Table of Content

10 May 2026, Volume 45 Issue 5

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Effects of litter manipulation on belowground bud bank and its relationship with shoot population in a typical steppe of Inner Mongolia.

ZHENG Xiangyuan, TIAN Jiatai, LI Dongmei, TAO Jin, ZHANG Zhiming, WANG Qibing, QIAN Jianqiang

2026, 45(5):  1409-1416.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.019

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Global climate change and human activities have profound influences on structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems, and alter the quantity and quality of litter. The changes in litter accumulation might directly and indirectly affect population maintenance and regeneration in grasslands. However, how belowground bud bank, shoot population, and their relationships respond to the changes in litter accumulation in temperate grassland has not been fully explored. Based on a long-term litter manipulation experimental platform in the typical steppe of Inner Mongolia, we measured belowground bud density, aboveground shoot density, annual net primary productivity (ANPP), and key soil physicochemical properties under three litter treatments (removal and addition of 50% litter, and the ambient condition as the control), aiming to clarify the effects of litter accumulation on population regeneration via belowground bud bank. Results showed that compared with the control and litter addition, litter removal significantly increased both belowground bud density and aboveground shoot density, but had little influences on bud number per shoot (i.e., meristem limitation index). Structural equation model (SEM) further confirmed that litter manipulation affected belowground bud bank and aboveground shoot population mainly by direct pathway, rather than indirectly though influencing ANPP and soil factors. Our study indicated that appropriate litter removal could facilitate population maintenance and regeneration via belowground bud bank in typical steppe, and that litter accumulation directly, rather than by altering soil environment, affect population regeneration in grasslands. Our study reveals the influencing mechanism of litter accumulation on population regeneration via belowground bud bank in temperate grasslands, and provides important theoretical basis for grassland restoration and management under climatic changes and human disturbances.





Functional traits regulate the reproductive strategy of alpine clonal plants in response to warming and cooling.

WEI Yao, LI Yuzhang, TAN Tianyuan, ZHANG Zhenhua

2026, 45(5):  1417-1426.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.033

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Elymus nutans and Stipa aliena are typical clonal plants in the alpine grasslands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Reproductive strategies of both species are influenced by climate change, which in turn affects reproductive success and overall fitness. However, how these strategies respond to temperature changes over different temporal scales, as well as the role of functional traits in regulating these strategies, remain unclear. Based on reciprocal transplant and common garden experiments conducted at three elevations (3200, 3400, and 3800 m) along a mountain slope, we investigated the reproductive traits and the responses of aboveground and belowground functional traits in these two species to short-term and long-term temperature changes. The results showed that: (1) Although short-term warming increased the number of reproductive branches of S. aliena, the ratio of reproductive to vegetative branches in both species significantly changed only under longterm treatments, indicating a delayed response in reproductive strategy. (2) Under long-term warming, for every 100 m decrease in elevation within the range of 3200 m to 3400 m, the ratio of reproductive to vegetative branches of E. nutans decreased by 54.5% (P=0.001), while that of S. aliena increased by 98.4% (P<0.001). Under long-term cooling, for every 100 m increase in elevation, the ratio of reproductive to vegetative branches of E. nutans decreased by 21.6% (P=0.038) within the range of 3200 m to 3800 m, and that of S. aliena decreased by 58.3% (P=0.013) within the range of 3200 m to 3400 m. (3) Long-term warming decreased specific root length of E. nutans, accompanied by an increase in  clonal reproduction. The increased plant height of S. aliena was associated with  a higher proportion of sexual reproduction. Long-term cooling significantly reduced the height of S. aliena, accompanied by a decrease in sexual reproduction. In conclusion, E. nutans tends to increase clonal reproduction under both long-term warming and cooling, while S. aliena increases sexual reproduction under long-term warming but decreases sexual reproduction under long-term cooling. This study underscores the critical role of both aboveground and belowground functional traits in shaping reproductive strategies, offering valuable insights into the adaptation of alpine clonal plants to climate change. Additionally, it provides theoretical support for biodiversity conservation and the adaptive ecosystem management in the alpine grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau.





Responses of belowground bud bank and its relationship with shoot population to simulated warming in alpine meadows of Qinling Mountains.

LI Dongmei, TIAN Jiatai, MIAO Renhui, ZHANG Zhiming, QIAN Jianqiang

2026, 45(5):  1427-1434.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.034

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Global warming has profound influences on the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the responses of bud bank and its contribution to population regeneration in alpine meadows to global warming have not yet been clarified. In this study, we examined the effects of long-term (12 years) warming on the belowground bud bank and its relationship with aboveground shoot population of whole plant community and key plant functional groups in the alpine meadow of Qinling Mountains, using open-top growth chamber (OTC) to simulate the scenario of climate warming. Results showed that simulated warming reduced belowground bud density and shoot density of the whole community by 42% (P=0.065) and 45.5% (P<0.05), respectively, but had little influences on the number of buds per shoot (i.e., the ratio of bud to shoot density). Different plant functional groups showed varied responses to warming. Warming significantly reduced the belowground bud density and the number of buds per shoot (P<0.05), while did not affect shoot density of forbs. Warming had no influences on the belowground bud density, but significantly reduced shoot density of rhizomatous grasses (P<0.05). In contrast, the belowground bud density, aboveground shoot density, and bud number per shoot of bunchgrasses showed no responses to warming (P>0.05). Our results indicate that climatic warming tends to suppress population regeneration via reducing belowground bud bank, and will potentially influence community structure and ecosystem function of alpine meadows by altering the population regeneration of different plant functional groups.





Leaf functional traits of Tamarix ramosissima under varying groundwater depths in an oasis of the Taklamakan Desert hinterland.

KANG Jiabing, DAI Yue, Anwaier Abudureyimu, ZHANG Tingting

2026, 45(5):  1435-1443.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.012

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Groundwater depth is a critical factor influencing plant survival in deserts. However, our understanding of how plants regulate leaf functional traits in response to variations in groundwater depth remains limited. We investigated leaf functional traits of Tamarix ramosissima at the Daliyaboyi oasis, located in the hinterland of the Taklamakan Desert. We analyzed stable carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C), leaf water content (LWC), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf organic carbon content (LOC), leaf total nitrogen content (LTN), leaf total phosphorus content (LTP), non-structural carbohydrate content (NSC), as well as soil organic carbon content (SOC), soil total nitrogen content (STN), soil total phosphorus content (STP) under three groundwater depths (1.0, 3.4, and 5.0 m). The aim was to explore how leaf functional traits of T. ramosissima vary within an arid desert environment. The results showed that the δ¹³C values and LWC showed no differences across varying groundwater depths. Soil pH values were significantly lower at medium groundwater depth compared to both shallow and deep groundwater depths, while STN was notably lower at shallow groundwater depth than at medium depth. There was a significant positive relationship between LTP and LTN. Furthermore, both LTN and LTP were positively correlated with soil pH. Additionally, soil water content had a significant effect on δ¹³C, SLA, leaf soluble sugar (LSSC), and the ratio of LSSC to leaf starch. Our results indicate that T. ramosissima responds to variations in groundwater depth by adjusting SLA, LTN, LTP, and LSSC. Leaf traits are correlated with soil water content, pH levels, soil organic carbon (SOC), and STN, suggesting that the adaptation of T. ramosissima to the desert hinterland environment is comprehensively influenced by soil water and nutrient availability. These findings provide scientific data and a theoretical foundation for a deeper understanding of the adaptive mechanisms employed by desert plants.





Transgenerational effects of drought on morphological and photosynthetic traits between an invasive clonal plant and its congeneric native species.

CHEN Changfan, JIANG Jie, QIU Chenggang, TIAN Jiao, YANG Hanjun, WANG Xuemei, WEI Qing, CHEN Jinsong

2026, 45(5):  1444-1453.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.025

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Transgenerational plasticity (or transgenerational effect) is believed to play a potential role in promoting the spread and successful establishment of invasive plant species. However, the differences in transgenerational plasticity between invasive and native clonal plants are less understood. In a common garden experiment, maternal ramets of the invasive species Wedelia trilobata and its native congener Wedelia chinensis were grown under either well-watered or drought-stressed conditions. After 10 weeks, offspring ramets from both treatments were transplanted into a uniform drought-stress environment. Morphological traits, photosynthetic parameters, and biomass allocation strategies of the offspring were measured to address two questions: (1) Does maternal drought stress enhance offspring performance under drought through transgenerational effects? (2) Are there differences in transgenerational plasticity between the two species? Our results showed that both species exhibited significant transgenerational effects, but with substantial differences in the response magnitude and regulatory scope of specific traits. Offspring of drought-stressed W. trilobata achieved higher total biomass accumulation by reducing specific leaf area, specific root length, and specific root volume, while increasing root surface area, stomatal conductance (G_s), maximum quantum yield of photosystem Ⅱ (F_v/F_m), actual photochemical efficiency (Φ_PSⅡ), and photochemical quenching (qP). Although maternal drought stress altered root morphology and leaf photosynthetic performance in W. chinensis offspring, these changes did not translate into higher biomass production. This study revealed that maternal drought stress can confer increased drought tolerance to offspring via transgenerational plasticity in both Wedelia species. W. trilobata displayed stronger transgenerational plasticity, which may underpin its superior environmental adaptability and invasion potential.





