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Zhao Y, Wang H, Li Z, Lin G, Fu J, Li Z, Zhang Z, Jiang D. Anthropogenic shrub encroachment has accelerated the degradation of desert steppe soil over the past four decades. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174487. [PMID: 38969107 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic and natural shrub encroachment have similar ecological consequences on native grassland ecosystems. In fact, there is an accelerating trend toward anthropogenic shrub encroachment, as opposed to the century-long process of natural shrub encroachment. However, the soil quality during the transition of anthropogenic shrub encroachment into grasslands remains insufficiently understood. Here, we used a soil quality assessment method that utilized three datasets and two scoring methods to evaluate changes in soil quality during the anthropogenic transition from temperate desert grassland to shrubland. Our findings demonstrated that the soil quality index decreased with increasing shrub cover, from 0.49 in the desert grassland to 0.31 in the shrubland. Our final results revealed a gradual and significant decline of 36.73 % in soil quality during the transition from desert grassland to shrubland. Reduced soil moisture levels, nutrient availability, and microbial activity characterized this decline. Nearly four decades of anthropogenic shrub encroachment have exacerbated soil drought conditions while leading to a decrease in perennial herbaceous plants and an increase in bare ground cover; these factors can explain the observed decline in soil quality. These findings emphasize the importance of considering soil moisture availability and potential thresholds when implementing revegetation strategies in arid and semiarid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhao
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Forestry and Pratacuture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- College of Forestry and Pratacuture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Northwest China, Yinchuan 750021, China.
| | - Zhigang Li
- College of Forestry and Pratacuture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Northwest China, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Gang Lin
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jingying Fu
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Forestry and Pratacuture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhang
- College of Forestry and Pratacuture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Dong Jiang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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2
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Qiu S, Brandt MS, Horion S, Ding Z, Tong X, Hu T, Peng J, Fensholt R. Facing the challenge of NDVI dataset consistency for improved characterization of vegetation response to climate variability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173308. [PMID: 38795990 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Non-linear trend detection in Earth observation time series has become a standard method to characterize changes in terrestrial ecosystems. However, results are largely dependent on the quality and consistency of the input data, and only few studies have addressed the impact of data artifacts on the interpretation of detected abrupt changes. Here we study non-linear dynamics and turning points (TPs) of temperate grasslands in East Eurasia using two independent state-of-the-art satellite NDVI datasets (CGLS v3 and MODIS C6) and explore the impact of water availability on observed vegetation changes during 2001-2019. By applying the Break For Additive Season and Trend (BFAST01) method, we conducted a classification typology based on vegetation dynamics which was spatially consistent between the datasets for 40.86 % (459,669 km2) of the study area. When considering also the timing of the TPs, 27.09 % of the pixels showed consistent results between datasets, suggesting that careful interpretation was needed for most of the areas of detected vegetation dynamics when applying BFAST to a single dataset. Notably, for these areas showing identical typology we found that interrupted decreases in vegetation productivity were dominant in the transition zone between desert and steppes. Here, a strong link with changes in water availability was found for >80 % of the area, indicating that increasing drought stress had regulated vegetation productivity in recent years. This study shows the necessity of a cautious interpretation of the results when conducting advanced characterization of vegetation response to climate variability, but at the same time also the opportunities of going beyond the use of single dataset in advanced time-series approaches to better understanding dryland vegetation dynamics for improved anthropogenic interventions to combat vegetation productivity decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijing Qiu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Martin Stefan Brandt
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
| | - Stephanie Horion
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
| | - Zihan Ding
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaowei Tong
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
| | - Tao Hu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jian Peng
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Rasmus Fensholt
