare patch. There were no significant differences in soil water content, bulk density, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonium, nitrate nitrogen, and pH among the four types of vegetation. However, soil total carbon and organic carbon were lowest in new bare patch, and had no difference among vegetated zone, old bare patch and abandoned bare patch. Soil total potassium was lowest in abandoned bare patch, and had no difference among vegetated zone, new bare patch and old bare patch. With the recovery, soil degradation index increased from new bare patch (-8.01%) to old bare patch (-3.41%), and then decreased to abandoned bare patch (-4.1%). It is suggested that when restoring the new and old bare patches, comprehensive reseeding of various functional group plants should be carried out. In the abandoned bare patches, the reseeding of grasses and the application of potassium fertilizer should be emphasized.





Environmental microbial analysis of three different net cage aquaculture systems for sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) during the ice-melting period.

WANG Junhui, RUAN Shuchao, LI Shufeng, WANG Yongjie, WANG Zitong, HAN Lingshu, ZHAO Xintao, ZHAO Chong, CHANG Yaqing, DING Jun

2025, 44(11):  3764-3771.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.007

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To investigate the environmental microbiota characteristics of different net cage aquaculture types during the ice-melting period, we conducted experiments across three aquaculture systems in Dalian, Liaoning Province: the traditional pond net cages in Pulandian, permeable pond net cages in Wafangdian, and offshore net cages in Zhuanghe. Environmental factors of the three types of net cage aquaculture were monitored. 16S rRNA sequencing technology was employed to investigate bacterial community structure and functions in both cage-attached substances and water samples under these aquaculture modes during the ice-melting period. The results showed that Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Proteobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla in water and attached substance samples during the ice-melting period. Unique bacterial communities were identified in specific environments. Planctomycetota and Bacteroidota were characteristic of Pulandian traditional pond net cages. Patescibacteria dominated in Wafangdian permeable pond net cages. Verrucomicrobiota was specifically enriched in Zhuanghe offshore net cages. KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant differences in metabolic pathways among different net cage types (P<0.05), particularly in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism. This study demonstrates distinct structural and functional variations in environmental microbiota across different net cage aquaculture systems during the ice-melting period, providing theoretical references for disease prevention in sea cucumber aquaculture and microbial community regulation in net cage environments.





Advances in the evaluation of wetland ecosystem stability.

MA Qiuying, ZHU Shiying, JIANG Haibo, SHI Fengxue, YANG Yuanting, HE Chunguang

2025, 44(11):  3772-3780.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.039

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Maintaining and improving ecosystem stability is the key content of ensuring national ecological security and building a beautiful China, with the evaluation of ecosystem stability as the basis. As one of the three major natural ecosystems in the world, wetlands are rich in water resources and biodiversity. The assessment of wetland ecosystem stability can reveal the health status of regional wetland ecosystems and will provide a scientific basis for the effective protection of wetlands and the promotion of the sustainable utilization of wetland resources. We summarize the concept and connotation of wetland ecosystem stability, discuss the characteristics of different evaluation methods, notably the obvious advantages of ecological remote sensing methods in evaluating the stability of wetland ecosystems, and generalize the research progress in evaluating the ecosystem stability in different types of wetlands and the main influencing factors. In marsh wetlands, wetland area and biodiversity are important factors affecting ecosystem stability. In lake wetlands, water resources and hydrological connectivity play a key role in driving ecosystem stability. In coastal wetlands, climate change is a major factor affecting the balance and stability of wetland ecosystems. Future research should establish tailored ecosystem stability index systems for different types of wetland ecosystems, continually explore methods for evaluating wetland ecosystem stability, and conduct in-depth quantitative research on the impacts of environmental factors on wetland ecosystem stability. These efforts aim to provide valuable references for the comprehensive implementation of the Wetland Protection Law and to advance the high-quality conservation and sustainable development of wetland ecosystems in China.





Impacts of mycorrhizal fungi on soil respiration components in forests.

GU Yaning, ZHOU Luhong, LIN Debao, JIANG Jiawen, ZHENG Yong

2025, 44(11):  3781-3788.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.001

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi establish mutualistic symbioses with most terrestrial plants, significantly influencing litter decomposition, soil carbon cycling, and modulating the responses of soil respiration to global change. In this review, we synthesized current knowledge on the effects of AM and EM fungi on soil respiration and its components, emphasizing the underlying biological mechanisms. We compared the responses of soil respiration components to global change between different mycorrhizal forest types and identified key knowledge gaps and future research directions. (1) While the contribution of mycorrhizal respiration to total soil respiration is increasingly recognized, there is substantial variability of reported values, ranging from 2% to 48%. The scarcity of comprehensive data underscores the need for further research. (2) Interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and free-living decomposers are critical in regulating soil respiration, yet empirical field validations remain limited. Future studies should focus on elucidating these interactions through field experimental platforms. (3) Understanding how different mycorrhizal types regulate the responses of soil respiration to global change is a current research priority. This review highlights the necessity for more extensive field-based studies and the integration of mycorrhizal regulation of soil carbon processes into Earth System Models to enhance our understanding of soil respiration processes in the context of global change.