Effects of lethal drought on the metabolic dynamics of non-structural carbohydrates in Rhododendron decorum. 

XU Ge, LI Jiawen, ZENG Wenxi, YAN Meijing, DONG Tingfa

2026, 45(5):  1454-1462.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.035

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Extreme drought events have triggered widespread forest dieback globally, and thus the investigation of tree responses to lethal droughts has become a hot topic in forest ecology. However, research on the mechanisms of tree responses to lethal droughts is not yet consistent. Here, we examined seedlings of Rhododendron decorum, a widespread species in high-altitude regions of Southwest China, to quantify shifts in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), photosynthesis, respiration, and water status under lethal drought. The results showed that: (1) During progressive drought intensification, total NSC and soluble sugar concentrations in leaves declined, whereas their concentrations in roots increased. Stem NSC and soluble sugars exhibited an initial increase and then a marked decrease, while starch concentration fluctuated in all organs. (2) Lethal drought changed the allocation pattern of total NSC in the leaves and roots, with NSC preferentially allocated to roots. (3) As drought intensified, leaf physiological traits exhibited either a gradual decline followed by a sharp drop, or a pattern of slow decrease-transient rebound-abrupt decrease. The results indicate that drought significantly suppresses carbon metabolism in plants, and that there is a trade-off in the response of non-structural carbohydrates in leaves and roots to lethal drought, reflecting a strategy of prioritizing carbon allocation to roots. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the physiological mechanisms of Rhododendron species in response to extreme drought.





Composition of plant communities along the banks of the Songhua Lake watershed and their response to water quality factors.

MA Zhibin, ZHANG Feixue, SHANG Guangxia, DING Sen, WU Jing, LI Hongli

2026, 45(5):  1463-1472.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.027

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Investigating the response of riparian vegetation to water quality is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and function of riparian ecosystems. This study focused on riparian zones within the Songhua Lake watershed reservoir and its tributaries. We established 86 herbaceous plots to investigate plant community characteristics, with measurements taken for water quality indicators and altitude factors. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Pearson correlation analysis, and Mantel tests were used to analyze plant species diversity, community composition, and their responses to water quality. Results showed that there were 189 plant species from 51 families and 129 genera within the watershed. Dominant families were Asteraceae (27%), Brassicaceae (11%), and Poaceae (8%). There were significant differences in species diversity between Songhua Lake and tributaries. Clonal plant species constituted 46.5% of riparian vegetation in tributaries and 39% in the reservoir riparian zone. Total dissolved particulate matter was significantly positively correlated with salinity, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen (P<0.001), forming a ‘turbidity-nutrients-salinity’ synergistic stress. Dissolved oxygen showed significant positive correlations with total phosphorus, salinity, and total dissolved particulate matter, while altitude exhibited significantly negative correlation with total nitrogen (P<0.001). Plant species richness exhibited regional differentiation. Both total phosphorus and total nitrogen promoted species richness in reservoir and tributary zones. The effects of water pH on species richness were zone-specific, inhibiting reservoir riparian species richness while promoting tributary riparian species diversity. Salinity enhanced tributary riparian plant species richness. This study provides scientific evidence for analyzing riparian vegetation adaptation strategies to water quality.








Effects of spatial structure of Phyllostachys edulis forest on its light environment in central Fujian.

LI Zhiteng, LIU Guanglu, XU Qing, DENG Ziyun, CAI Changtang, WEI Songpo

2026, 45(5):  1473-1480.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.021

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Spatial structure of forest stands is closely related to understory light environment. However, the key structural variables influencing light conditions remain unclear. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed the relationship between stand spatial structure and light environment in mixed moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forest in central Fujian, China, aiming to identify the structural variables that significantly affect understory light conditions. The results showed that: (1) the mingling degree (M) ranged from 0 to 0.8519, opening degree (K) from 0.0689 to 0.3317, stand layer index (S) from 0 to 0.4306, neighborhood comparison (U) from 0.3696 to 0.5682, competition index based on intersection angle (UCI) from 0.2101 to 0.3734, and angle index (W) from 0.4384 to 0.6600. Canopy openness (CO) ranged from 7.47% to 33.73%, leaf area index (LAI) from 0.97 to 3.33, and mean leaf angle (MLA) from 10.62° to 85.50°. Diffuse radiation below the canopy (DifBe), direct radiation below the canopy (DirBe), and total radiation below the canopy (TotBe) ranged from 108.08 to 475.42 μmol·m^-2·s^-1, 1207.50 to 5027.92 μmol·m^-2·s^-1, and 1336.08 to 5503.25 μmol·m^-2·s^-1, respectively. (2) Stand spatial structure variables had significant correlations with understory light conditions. Specifically, M, K, and W were all highly negatively correlated (P<0.01) with CO, DifBe, DirBe, TotBe, and MLA. UCI was highly positively correlated with DirBe and MLA (P<0.01), and positively correlated with TotBe (P<0.05). (3) Among the structural variables, M, W, and K were identified as key factors influencing light environment, collectively explaining 24.8% of the total variation, with individual contributions of 14.14%, 5.92%, and 2.91%. (4) Light-related variables (CO, DifBe, DirBe, TotBe, MLA, and LAI) could be effectively fitted using the key spatial structural variables M, W, and K, and all models were statistically significant (P<0.05). In conclusion, mingling degree (M), opening degree (K), and angle index (W) are the primary spatial structure variables affecting light environment in moso bamboo forests. It is recommended that management practices aiming at improving understory light conditions can focus on regulating species mixture and optimizing horizontal spatial distribution.





Effects of clonality and CSR strategies on the invasiveness of alien plants.

LYU Yan, ZHAO Yingfei, WU Jing, DONG Bicheng

2026, 45(5):  1481-1488.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.023

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Plant invasion is one of the major drivers of global biodiversity loss and ecosystem functional degradation. The impacts of interactions of clonal reproduction, as an important trait of invasive plants, with CSR life history strategies on invasion processes remain unclear. Based on data related to the checklist of invasive alien plants, we analyzed the interactive effects of clonal characteristics (clonality and clonal organ types) and CSR strategy metrics on invasion impact levels and distribution range, using ordinal logistic regression models. The study used 96 invasive plant species for the clonality analysis and 38 clonal plant species for the clonal organ type analysis. The results showed that: (1) clonality generally had no direct effect on invasion impact levels, but significantly weakened the promoting effect of R strategy on distribution range. (2) CSR strategies exhibited different effects. R strategy was significantly negatively correlated with invasion impact levels and positively correlated with distribution range, while C strategy showed a marginally significant positive correlation with invasion impact levels and negatively correlated with distribution range. (3) Clonal organ types modulated the dispersal effects of C strategy. Stronger C strategy led to wider distribution in plants with above-ground clonal organs, while C strategy had negative effects on distribution range in plants with below-ground clonal organs, reflecting functional trade-offs between resource storage and competitive dispersal. This study revealed that clonality of invasive plants influenced plant invasion processes by modulating CSR strategies, and thus provided important theoretical basis for developing targeted invasion prevention and control strategies.





Effects of thinning on the stability and stand internal state of Larix gmelinii var. principis-rupprechtii plantation.

WANG Cheng, PENG Daoli, CHEN Mingjie

2026, 45(5):  1489-1496.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.026

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Exploring the changes in stand structure and stability of forest plantations under different thinning intensities can provide theoretical basis for the sustainable management. In this study, four thinning intensities in Larix gmelinii var. principis-rupprechtii plantations in Saihanba, North China were established: light thinning (LT, 21%), moderate thinning (MT, 40%), heavy thinning (HT, 56%), and a control without thinning (CK). Stand structure and vitality were characterized using eight variables, including number of forest layers, angular scale, diameter structure, stand congestion, Simpson index, stand vigor, proportion of healthy trees, and seedling abundance, together with adjacent environmental types. An improved unit circle method was used to analyze the differences in stand conditions under different thinning intensities. A combined entropy weight-internal/external evaluation approach was used to quantify the response of community stability to thinning. The results showed that pure stands generally exhibited simple diameter structure and canopy stratification, with poor regeneration ability and a uniform spatial distribution of trees. Heavy thinning showed the best stand congestion, growth vigor, and health condition, while moderate thinning yielded the highest species diversity. Both additivity and equilibrium were improved after thinning, and the comprehensive evaluation of stand condition ranked as HT (0.485) > MT (0.414) > LT (0.400) > CK (0.275), indicating that all stands were at a relatively poor condition. According to the entropy weight analysis, stand condition and neighborhood environment contributed 82.3% and 17.7% of the total weight, respectively, suggesting that stand condition played a dominant role in stability assessment. The overall stability index ranked as HT (0.547) > MT (0.503) > LT (0.477) > CK (0.374). Both stand condition and stability improved with increasing thinning intensity, whereas neighborhood environmental differences were minor. Our results indicated that thinning enhanced stand stability primarily by improving stand condition. Although heavy thinning showed the best effect, thinning intensity should be reasonably adjusted according to site conditions and management objectives to balance ecological and economic benefits, thereby promoting sustainable forest development.