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
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3
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Niu W, Ding J, Fu B, Zhao W, Han Y, Zhou A, Liu Y, Eldridge D. Ecosystem multifunctionality is more related to the indirect effects than to the direct effects of human management in China's drylands. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 368:122259. [PMID: 39180826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Drylands provide a wide range of important ecosystem functions but are sensitive to environmental changes, especially human management. Two major land use types of drylands are grasslands and croplands, which are influenced by intensive grazing activities and agricultural management, respectively. However, little is known about whether the ecosystem functioning of these two land use types is predominated affected by human management, or environmental factors (intrinsic environmental factors and factors modified by human management). This limits our understanding of the ecosystem functions under intensive human management in drylands. Here we reported a study where we collected data from 40 grassland and 30 cropland sites along an extensive aridity gradient in China's drylands to quantify the effects of human management intensity, intrinsic environmental factors (i.e., aridity), and environmental factors modified by human management (i.e., soil bulk density and plant density) on specific ecosystem functions (ecosystem multifunctionality, productivity, carbon storage, soil water, and soil nutrients). We found that the relative importance of each function differed between croplands and grasslands. Ecosystem functions varied with human management intensity, with lower productivity and plant carbon storage in grasslands under high grazing intensity than un-grazed, while multifunctionality and carbon storage increased with greater fertilization only in arid croplands. Furthermore, among environmental factors, soil bulk density had the greatest negative effects, which directly reduced multifunctionality in grasslands and indirectly reduced multifunctionality in croplands via suppressing crop density. Crop density was the major environmental factor that positively related to multifunctionality in croplands. However, these effects would be exacerbated with increasing aridity. Our study demonstrated that compared with the direct impacts of human management, environmental factors modified by human management (e.g., soil bulk density) are the major drivers of ecosystem functions, indicating that improving soil structure by alleviating human interferences (e.g., reducing livestock trampling) would be an effective way to restore ecosystem functions in drylands under global warming and drying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jingyi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Bojie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Wenwu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - David Eldridge
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2125, Australia
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4
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Ci M, Liu Q, Liu Y, Jin Q, Martinez-Valderrama J, Zhao J. Multi-model assessment of potential natural vegetation to support ecological restoration. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 367:121934. [PMID: 39083935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Ecological restoration is imperative for controlling desertification. Potential natural vegetation (PNV), the theoretical vegetation succession state, can guides near-natural restoration. Although a rising transition from traditional statistical methods to advanced machine learning and deep learning is observed in PNV simulation, a comprehensive comparison of their performance is still unexplored. Therefore, we overview the performance of PNV mapping in terms of 12 commonly used methods with varying spatial scales and sample sizes. Our findings indicate that the methodology should be carefully selected due to the variation in performance of different model types, with Area Under the Curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.65 to 0.95 for models with sample sizes up to 80% of the total sample size. Specifically, semi-supervised learning performs best with small sample sizes (i.e., 10 to 200), while Random Forest, XGBoost, and artificial neural networks perform better with large sample sizes (i.e., over 500). Further, the performance of all models tends to improve significantly as the sample size increases and the grain size of the crystals becomes smaller. Take the downstream Tarim River Basin, a hyper-arid region undergoing ecological restoration, as a case study. We showed that its potential restored areas were overestimated by 2-3 fold as the spatial scale became coarser, revealing the caution needed while planning restoration projects at coarse resolution. These findings enhance the application of PNV in the design of restoration programs to prevent desertification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtao Ci
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; College of Mathematics and System Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830017, China
| | - Qi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Cele National Station of Observation & Research for Desert Grassland Ecosystem in Xinjiang, Cele, 848300, China.