Plant rhizosphere bacteriophage ecology: Research progress and prospects.

ZHONG Yujun, LIANG Xiaolong, WANG Yongfeng, ZHU Dong, LIAO Hanpeng, XIE Ninghui, ZHANG Ying, JIA Yongfeng

2025, 44(11):  3789-3800.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.032

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Bacteriophages (phages) dramatically affect the co-occurring microbial abundance, taxonomic composition, and function through their replication and lysis processes, thereby playing a pivotal role in modulating micro-food web structure and biogeochemical cycles. Compared with other environments, soil contains more abundant phages, which may play an even bigger role. The ecological function of phages has received increasing attention. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of soil phages on plant-microbe interactions and rhizosphere microbial community assembly processes remain unclear. Here, we reviewed the research progress in plant rhizosphere phage ecology and interrogated the rhizosphere phage community dynamics and their interactions with soil microbial communities and environmental factors. The potential roles and mechanism of soil phages affecting plant-microbe interactions and rhizosphere microbial community assembly processes were discussed. Ultimately, we proposed new perspectives of rhizosphere phage ecology research and its potential contributions to sustainable agriculture.





Microbial hydrogen cycling and its ecological and environmental effects.

ZHANG Qinglan, LI Xuejie, ZENG Xiangfeng, WANG Shaofeng, LI Weiming, JIA Yongfeng

2025, 44(11):  3801-3814.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.028

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Hydrogen (H₂) is a crucial electron and energy carrier in nature. Hydrogen-producing and hydrogen-consuming microorganisms are abundant in the environment, which constitute the microbial hydrogen cycle. Hydrogen cycle includes intraspecific and interspecific hydrogen interchange, drives a variety of microbial processes, and is closely related to the cycling of other elements, such as C, N, and S. Therefore, understanding microbial hydrogen cycling composition and processes has important theoretical significance and practical implications for elucidating the ecological and environmental effects of hydrogen cycling. This review systematically describes the hydrogen-producing and hydrogenconsuming microorganisms, analyzes the processes of hydrogen among microbial communities and associated hydrogen cycle mechanisms, elucidates the ecological and environmental effects of hydrogen cycle from different perspectives, points out the shortcomings of current research, and proposes the key directions for future research.





Comprehensive analysis of site soil remediation technology in China.

LIU Tong, YANG Liqiong, SHI Yanan, CHEN Xijuan

2025, 44(11):  3815-3829.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.030

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The remediation of contaminated sites is one of the critical challenges in soil protection in China, with the selection and application of appropriate soil remediation technologies playing a pivotal role. Drawing upon the soil-related issues encountered during the industrialization and urbanization processes in various countries, as well as their corresponding solutions, we identified three distinct stages in the development of soil pollution remediation: the physical remediation stage, the multi-technology integrated remediation stage, and the stage combining source control with technical remediation approaches. Discussions were conducted from multiple perspectives, including the current understanding of soil pollution, the application of remediation technologies, and laws and regulations. Conventional remediation technologies, such as physical, chemical, and biological methods, were systematically introduced, and their effectiveness in addressing different types of pollutants was analyzed. The advantages and limitations of integrated remediation technologies, along with their performance across various contaminated sites, were also analyzed. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the current status of emerging pollutants in soil, clarified the pathways through which various pollutants enter the soil environment and the associated risks, explored the impacts of these emerging pollutants on soil remediation, and summarized the available technologies for removing emerging pollutants. Finally, the existing problems and challenges facing the soil remediation industry in China were critically considered.





Multi-model comparative analysis of improved remote sensing ecological index in the Yellow River Basin.

MENG Fei, QIAN Xintong, TIAN Hao

2025, 44(11):  3830-3840.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.020

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The ecological environment of the Yellow River Basin is complex and fragile. The traditional Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) model fails to fully consider the topographic relief and desertification characteristics of the region, resulting in certain limitations in monitoring the ecological status of the basin. To more accurately assess the ecological status of the basin, we built SRSEI with SLOPE, DRSEI with desertification index (DI) and CRSEI with all factors integrated on the basis of RSEI model and GEE (Google Earth Engine), and evaluated the specific utility of the introduced indicators and the monitoring effect of each model. The results showed that the average correlation of SRSEI, DRSEI, and CRSEI was higher than 0.73 after integrating the information of different ecological factors. DI had a significant negative effect on CRSEI and DRSEI, and the correlation coefficients were -0.89 and -0.9, respectively. In region A, the entropy of CRSEI was the highest (2.02). In region B, the entropy of DRSEI and CRSEI was both 2.07. In region C, the entropy of CRSEI was 1.91. The introduction of SLOPE and DI improved the expression ability of the model for ecological texture. The results enhanced the applicability of the model in ecological quality monitoring in the Yellow River Basin and further provided the scientific support for ecological protection.