Characteristics of sap flow for Populus×xiaozhuanica trees and its environmental responses in semiarid sandy land.

GUO Yongze, SONG Lining, SUN Yirong, ZHU Xinwei, ZHAO Jingfei, WANG Guochen

2026, 45(5):  1497-1507.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.020

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Clarifying the variations of sap flow in trunks and their environmental responses is of great significance for understanding the driving mechanisms underlying transpiration patterns. In this study, the heat dissipation technique was employed to continuously monitor the sap flow in the trunks of 20-year-old poplar (Populus × xiaozhuanica) plantations at the southern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land during May to June in 2019. The characteristics of sap flow under different weather conditions and the hysteresis effect of sap flow under varying soil moisture conditions were analyzed, and the relationships between sap flow and environmental variables at different scales were established. The results showed that the sap flow rate of poplar exhibited a unimodal curve on sunny days and multimodal curves on cloudy and rainy days. The sap flow rate was highest on sunny days, followed by cloudy days, and lowest on rainy days. There was a significant hysteresis effect between the sap flow rate and meteorological variables, with the sap flow preceding vapor pressure deficit by 60 min and air temperature by 30 min, whereas it lagged solar radiation by 20 min under high soil moisture conditions and lagged solar radiation by 50 min under low soil moisture conditions, indicating that soil moisture significantly influenced the hysteresis effect of sap flow. The sap flow rate of poplar at different temporal scales was significantly positively correlated with air temperature, solar radiation, vapor pressure deficit, and soil moisture, but negatively correlated with air humidity and groundwater level. Results of principal component analysis indicated that the contribution rates of the first principal component (meteorological variables) at different time scales were 61.6%, 62.2%, and 57.6%, respectively, with solar radiation and vapor pressure deficit being the key environmental variables affecting sap flow. On the daily scale, solar radiation had a greater impact on sap flow than vapor pressure deficit. As the temporal scale increased (10 min, 1 h, and 1 d), the influence of meteorological variables on sap flow decreased, while the influence of soil moisture increased. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the pattern of transpiration of poplar plantations in the semiarid sandy regions and their responses to environmental changes.





Physiological responses and drought resistance mechanisms of Cinnamomum camphora seedlings under different soil moisture.

HUANG Yuting, YANG Yuantong, ZHU Jieyi, SU Licheng, LUO Zhizhong, ZENG Shucai

2026, 45(5):  1508-1516.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.024

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We investigated the drought adaptation mechanisms associated with root morphological reshaping and antioxidant synergy in Cinnamomum camphora, to provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing the seedling nursery strategies and advancing water-saving forestry practices. We conducted a pot experiment with 6-month-old Cinnamomum camphora seedlings along a simulated drought stress gradient. There were four water treatments: CK (control, 80%-85% of field capacity), LD (light drought, 65%-70% of field capacity), MD (moderate drought, 50%-55% of field capacity), and SD (severe drought, 35%-40% of field capacity). The growth and physiological responses of seedlings were analyzed. The results showed that mild drought (LD) promoted seedling growth. Under LD, total biomass, root length, root surface area, and root volume increased by 51.15%, 29.09%, 57.18%, and 68.46%, respectively. In contrast, moderate (MD) and severe drought (SD) treatments exerted a significant inhibitory effect on seedling growth. The antioxidant system was modulated primarily through enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Specifically, under MD and SD treatments, SOD activity significantly increased by 75.72% and 76.85%, respectively (P<0.05). The SD treatment significantly elevated the contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and proline by 81.56%, 45.64%, and 34.06%, respectively (P<0.05). Analysis of phenotypic plasticity revealed that ground stem growth, peroxidase (POD) activity, SOD activity, and proline content exhibited the highest plasticity indices. Principal component analysis indicated that LD was more strongly associated with variations in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, whereas MD and SD were more closely linked to variations in SOD activity, soluble sugar, and proline contents. Under MD and SD conditions, C. camphora seedlings enhanced drought resistance through an integrated strategy, including reduced growth rate, root morphological reshaping, regulation of antioxidant enzyme synthesis (mainly SOD), and enhanced osmotic adjustment (primarily via proline accumulation). The beneficial effect of mild drought (LD) identified here provides key indicators for water-saving seedling cultivation, such as root morphological plasticity and SOD activity. A soil moisture level of 65%-70% of field capacity is recommended. These indicators are also valuable for screening drought-resistant C. camphora cultivars.





Effects of nitrogen addition and mowing on soil exchangeable base cations and soil acid buffering capacity in a meadow steppe of Inner Mongolia.

NIU Mingfen, XU Minghui, JING Hongxiang, MIAO Hongzhi, SONG Qiaobo, MA Jian, CHEN Xin, HU Yanyu

2026, 45(5):  1517-1523.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.005

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Soil exchangeable base cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺) play a pivotal role in buffering soil acidification and supporting plant growth. Clarifying their responses to nitrogen (N) addition and mowing is conducive to accurately assess the changes of grassland ecosystem structure and function in the context of increasing N deposition, and to reveal the regulations of grassland management and utilization measure on N effects. We investigated the responses and underlying mechanisms of soil exchangeable base cation contents and soil acid buffering capacity to five N addition levels (0, 2, 5, 10, 20 g N·m^-2·a^-1) and two mowing treatments (mowing with 10 cm stubble, unmown) in a long-term N addition field experiment in a meadow steppe of Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia. The results showed that increasing N addition significantly decreased the contents of soil exchangeable Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, total base cations, and soil pH. Under unmown conditions, N addition above 10 g N·m^-2·a^-1 significantly reduced soil acid buffering capacity. Soil base cation content and acid buffering capacity were negatively correlated with soil NH₄⁺, NO₃^- contents, and plant aboveground biomass. This implied that N addition drove soil acidification by stimulating plant growth and base cations uptake, intensifying NH₄⁺ induced displacement of base cations, and increasing NO₃^- leaching-associated loss of base cations. These mechanisms jointly depleted exchangeable base cations and weakened soil acid buffering capacity. Under the high N addition level of 20 g N·m^-2·a^-1, mowing mitigated the decrease of exchangeable base cations and soil pH by weakening the positive effects of N addition on soil inorganic N and plant growth. This study elucidates the ecological processes by which long-term N input leads to the loss of soil base cations and a decline in soil acid buffering capacity in grasslands, and highlights that mowing can mitigate these negative effects. It provides a theoretical basis for scientific grassland management and reasonable N utilization.





Effects of different soybean cultivars on soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community structure in soda saline-alkaline soil.

DING Xu, MA Yue, TANG Yuxin, LYU Xibin, MA Mingyuan, HAN Jinpeng, ZHAO Qiang, DU Jidao

2026, 45(5):  1524-1532.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.009

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Soil salinization is a widespread abiotic stress globally, profoundly impacting plant distribution and ecosystem stability. Alterations in rhizosphere microorganisms can serve as indicators of changes in the soil environment and can enhance plant stress resistance through symbiotic interactions. In this study, two soybean cultivars, “Heihe 49” (HH49, saline-alkali tolerant) and “Henong 95” (HN95, saline-alkali sensitive) were grown in the pots filled with soda saline-alkali soil (pH 9.23, electrical conductivity 94.13 μS·cm^-1) for 90 days. We investigated the effects of different soybean cultivars on the physical and chemical properties of soda saline-alkali soil and bacterial community structure. The results showed that both soybean cultivars significantly reduced soil pH, electrical conductivity, and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content in the rhizosphere soil of soybean plants, but significantly increased the available potassium content, bacterial abundance and diversity. The abundance and diversity of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere soil of HH49 were significantly higher than those of HN95. Strains such as OLB17 (sp902826795), Bradyrhizobium daqingense, Xanthobacter flavus, Sphingopyxis (sp000756385), Aquabacterium A terrae, Arenimonas terrae, and Pseudoxanthomonas A wuyuanensis were significantly enriched in the rhizosphere soil of HH49 plants, which showed a significant positive correlation with soil pH, electrical conductivity, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, and available potassium content. Redundancy analysis (RDA) results showed that Sphingopyxis (sp000756385) (F=60.1, P=0.008) and Pseudoxanthomonas A wuyuanensis (F=43.0, P=0.064) played a major role in influencing soil physical and chemical properties. The significant enrichment of the above-mentioned microorganisms in the rhizosphere soil of soybeans is conducive to promoting soil nutrient transformation, reducing soil pH, and improving the growth and stress resistance of soybean plants.





Effects of salt and alkali stress on seed germination and physiological characteristics of wheat germplasm materials.

YANG Xiaofei, ZHANG Ye, ZHANG Siyang, ZHANG Wenting

2026, 45(5):  1533-1543.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202604.015

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To select new wheat germplasm materials with high salt and alkali resistance, we investigated the salt and alkali tolerance of five wheat-Leymus mollis derivative lines (designated as H9, H24, H29, H30, and H47). Salt and alkali stress conditions were simulated using 25, 50, and 100 mmol·L^-1 solutions of NaCl (neutral sodium salt) and NaHCO₃ (basic sodium salt). The variables related to seed germination and seedling physiology were measured. The results showed that under salt and alkali stress, the germination energy (GE), germination rate (GR), germination index (GI), germination salt/alkali resistance index (GSRI/GARI), root length (RL), bud length (BL) of the five wheat germplasm materials all showed a downward trend. The inhibitory effect positively related with the magnitude of stress. The inhibitory effect of NaHCO₃ on seed germination and growth was more significant than that of NaCl (P<0.05). The chlorophyll (Chl) content showed a decreasing trend due to Chl degradation caused by ion toxicity under salt and alkali stress. H29 had the lowest decrease in Chl content at 50 and 100 mmol·L^-1 NaCl treatment (20.9% and 67.4%) compared with the CK. H47 had the lowest decrease at 25 mmol·L^-1 NaCl treatment (14.8%), and its decreases at 50 and 100 mmol·L^-1 NaCl treatment were second only to H29. Under the NaHCO₃ stress of 25, 50 and 100 mmol·L^-1, H29 showed 11.6%, 25.6%, and 37.2% reductions, respectively, indicating the least inhibition of Chl content among the five wheat materials. The contents of malondialdehyde and proline generally showed an upward trend with the increases of NaCl and NaHCO₃ concentrations. The higher the salt and alkali concentrations, the greater the differences (P<0.05). Under the same salt and alkali concentration, NaHCO₃ alkali stress caused more serious membrane damage and osmotic stress than NaCl salt stress. Principal component analysis showed that the growth indicators of GI, GR, RL, BL, and GSRI/GARI could be used as the main indicators for salt and alkali tolerance of wheat materials. The evaluation results using the membership function method on the salt and alkali tolerance of the five wheat materials showed that H29 had the highest comprehensive evaluation value for salt resistance  and H47 had the highest comprehensive evaluation value for alkali resistance. H29 and H47 could be used as new germplasm materials with good adaptation to saline and alkaline land, respectively.





Effects of application of microbial promoting-decomposing agent at different times on physicochemical properties and fungal communities of black soil under no-till straw mulching.

PANG Xueyi, MI Junzhen, LIU Jinghui, ZHANG Junzhen, PAN Yue, WANG Jinjin, WANG Xiquan, ZHAO Baoping, LUO Fang

2026, 45(5):  1544-1553.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.001

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To understand the effects of applying a microbial promoting-decomposing agent at different times on physicochemical properties and fungal communities in black soil under no-till straw mulching, we conducted an experiment in the black soil area of Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. There were five treatments: conventional plowing with straw returning (CK1), no-till with straw mulching without microbial promoting-decomposing agent (CK2), no-till straw mulching with microbial promoting-decomposing agent applied at planting (NT1), no-till straw mulching with microbial promoting-decomposing agent applied 15 days after planting (NT2), no-till straw mulching with microbial promoting-decomposing agent applied 30 days after planting (NT3). The results showed that compared with CK1, CK2 significantly increased soil bulk density and reduced soil pH in the 0-40 cm layer, and increased the contents of alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and soil organic matter (SOM) in the 0-10 cm layer. Compared with CK2, delayed application of the microbial promoting-decomposing agent increased soil nutrient content in the 0-10 cm layer, with the NT3 showing the most significant effect. Specifically, NT3 increased soil pH, AN, AP, available potassium (AK), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and SOM by 5.17%, 17.81%, 12.18%, 43.31%, 27.29%, and 4.15%, respectively, and reduced soil bulk density by 4.96%. In the 10-20 cm layer, NT3 significantly increased AP, AK, and DOC contents by 38.07%, 24.51%, and 22.34%. Treatments with the microbial promoting-decomposing agent increased fungal αdiversity in the 0-10 cm layer and elevated the relative abundance of Humicola and Penicillium in the 0-40 cm layer, while reducing Fusarium abundance in the 0-20 cm layer. Among them, NT3 had the lowest Fusarium abundance and the highest enrichment of Mortierella. The relative abundances of Humicola and Penicillium were significantly positively correlated with soil nutrient content in the 0-10 cm layer. In conclusion, applying the microbial promoting-decomposing agent at 30 days after notill sowing with straw mulching achieved the optimal results, providing critical guidance for its application in black soil regions.





Effects of typical farmland cultivation measures on soil fauna distribution in black soil region, Northeast China.

WANG Zhiyun, NIU Zhixin, BAI Yang, XU Zhenxin, YU Enping, DU Xiaofang

2026, 45(5):  1554-1561.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.028

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Soil fauna is an important bioindicator of soil health, with significant impacts on ecosystem structure and function. It is essential to investigate how farmland cultivation practices affect the distribution and diversity of soil fauna in the black soil area in Northeast China. In this study, we collated data from literature published during 1992 and 2024. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effects of two farmland cultivation practices, conservation tillage and organic material addition, on soil fauna in the black soil region. Furthermore, we used the inverse distance interpolation method to create a spatial distribution map of soil fauna in the black soil region. The results showed that: (1) cultivation practices had a positive effect on the density and diversity index of macro, meso, and microfauna. The density and diversity index of macrofauna increased by 54% and 21%, respectively, while those of meso, and microfauna increased by 56% and 17%, respectively. (2) The distribution of earthworms was more common in the east region and less common in the west region of the black soil area. Mites and collembola were more common in the northwest region and less common in the southeast region. Nematodes showed a distribution pattern of gradually increasing from south region to north region. (3) The distribution of soil fauna was influenced by soil pH, soil moisture, and longitude and latitude. The density of earthworms, mites and collembola gradually decreased with the increases of longitude, while the density of mites and collembola gradually increased with the increases of latitude. In conclusion, agricultural cultivation measures are significant factors influencing the distribution and diversity of soil fauna in the black soil region. Protective tillage and the addition of organic materials can improve the structure of soil fauna communities, provide suitable living environments for soil fauna, and enhance the health and biodiversity of farmland soils.



Seasonal variations of soil ciliate community in Actinidia arguta orchard in cold region.

BIAN Wenjie, LU Bibo, LUO Fuqian, WU Chenxue, XIE Jiaojiao, LI Yutong, LIU Dejiang, WANG Ying

2026, 45(5):  1562-1568.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.008

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Soil protozoa can regulate microbial community structure in the rhizosphere by preying on bacteria and fungi, and thus play a non-negligible role in plant growth. To understand the seasonal variations of the composition and diversity of the protozoan community in the rhizosphere soil of Actinidia arguta in the cold-region of Northeast China, we selected Actinidia arguta (LD133) germplasm resource orchard of Jiamusi University and collected the surface and subsurface soils of the rhizosphere of LD133 in March, June, September, and December 2023. Soil ciliate groups were cultivated and identified by non-flooding culture method and in vivo observation method. A total of 71 species of soil ciliates were identified, belonging to 3 classes, 11 orders, 29 families, and 46 genera. The dominant orders were Hypotrichida, Colpodida, and Hymenostomatida. The diversity indices of surface and subsurface soils in June were the highest. There were significant differences in the composition of ciliate communities in the subsurface soil in June and the surface soil in September, indicating the niche differentiation of ciliates. Soil pH varied among different seasons. Specifically, soil pH of the surface layer was the lowest in March (4.93), and soil pH of the subsurface layer was the highest in September (6.68). Most ciliates could survive within a relatively wide pH range. Soil organic matter, total nitrogen, NO₃^--N contents were correlated with evenness index (E), dominance index (D) and diversity index (H) of soil ciliate community. Our results clarified the complexity of the ciliate groups of protozoa in the rhizosphere soil of Actinidia arguta in different seasons, providing data support for in-depth understanding of the microecological balance of the rhizosphere soil of vines.





Safety evaluation of abamectin on Nesidiocoris tenuis, a natural enemy of the MED cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci.