Evaluation of cultivated land use eco-efficiency in the three provinces in Northeast China based on Pressure-State-Response model.

WANG Xiaoxiao, ZHAO Huafu, QIAN Jiacheng, FENG Zhe, LI Xiao, LIU Hongxiu, LI Jiajin

2025, 44(11):  3841-3851.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.009

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Exploring the spatiotemporal variation and improvement pathways of cultivated land use eco-efficiency (CLUE) in Northeast China, a key grain-producing area in China, is of great theoretical and practical significance for achieving regional cultivated land ecological protection, balancing food supply and demand, and promoting sustainable cultivated land use. In this study, we developed an analytical framework for CLUE based on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model and applied the Super-Efficiency Slack-Based Measure (Super-SBM) model to estimate the spatiotemporal variations in CLUE across the three provinces in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020. Key factors influencing CLUE were identified using the Random Forest model and piecewise linear regression analysis. Future directions and policy recommendations were proposed to enhance CLUE. We found that CLUE in the three provinces increased from 0.462 in 2000 to 0.636 in 2020, indicating an overall upward trend but with low efficiency. There were significant spatial differentiations of CLUE, presenting the characteristics of “high in the east and low in the west, high in the north and low in the south”. Population density, urbanization level, irrigation index, temperature, and precipitation were identified as the primary pressure factors influencing CLUE, with noticeable threshold effects. It is recommended that policymakers develop differentiated development strategies according to the levels of efficiency, and regulate and adapt to the key pressure factors to enhance CLUE.





Spatiotemporal variations and driving factors of ecological environment quality in the Northwest China based on SA-RSEI model.

WANG Hengheng, WANG Jiarong, HOU Jiaye, CHANG Wenjing, WANG Zhaoyi, HE Jie

2025, 44(11):  3852-3863.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.021

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Northwest China is an important ecological barrier in China. Clarifying the development trends and driving factors of its ecological environment is of great significance for the protection of the regional ecological environment and the construction of a new pattern of high-quality development. Based on MODIS imagery from 2000 to 2021, we used the sandification index (DI) and salinization index (SI) to construct an improved remote sensing ecological index (SA-RSEI). The Sen+Mann-Kendall analysis was employed to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of ecological environment quality in Northwest China. We further employed the Geodetector to quantify the impacts of remote sensing ecological factors and natural-social factors on the spatial and temporal differentiation of SA-RSEI. From 2000 to 2021, the SA-RSEI in Northwest China showed an upward trend, with significant increases of 15.95% and 23.94% during 2000-2005 and 2015-2019, respectively. The ecological environment quality was predominantly poor or relatively poor, accounting for more than 70% of the total area of Northwest China. The areas of good or excellent quality were concentrated in the eastern and southern regions, exhibiting a spatial pattern of “better in the east, worse in the west”. Between 2000 and 2021, areas showing obvious improvement and slight improvement in ecological environment quality in Northwest China accounted for 32.01% and 38.65%, respectively. The area showing degradation in ecological environment quality was relatively small, with obvious degradation mainly concentrated on both sides of Ili River Valley and in Guanzhong Plain. Among the driving factors, the sandification index and precipitation had the strongest explanatory power for the SA-RSEI. Social factors represented by land use type and population density had an annually increasing impact on the SA-RSEI. The interaction of different factors had a stronger explanatory power for the SA-RSEI than the single factors. This study provided valuable insights for ecological protection and management in Northwest China.





Spatiotemporal variations of compound hot extreme and drought events during rice growth period in Southwest China.

CHEN Dongdong, LI Xiaowei, ZHANG Luyang, LEI Zhiwen, WANG Xin, TANG Yuxue, ZHANG Jianping

2025, 44(11):  3864-3872.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202511.005

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Based on daily meteorological data spanning 43 years from 351 stations in Southwest China, we identified compound hot extremes and droughts at the rice growth period (heading-milk stage and milk-maturity stage) based on daily maximum temperatures and the standardized antecedent precipitation evapotranspiration index (SAPEI). We further analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of these compound events. The results showed that there was a significant increasing trend in the number of stations experiencing compound hot extremes and droughts during the rice growth period from 1980 to 2022. The spatial distribution of event duration and frequency was largely consistent, both exhibiting a pattern of lower values in the southwest and higher values in the northeast, with high-value areas concentrated mainly in southern, central, and northeastern Sichuan Basin, as well as most of Chongqing. In terms of the trend rate of event duration, most regions in Southwest China showed an increasing trend, with only Hekou in Yunnan, experiencing a decrease during the milk-maturity stage. Our findings elucidate the spatiotemporal variations of rice-affecting compound hot extremes and droughts at the daily scale, providing guidance for agricultural production.