KONG Jiao, WAN Xiujuan, ZHANG Bo, FU Xuefeng, HU Tao, YANG Xianliu, ZHANG Xuming, ZHANG Xiaoming, ZHANG Jinlong

2026, 45(5):  1569-1576.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.014

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The Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species of  Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a major pest in agricultural production. Abamectin is widely used as a key chemical agent for controlling B. tabaci. To clarify the ecological safety of abamectin to Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter), a key natural enemy of B. tabaci, we comprehensively assessed its toxicity to different developmental stages of these two species using the leaf-dipping method, agar moisture method, as well as a combination of contact toxicity and food chain transfer method. The safety of abamectin to N. tenuis was evaluated using safety factor and the benefit-harm toxicity ratio. The results showed that the toxicity of abamectin decreased with increasing insect age. The first instar nymphs of B. tabaci were the most sensitive (LC₅₀=0.53 mg·L^-1), while the female adults were the least sensitive (LC₅₀=6.05 mg·L^-1). Compared to B. tabaci, N. tenuis was less sensitive to abamectin, with an LC₅₀ of 55.25 mg·L^-1 for female adults, indicating that abamectin has low toxicity against female adults of N. tenuis. Under the recommended concentration, the female adults of N. tenuis held the highest safety factor (41.44-55.25) in the field, and the benefit-to-harm toxicity ratio reached 9.13, which was much higher than that of the nymphs. Therefore, abamectin demonstrates a high level of safety toward adult N. tenuis, making it a preferred chemical agent for integrated pest management that combines N. tenuis with chemical pesticides against B. tabaci.





Effect of antimony stress on the growth and antimony bioaccumulation and transport of ramie.

MENG Guiyuan, JIANG Wenjie, HAN Jiecheng, TANG Haiying, DUAN Renyan, ZHOU Jing

2026, 45(5):  1577-1585.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.015

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The heavy metal pollution, ecological restoration, and safe utilization of farmland in the Lengshuijiang tin mining area of Hunan Province have attracted much attention. It is therefore urgent to identify plant species with high antimony accumulation and enrichment. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth and antimony accumulation characteristics of ramie cultivar Zhongzhu No. 1 and wild ramie collected from the tin mining area. Plants were subjected to five antimony concentrations (0, 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg·kg^-1). The results showed that the growth of ramie plants was significantly promoted when treated with antimony concentration ≤1000 mg·kg^-1 in Zhongzhu No. 1 and ≤2000 mg·kg^-1 in wild ramie. Higher antimony stress inhibited plant growth, with Zhongzhu No. 1 being more sensitive. Antimony stress led to varying degrees of reduction in SPAD values in leaves of two types of ramie, with Zhongzhu No. 1 showing a significant effect when antimony treatment was ≤1000 mg·kg^-1. With the increases of antimony concentrations, the antimony content in the whole plants of Zhongzhu No. 1 and wild ramie continued to increase, and reached a maximum of 691.46 and 360.40 mg·kg^-1, respectively. The bioaccumulation factor of antimony gradually decreased with increasing antimony stress, with ranges of 0.24-0.76 and 0.13-0.25 for Zhongzhu No. 1 and wild ramie, respectively, while the translocation factor gradually increased, with ranges of 0.10-0.45 and 1.12-1.76, respectively. Zhongzhi No. 1 possessed the characteristic of high antimony content and accumulation in roots, making it suitable for the phytoremediation of antimony-contaminated soil through root uptake and fixation. In contrast, wild ramie exhibited low antimony uptake and accumulation in roots, showing strong adaptability and tolerance under high antimony concentration, and its antimony accumulation ability continued to increase with increasing antimony stress, with a translocation factor being higher than 1. Our findings suggest that both types of ramie can be used as preferred plants for soil remediation in antimony-contaminated mining areas.





Spatial distribution of soil mercury in different vegetation types of Sanjiangyuan.

ZHANG Yukun, CHEN Dongdong, LI Qi, HE Fuquan, ZHANG Li, PAN Sichen, ZHAO Liang

2026, 45(5):  1586-1594.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.018

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Soil quality of the Sanjiangyuan has an important impact on ecological environment in Tibetan Plateau. With global climate change and intensified human activities, Hg pollution has gradually become a problem in the Sanjiangyuan, due to domestic waste emissions, animal faeces, coal combustion, and transport. The spatial distribution and influencing factors of soil Hg in alpine meadows and grasslands of the Sanjiangyuan were investigated by measuring Hg content, in combination with spatial interpolation and correlation analyses. The results showed that soil Hg contents of the two vegetation types in the Sanjiangyuan were significantly different and decreased with the increase of soil depth. Higher Hg contents were found in the southwestern (0.056±0.013 mg·kg^-1) and southeastern (0.045±0.007 mg·kg^-1) parts of the Sanjiangyuan, while lower Hg contents in the northern (0.007±0.003 mg·kg^-1) and northwestern (0.016±0.001 mg·kg^-1) regions. Pollution and potential ecological risk indices were generally higher in alpine meadows than in alpine grasslands. In most regions, Hg content was relatively low and was mainly concentrated in the surface layer. Mean annual rainfall, altitude, soil organic carbon, soil total nitrogen, soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen were the important factors affecting soil Hg contents in both vegetation types. In summary, the southwestern region, represented by Yushu, is an area of high potential ecological risk, and alpine meadows have a stronger enrichment capacity for Hg and higher potential ecological risk. This study is of great significance for the management of Hg and ecological environmental protection in high-altitude grasslands.





Assembly processes and influencing factors of eukaryotic plankton communities during the water transfer period for the first section of the Yellow River-to-Qingdao Water Diversion Project.

LU Haoyu, WAN Nianxin, YUAN Lin, XU Hongqing, GE Jianhua, SUN Haofen, XU Ailing, SONG Zhiwen

2026, 45(5):  1595-1603.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.002

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To understand the assembly process and diversity dynamics of eukaryotic plankton community during the water transfer period at the first section of the Yellow River-to-Qingdao Water Diversion Project and to explore the influence of environmental factors, 18S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the diversity index and community structure of eukaryotic plankton. We further explored the relationships between the distribution characteristics of eukaryotic plankton and environmental factors and revealed the interactions and community assembly process of eukaryotic plankton. The results showed that the eukaryotic plankton community structure varied among different locations and months. The abundance, diversity, and evenness of the eukaryotic plankton communities in the Yellow River water were greater than those in the Yangtze River water in the East Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion. After the confluence, the diversity and evenness of eukaryotic plankton communities increased, and their abundance decreased. The dominant eukaryotic plankton species were the SAR super-group, Cryptophyta, Chlorophyta, Cryptomycota, and Arthropoda. The main environmental factors affecting the eukaryotic plankton community were water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and ammonium. The eukaryotic plankton community was dominated by cooperative and mutualistic relationships as shown by the co-occurrence network. The eukaryotic plankton communities were influenced mainly by stochastic processes in January, April and June, and by deterministic processes in May.





Optical characterization and source analysis of dissolved organic matter during drainage period in the Nongjiang River Basin.

LI Lili, XIAO Min

2026, 45(5):  1604-1615. 

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Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important component of aquatic ecosystems, playing an indispensable role in material cycling. However, the DOM components and sources in agricultural watershed waters and their key influencing factors largely remain unknown. In the Nongjiang River Basin, a typical agricultural watershed in the Sanjiang Plain of China, we examined the spectral characteristics and composition of DOM in the watershed during the period of agricultural drainage, using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis) and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEMs) combined with the parallel factor method. We analyzed the sources of DOM in the watershed, and investigated the impacts of anthropogenic and natural factors on the DOM of waters in the river-wetland system. The results showed that the water body DOM in the Nongjiang River Basin consisted of four components. The microbial humus component C1 was the dominant fluorescence component. Components C2 and C3 were terrestrial-source humus-like compounds, while component C4 was tryptophanlike compound. The DOM component of the watershed water body was dominated by humus-like substances. The UV and fluorescence parameters indicated that DOM in the watershed water body was dominated by fulvic acid substances in humus-like substances. The DOM in the watershed water bodies generally exhibited a mixed characteristic of endogenous and exogenous sources. Specifically, DOM in paddy water bodies showed a relatively strong endogenous source feature, while the aromaticity and hydrophobicity of DOM in wetland water bodies were higher, presenting a strong humification feature, with more obvious exogenous source feature. The basic physicochemical and optical parameters of water bodies showed different degrees of correlation with DOM, indicating that natural processes (such as carbon burial and microbial metabolism in wetlands) and anthropogenic activities (such as agricultural activities and sewage inputs) jointly influenced the composition and distribution of water body DOM in the Nongjiang River Basin. Our results can provide reference for the future evaluation of water body material cycling, carbon balance, and carbon pool in typical agricultural watersheds in Northeast China.





Enhancement of nitrogen removal and power generation by coke/pyrite microbial fuel cell-constructed wetland.

ZHANG Xueting, WANG Maosen, QIN Yangyi, NIU Yulong, FAN Hongxuan, HUANG Yafei, HOU Yuelin, LYU Jianxiang, DU Jingjing

2026, 45(5):  1616-1622.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.030

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Microbial fuel cell-constructed wetland (MFC-CW) is considered an environment-friendly and sustainable technology to simultaneously purify water and generate bioelectricity. In this study, two MFC-CWs, including a coke/pyrite-based system (Mix-MFC-CW) and a pyrite-based system (Py-MFC-CW), were constructed to explore the role of coke and pyrite as mixed anode materials in enhancing system performance. Results showed that the incorporation of coke increased the microporous structure and specific surface area of the anode region, significantly enhancing the removal efficiency of ammonium nitrogen (89.84%±1.63%) and total inorganic nitrogen (87.82%±1.58%), as well as electricity generation. The maximum output voltage and power density reached 666 mV and 1.18 mW·m^-3, respectively. High-throughput sequencing results showed that Py-MFC-CW exhibited advantage in phosphorus removal, which may be related to the higher abundance of norank_o__Run-SP154. In contrast, the abundances of denitrifying bacteria such as Thiothrix, Candidatus_Competibacter, and Thauera were higher in Mix-MFC-CW than in Py-MFC-CW. Therefore, Mix-MFC-CW would be a competitive technology facilitating both nitrogen removal and electricity generation.





Fluoride (F^-) removal from water by hydroxyaluminum-modified biochar.

ZHAO Yongqiang, WU Yuhui, HE Miaomiao, XIANG Biao, TANG Jiaxi

2026, 45(5):  1623-1632.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.031

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Hydroxyaluminum-modified corn straw biochar (CSB) was used to prepare an adsorption material for fluoride ions (F^-) in water, denoted as Al-CSB. Structural properties of Al-CSB were characterized using SEM, BET, FTIR, and Zeta potential analysis. We examined the effects of adsorbent dosage, solution pH, and initial solution concentration on the adsorption of F^- by Al-CSB with batch adsorption experiments. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm models were employed to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. The results showed that Al-CSB exhibited a loose rod-like structure with distinct bundle-like porous structures. The surface of Al-CSB successfully loaded with Al-O and other cationic functional groups, as well as hydrous aluminum oxide colloidal particles, resulting in a positively charged surface. The adsorption process of fluoride ions by CSB and Al-CSB fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the intraparticle diffusion model, suggesting that the adsorption process was controlled by chemical mechanisms. Both materials were affected by intraparticle diffusion and surface adsorption. The thermodynamic adsorption process well correlated with the Langmuir model, showing that Al-CSB had a maximum adsorption capacity of up to 71.39 mg·g^-1 for fluoride in water. When the initial fluoride concentration was 100 mg·L^-1, with an adsorbent dosage of 6.0 g·L^-1 and solution pH of 6, Al-CSB achieved a removal rate of up to 97.9% for F^-. In river water experiments, 4 g·L^-1 of Al-CSB reduced the fluoride concentration to below 1 mg·L^-1.





Dietary habits and gut microbial characteristics of wild boars during winter in the southern Xiaoxing’an Mountains.

SHAO Zhen, YIN Zhaohua, WANG Qiang, ZHOU Xuehong

2026, 45(5):  1633-1641.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.003

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Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is one of the omnivorous animal species with the widest distribution worldwide. Analyzing the dietary habits of wild boars during winter can directly reveal their food sources during the food scarcity period. The adaptive potential of the host gut microbiota is closely related to and interacted with dietary habits. In this study, DNA metabarcoding technology and high-throughput sequencing technology were used to analyze the dietary habits and gut microbial features of wild boars during the winter food scarcity period in the southern part of the Xiaoxing’an Mountains, and to explore their interactions. The results showed that the plants consumed by wild boars in winter belonged to 42 orders, 80 families, and 165 genera. The main food sources included 18 plant specie, including Magnoliopsida, Equisetum hyemale, Gueldenstaedtia verna, Bistorta vivipara, Rosa beggeriana, and Mazus sunhangii. A total of 531584 valid sequences were obtained using high-throughput sequencing technology, and microorganisms belonging to 36 phyla, 255 families, and 564 genera were identified. At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla. At the genus level, the dominant genera included 15 genera such as the unclassified genus under the family Muribaculaceae (order Bacteroidales), Treponema, Escherichia Shigella, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group. There was a strong correlation between the gut microbial community of wild boars and their dietary habits. The relative abundance of gut microbial genera in wild boars was significantly positively correlated with the relative abundance of consumed plants. In the PICRUSt2 functional prediction, the functional abundance of carbohydrate metabolism was the highest, and the carbohydrate metabolism capacity of the microbiota was significantly positively correlated with the proportion of plant carbohydrates consumed by wild boars. By investigating the main food types of wild boars and the composition and function of their gut microbiota during the winter food scarcity period, our results provide a reference for further understanding the mutual relationship between the gut microbial community and dietary habits of wild boars.








Effects of cadmium stress on silicon and cadmium uptake and allocation in rice at different growth stages.

LIN Hongmei, JIANG Miaohua, LIN Wenxiong

2026, 45(5):  1642-1649.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.006

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Cadmium (Cd) pollution severely threatens the safe production of rice, while silicon (Si) exhibits potential in mitigating Cd-induced toxicity. To elucidate the mechanism of Si-mediated alleviation of Cd toxicity, we analyzed the variations in Si and Cd contents in rice lines with differential Lsi1 expression levels (WT, Lsi1-OE, and Lsi1-RNAi) during the tillering and grain-filling stages. The results showed that Cd stress treatment significantly increased Cd accumulation in various rice organs at both growth stages, following the order: Lsi1-RNAi line > WT > Lsi1-OE line. Exogenous Si application significantly reduced Cd accumulation in rice at both stages, with the most pronounced decrease being observed in the Lsi1-OE line. During the grain-filling stage, Cd content in roots, stems, sheaths, and leaves decreased by 56.72%, 55.01%, 36.58%, and 29.70%, respectively. Cd stress inhibited Si accumulation across different rice lines, particularly in the Lsi1-RNAi line, where Si content in roots, stems, sheaths, and leaves decreased by 7.83%, 21.89%, 28.74% and 17.66%, respectively, at the tillering stage. In contrast, WT and Lsi1-OE lines showed relatively little reductions. Exogenous Si application significantly enhanced Si accumulation in roots, stems, sheaths, and leaves of Lsi1-OE plants at both growth stages. In contrast, there were no significant changes in Lsi1-RNAi plants under the same treatment, indicating their limited capacity for Si accumulation under Cd stress. Correlation analysis further confirmed the negative relationship between Cd and Si in rice. The combined approach of Lsi1 overexpression and Si application is an effective strategy for reducing Cd toxicity in rice.





Vegetation carbon sequestration and its influencing factors in semi-arid ecological restoration area after coal mining subsidence.

YANG Yongjun, XIA Xiuwen, DONG Jing, TANG Jiajia, GUO Yangnan, LEI Shaogang, GUO Dong

2026, 45(5):  1650-1656.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.016

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A large number of ecological restoration projects have been implemented in the semi-arid coal mining subsidence areas in China. Revealing the carbon sequestration capacity and influencing factors of vegetation in ecological restoration areas is of great significance for vegetation management and carbon sequestration assessment. Using ground surveys and unmanned aerial vehicle remote sensing methods, we established a model for measuring vegetation carbon sequestration in Daliuta Coal Mine in Shendong mining area and identified the main influencing factors at the scale of ecological restoration engineering. The results showed that: (1) The average carbon sequestration of restored vegetation reached 13.70 t·hm^-2, which was 4.14 times that of the original landform plant community. (2) Canopy water content, leaf nitrogen/phosphorus ratio, and plant configuration were the main influencing factors of vegetation carbon sequestration. There was a strong interaction between canopy water content and leaf nitrogen/phosphorus ratio and other factors, which significantly enhanced the influence of other factors on vegetation carbon sequestration. (3) There were threshold effects in the relationships between ground curvature, plant density, and plant diversity and the carbon sequestration capacity of vegetation. Concave terrain with negative curvature was conducive to vegetation carbon sequestration, while lower or higher plant density and moderate levels of plant diversity were unfavorable to vegetation carbon sequestration. (4) The simple structure of plant configuration, low nutrient availability, and plant density constraints were the main ecological risks faced by vegetation carbon sequestration in this area. Overall, semi-arid coal mining subsidence areas have great potential for carbon sequestration. In the future, long-term monitoring and adaptive management of vegetation after ecological restoration should be strengthened. The results can provide scientific basis for the rational implementation and effectiveness evaluation of ecological restoration in coal mining areas.





Spatial and temporal variations and driving forces of soil erosion in Changchun City.

ZHU Zhemin, WANG Mingchang, LIU Ziwei, LIU Xingnan, WANG Fengyan, BAO Yilin

2026, 45(5):  1657-1667. 

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Soil erosion reduces soil fertility and crop yields, posing significant threats to agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability. Soil erosion in Changchun exhibits pronounced spatial heterogeneity, due to the combined effects of long-term human activities, climate change, and complex topography. The spatiotemporal variations and underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. We quantitatively assessed soil erosion in Changchun from 1990 to 2020 using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), analyzed the spatiotemporal driving forces of soil erosion with the help of the Geodetector model, and projected soil erosion intensity in 2030 and 2040 under multiple future climate scenarios. The results showed that: (1) Soil erosion in Changchun was predominantly mild and slight during 1990 to 2020, following a spatial pattern characterized by higher erosion in the southeast and lower in the northwest. Mild and slight erosion consistently dominated, accounting for 97.6% and 2.2% of the total area in 1990, and changing to 98.1% and 1.8% by 2020, respectively. (2) Geodetector results identified slope as the dominant factor influencing soil erosion, with a q value of 31.6%, underscoring its significant role in spatial differentiation. The interaction between slope and elevation, as well as rainfall erosivity, further increased the explanatory power, with q values of 47.0% and 40.4%, respectively. (3) Soil erosion intensity was projected to slightly increase by 2030 and 2040 under the natural growth and economic development scenarios, while a decline was expected under the ecological priority scenario. This study provides valuable insights for improving soil conservation efficiency and optimizing agricultural production models.





The carbon sequestration capacity and spatial differentiation characteristics of urban green spaces.

FU Shilei, LUO Ying, WANG Yihang, YANG Huiting

2026, 45(5):  1668-1679.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.010

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Urban green spaces, a vital component of urban carbon sink system, play a crucial role in achieving the dual carbon goals through the coupling between their spatial patterns and carbon sequestration capacity. Taking central urban area of Chaoyang City as a case study, we investigated the intrinsic relationship between the spatial patterns of green spaces and their carbon sequestration efficacy, aiming to provide reference for urban green space system planning in arid and semi-arid regions. Sentinel-2A remote sensing imagery, NDVI data, and field surveys were used to identify the distributions of green space patches in the central urban area. Net primary production (NPP) of vegetation was estimated using the CASA model, and then converted into carbon stock to evaluate carbon sequestration capacity. Cluster analysis was used to examine the spatial variation in carbon sequestration capacity. Pearson correlation analysis and XGBoost-SHAP method were used to assess the importance of different indicators in terms of carbon sequestration capacity and underlying mechanisms. Finally, the mismatched areas were identified by coupling spatial patterns of carbon sequestration with landscape index, and then were classified into three zones: potential restoration area, transitional improvement area, and core carbon sequestration area. Such efforts would provide spatial decision support for green space system planning. Results showed that: (1) In 2023, the average annual vegetation NPP in Chaoyang City’s central urban area was 319.59 g C·m^-2·a^-1, with a total annual carbon sequestration of 1272.524 t. (2) At the landscape level, landscape fragmentation (DIVISION), maximum patch index (LPI), edge density (ED), and landscape shape index (LSI) significantly influenced carbon sequestration capacity. At the type level, area proportion (PLAND), aggregation index (AI), fragmentation (DIVISION), and cohesion index (COHENSION) were the most critical factors influencing carbon sequestration capacity. (3) Spatial coupling analysis identified nine corresponding spatial categories. Moderately impacted spaces and moderately carbon-sequestering spaces exhibited the highest number of grid cells (31.43%), while highly impacted spaces and low carbon-sequestering spaces had nearly zero grid cells. Based on spatial matching, potential restoration zones accounted for 40.7%, transitional improvement zones for 34.7%, and core carbon-sequestering zones for 25.6% of the total area. Based on these findings, targeted improvement recommendations are proposed for the three green space categories in Chaoyang City’s central urban area from both landscape and type dimensions. These recommendations aim to enhance the carbon sequestration capacity of Chaoyang’s green spaces, strengthen carbon sink functions in urban-rural planning, and advance the progress toward achieving carbon neutrality goals.





Ecological conservation and restoration zoning based on ecosystem services supply and demand relationships at the county level in the low-mountain and hilly regions of Fujian Province.

FAN Yi, DOU Panfeng, TIAN Yunfeng, HE Lisheng, LIN Shuwei

2026, 45(5):  1680-1690.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.007

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Ecological conservation and restoration are essential strategies for optimizing territorial spatial patterns. Spatial zoning plays a dual role as both a priority task for systematically implementing conservation projects and a key determinant of restoration effectiveness. However, current research has limitations in refining zoning outcomes and rarely addresses ecological zoning in low-mountain and hilly regions. We conducted county-level ecological zoning in the low-mountain and hilly regions of Fujian Province through three methodological phases. Firstly, we quantified critical ecosystem service (ES) supply and demand using multi-source data and the InVEST model. Secondly, we analyzed ES supply-demand matching through four-quadrant analysis and evaluating coordination relationships using an improved coupling coordination degree (CCD) model. Finally, we established a zoning framework integrating these dual dimensions. We found significant spatial heterogeneity in ES patterns, with supply demonstrating a “high-north, low-south” distribution and demand displaying a “high-southeast, low-northwest” configuration. Spatial mismatches characterize 68.2% of counties, predominantly manifesting as high supply-low demand (43.2%) and low supply-high demand (25.0%) mismatches. The average CCD value of 0.42 indicates basic coordination, and 52.3% of counties remain in either severe or moderate imbalance states. Based on these findings, we propose a hierarchical zoning system comprising four primary zones and eleven secondary zones, each with tailored conservation strategies to address regional ecological challenges. This study provides methodological and decision-making support for ecological zoning in low-mountain and hilly regions.





Research advances in understanding the response of ecological processes and functioning in coastal wetlands to global change.

SONG Changchun, SONG Yanyu, WANG Xianwei, SUN Li, ZHANG Hao, XIN Zhuohang

2026, 45(5):  1691-1702.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.036

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Coastal wetlands are crucial components of coastal critical zone, serving as sensitive areas to global environmental change and vulnerable zones within the ecosystem. Driven by the combined effects of climate change and human activities, coastal wetlands have undergone widespread degradation in recent years. Clarifying the changes in key ecological processes and functions within these wetlands, under the combined influence of climate change and human activities, is scientifically urgent to support coastal wetland conservation and address global change. We synthesize recent research progress concerning the responses of key biological, hydrological, and carbon source/sink processes in coastal wetlands to climate change and human activities, as well as their functional feedbacks. Considering the limitations in current research, we propose that future studies should conduct indepth, multidisciplinary, multimethod, and multispatiotemporal scale integrated research to reveal multiscale characteristics of coastal wetland biological and multielement biogeochemical coupling cycles in response to global change. This work will also improve our understanding of carbon feedback potential in coastal wetlands. The results of these investigations will provide critical data support and a robust scientific foundation for effectively mitigating and adapting to global change, and for managing fragile coastal wetland ecosystems.





Advances in methane isotopic characterization of small water bodies in lake wetlands.

HAN Jiaxu, WANG Xinchu, LI Siliang

2026, 45(5):  1703-1712.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.017

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Methane (CH₄) is an important greenhouse gas, the formation and emission mechanism of which in water have a profound impact on global carbon cycle and climate change. Isotope technology is an effective means to examine the formation pathway, emission mechanism, and environmental effects of CH₄. We reviewed the main pathways of CH₄ production and their isotopic characteristics in water, with emphasis on the diversity of biogenic CH₄ metabolic pathways, including acetate fermentation  (δ¹³C of about -50‰ to -60‰) and CO₂ reduction (δ¹³C of about -110‰ to -60‰). Microorganisms participate in CH₄ cycle in a complex redox environment in different ways. Isotope fractionation is regulated by methanogenic bacterial community and substrate availability, and later processes such as oxidation, migration and transformation lead to obvious isotope fractionation. CH₄ emission processes (diffusion, ebullition, plant transport) in aquatic ecosystems are accompanied by significant isotopic effects. The diffusion pathway leads to residual CH₄ enrichment of ¹³C (up to +15‰) due to oxidation while ebullition preferentially retains the deficient isotope signal. Physical (such as water temperature), chemical (such as oxygen solubility), and biological factors (such as microbial community composition and expression) of the water environment have important effects on CH₄ generation and emission, driving the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of CH₄ isotope composition. Therefore, the source and transformation process of CH₄ can be well retrieved from its isotope characteristics in aquatic systems. In addition, the collaborative application of cluster isotopes and microbial analysis techniques enables the multi-scale analysis of isotope co-use, which can reveal the key processes of CH₄ cycle in water at the level of the natural abundance of multiple substituted isotopologues, providing key parameters for quantifying carbon cycling mechanism. However, the mechanism of sediment-water-atmosphere interface fractionation and the flux contribution and control mechanism of the atypical methanogenic pathway are still unknown. Future studies should explore the mechanism of CH₄ generation and emission and the dynamic response of ecosystems in the context of climate change by combining field observation, experimental simulation, and model analysis.





Progress and trend analysis of carbon emissions in farmland ecosystems.

SUN Xiaoxiao, CAO Luodan, LI Jialin

2026, 45(5):  1713-1723.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.011

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Farmlands, as critical units of agricultural production and terrestrial carbon cycle, are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. With the acceleration of agricultural intensification and the goal of carbon neutrality, the management of carbon emissions from farmlands has become a research focus in many disciplines, such as ecology, agronomy, and geography. We reviewed advancements in quantification methods, spatiotemporal patterns, influencing factors, and mitigation strategies of carbon emissions from farmlands. The IPCC inventory methodology provides a foundational framework for global emission accounting, but the accuracy of the measurement should be optimized by localized factor calibration. Current research predominantly focuses on carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from agricultural activities and methane (CH₄) emissions from rice paddies, and less studies focus on nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions driven by nitrogen fertilization. The spatiotemporal distribution of carbon emissions from farmland exhibits significant heterogeneity, influenced by natural conditions, agricultural management practices, and socioeconomic factors, necessitating deeper regional comparative analyses in future. Although technological innovations and policy coordination have been widely proposed, region-specific strategies tailored to diverse agricultural systems remain insufficient. Future research should prioritize integrated mitigation of the emissions of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, and establish regionally adaptive farmland carbon emission accounting models to explore the interactive effects of natural, managerial, and socioeconomic factors. Additionally, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and remote sensing should be applied to high-precision reduction of carbon emission, while carbon sequestration capacity and ecosystem service value of farmlands require systematic quantification to inform effective compensation mechanisms for promoting the development of sustainable agriculture. Nationwide dynamic monitoring networks and databases should be developed to assess long-term impacts of land use changes on carbon source/sink functions of farmlands, enabling targeted low-carbon strategies to gradually achieve the green transformation of agriculture across China under the “Dual Carbon” goals.





Research progress on the construction of ecological security patterns based on source-sink theory.

ZHENG Xiaofan, HOU Peng

2026, 45(5):  1724-1733.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.013

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The source-sink theory provides an important framework for explaining the spatial distribution and interactions of matter, energy, and biological communities in regional ecosystems, which has been widely applied in the studies of ecological security pattern construction and regional ecological protection and ecosystem restoration. We reviewed the basic concepts of source-sink theory and summarized recent progress in ecological security pattern construction from three aspects: spatial identification and optimization of sources and sinks, extraction and design of ecological corridors and nodes, and dynamic management with adaptive layouts. Different construction methods were compared in terms of advantages, limitations, and application contexts. In response to the new development trends of disciplines, the construction of ecological security patterns based on the source-sink theory is expected to evolve from single-factor, single-scenario analyses toward integrated multi-factor, multi-scenario simulations. Refined model inputs, more accurate simulation outputs, and dynamic and comprehensive simulation of multi-scenario and multi-factor may be the hotspots of future research.





Synergistic effects of water and nitrogen optimization on enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions in paddy ecosystems.

LI Mo, SUN Zhenyi, YANG Aizheng, WANG Xiaofang, ZHANG Pingan, LUO Shuyuan

2026, 45(5):  1734-1743.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.032

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Paddy field is a major source for global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The implementation of coordinated water-nitrogen regulation has emerged as an effective approach to mitigate GHGs in paddy field. Taking Changgang irrigation area in Heilongjiang Province as the study area, we synthesized field experiment monitoring, mechanistic model simulations and optimization modeling to establish a multi-objective optimization regulation model. The model holistically incorporated yield enhancement, the efficient utilization of water and nitrogen resources, and emission reductions. With this model, we systematically evaluated the regulatory impacts of water-nitrogen optimization on GHGs, and ecological and agronomic benefits. The results showed that the optimized water-nitrogen regulation scheme prioritized irrigation water allocation during the tillering and jointing-booting stages, with nitrogen fertilizer application concentrated predominantly in the tillering phase. Under the optimized scheme, stable rice yields were sustained across the four hydrological zones of the Changgang irrigation area, while achieving water savings of 19.1%-22.2%, reducing fertilizer inputs by 13.2%-20.0%, enhancing water use efficiency by 0.8%-2.2%, increasing nitrogen partial productivity by 17.9%-27.9%, and decreasing Global Warming Potential by 5.96%-6.10%. These findings demonstrate that optimized water-nitrogen regulation strategies could enhance water and nitrogen use efficiencies, maintain rice productivity, and reduce GHGs. This study provides a scientific foundation for advancing sustainable development goals characterized of low emissions, high efficiency, and high yield in paddy ecosystems.





Identifying critical drivers for soybean water footprint variations in Heilongjiang Province using the BP-DEMATEL model.

ZHANG Luyang, ZHAO Jiayi, CHEN Jing, TANG Ziling, LI Sha

2026, 45(5):  1744-1750.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.004

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For effective regional water resource management and sustainable agricultural development, it is crucial to assess the water footprint of crops and clarify the determinants. We analyzed the spatiotemporal variations of soybean water footprints across Heilongjiang Province from 2004 to 2020. By employing the BP Neural Network and Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) (BP-DEMATEL) model, we identified the driving forces and typological determinants within the causal network that affect the water footprint of soybean, and elucidated the hierarchical interdependencies among them. The results showed that the average annual soybean water footprints ranged from 1.99 to 2.72 m³·kg^-1 across Heilongjiang Province, with compositional dominance being green water (71.4%) > grey water (17.9%) > blue water (10.7%). Qiqihar, Hegang, and Daxing’anling exhibited stronger interannual variability than other areas. Among the factors influencing soybean water footprint, the key driving factor was the average relative humidity, while the moderate driving factors included the sunshine duration, precipitation, the total power of agricultural machinery and fertilizer consumption. The key typological determinants encompassed average temperature, per capita agricultural GDP, and average wind speed. The soybean water footprint in Heilongjiang Province was primarily influenced by local meteorological conditions and  per capita agricultural GDP, with the chemical fertilizer application and agricultural machinery having the secondary impact on soybean water footprint. The primary means to improve water resource utilization efficiency in soybean cultivation are to optimize planting systems through localized climate resource utilization and enhancing agricultural economic capacity. Supplementary measures are implementing precision fertilizer management and mechanization intensity regulation.





Spatiotemporal variations and influencing factors of pine wilt disease damage in Taizhou.

DONG Enyi, CHEN Chao, WANG Song, SHEN Ao, WU Song, ZHAO Ping

2026, 45(5):  1751-1760.  doi:10.13292/j.1000-4890.202605.022

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Clarifying the spatiotemporal variations and influencing factors of pine wilt disease epidemic provides a reference for the spatiotemporal dynamic monitoring and regionally differentiated prevention and the control of pine wilt disease. The Mann-Kendall trend test, Moran’s I index, and LISA index were employed to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of pine wilt disease from 2021 to 2024. OLS, GWR, and GTWR models were constructed based on variables such as elevation, summer mean temperature, precipitation, wetland area, and population density to explore the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of their relationships with pine wilt disease severity and to compare model performance. The results showed that the northern, western, and southeastern regions of Taizhou experienced higher infection severity, while the eastern region showed lower severity. The average infection severity for Taizhou from 2021 to 2024 was 17.76%, 16.96%, 13.53%, and 8.72%, respectively. Over this period, 60 towns/subdistricts showed a significant decline in infection severity, while 7 towns showed a significant increase. Moran’s I index was significantly greater than 0, indicating spatial clustering. The GTWR model outperformed the OLS and GWR models, with an R² of 0.543, an AICc of 4093.23, and an RSS of 75995.8. The regression coefficients for each variable were as follows: elevation (0.019), precipitation (0.060), summer mean temperature (1.880), wetland area (0.30), and population density (0.003). These findings suggest that high-infection areas are mainly distributed in mountainous and hilly regions with high-density forests while low-infection areas are concentrated in flat, densely populated urban centers, showing a “high-high” and “low-low” clustering pattern. From 2021 to 2024, the overall infected area showed a declining trend, with an increasing rate of decrease each year, while the spatial clustering pattern remained relatively stable. The GTWR model more accurately captures the spatiotemporal non-stationary relationships between influencing factors and pine wilt disease severity. Summer mean temperature and elevation positively contribute to pine wilt disease outbreaks, whereas the effects of precipitation and wetland area exhibit fluctuations and complexity.