| | - Yunfei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Cele National Station of Observation & Research for Desert Grassland Ecosystem in Xinjiang, Cele, 848300, China
| | - Qian Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Cele National Station of Observation & Research for Desert Grassland Ecosystem in Xinjiang, Cele, 848300, China
| | - Jaime Martinez-Valderrama
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, CSIC, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain; Instituto Multidisciplinar para el Estudio del Medio, Universidad de Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, 03690, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jianping Zhao
- College of Mathematics and System Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830017, China
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5
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Trail S, Ward FA. Economically optimized forage utilization choices in drylands for adapting to economic, ecological, and climate stress. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35254. [PMID: 39170482 PMCID: PMC11336450 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Improving the economic performance of range forage in drylands internationally faces challenges from economic, ecological, and climate stress. Stakeholders in these drylands wish to protect range forage ecosystems while assuring economic viability of ranching. Despite several recent research achievements, little work to date has integrated relationships among precipitation, grazing pressure, animal performance, and forage production to protect ranching incomes faced with economic, ecological, and climate stress in dryland areas. This work addresses that gap by developing an empirical mathematical programming model for optimizing economic performance of livestock grazing on range forage ecosystems that adapt to several stressors. Its unique contribution is to formulate and apply a ranch income optimization model calibrated using positive mathematical programming. The model replicates observed economic, forage, and climate conditions while accounting for interacting relations among stocking rates, forage conditions, grazing pressure, animal performance, and ranch economic productivity. Results show ranch incomes ranging from about $5 to $88 per acre and marginal values of forage ranging from $0.01 to $0.12 per pound of forage, depending on economic, ecological, and climate conditions. Results reveal how all these stressors affect economically optimized choices of grazing levels, ranch income, and economic values of forage for a range of six biomes seen in the US west. Results help livestock ranchers to adjust stocking and forage choices as well as farm policymakers who seek flexible government programs to adapt to changes in economic, ecological, and climate conditions. The work's importance comes from applicability to forage management problems in dry regions internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanelle Trail
- New Mexico State University, Water Science and Management Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88011, USA
| | - Frank A. Ward
- New Mexico State University, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business, Water Science and Management Program, College of ACES, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88011, USA
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6
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Wang C, Liu Y, Li C, Li Y, Du D. The Invasive Plant Amaranthus spinosus L. Exhibits a Stronger Resistance to Drought than the Native Plant A. tricolor L. under Co-Cultivation Conditions When Treated with Light Drought. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2251. [PMID: 39204687 PMCID: PMC11359236 DOI: 10.3390/plants13162251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Drought may facilitate the invasion process of invasive plants, mainly because invasive plants can obtain a stronger growth competitiveness than native plants under drought. It is therefore imperative to illuminate the mechanisms underlying the successful invasion of invasive plants under drought, with a particular focus on the differences in the resistance of invasive and native plants to drought. This study aimed to elucidate the differences in the resistance between the invasive plant Amaranthus spinosus L. and the native plant A. tricolor L. to drought under a gradient of drought. The resistance of co-cultivated A. spinosus to drought was significantly higher than that of co-cultivated A. tricolor under light drought. Hence, A. spinosus may obtain a stronger competitive advantage than A. spinosus under co-cultivation conditions when treated with light drought. The resistance of the two plants to drought may be predominantly influenced by their height and biomass. This present study also defines a method for evaluating the stress resistance of a given plant species to stress by calculating the stress resistance index. This present study offers a robust theoretical foundation for determining the stress resistance of a given plant species and the environmental management of A. spinosus under drought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congyan Wang
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Y.L.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yingsheng Liu
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Chuang Li
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yue Li
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Daolin Du
- Jingjiang College, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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7
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Shen Z, Yang Y, Fu X, Adams KH, Biondi E, Zhan Z. Fiber-optic seismic sensing of vadose zone soil moisture dynamics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6432. [PMID: 39103375 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50690-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Vadose zone soil moisture is often considered a pivotal intermediary water reservoir between surface and groundwater in semi-arid regions. Understanding its dynamics in response to changes in meteorologic forcing patterns is essential to enhance the climate resiliency of our ecological and agricultural system. However, the inability to observe high-resolution vadose zone soil moisture dynamics over large spatiotemporal scales hinders quantitative characterization. Here, utilizing pre-existing fiber-optic cables as seismic sensors, we demonstrate a fiber-optic seismic sensing principle to robustly capture vadose zone soil moisture dynamics. Our observations in Ridgecrest, California reveal sub-seasonal precipitation replenishments and a prolonged drought in the vadose zone, consistent with a zero-dimensional hydrological model. Our results suggest a significant water loss of 0.25 m/year through evapotranspiration at our field side, validated by nearby eddy-covariance based measurements. Yet, detailed discrepancies between our observations and modeling highlight the necessity for complementary in-situ validations. Given the escalated regional drought risk under climate change, our findings underscore the promise of fiber-optic seismic sensing to facilitate water resource management in semi-arid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Shen
- Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
| | - Yan Yang
- Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Xiaojing Fu
- Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Kyra H Adams
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Ettore Biondi
- Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Zhongwen Zhan
- Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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8
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Yarahmadi H, Desille Y, Goold J, Pietracaprina F. Identifying vegetation patterns for a qualitative assessment of land degradation using a cellular automata model and satellite imagery. Phys Rev E 2024; 110:024136. [PMID: 39294942 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.110.024136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
We aim to identify the spatial distribution of vegetation and its growth dynamics with the purpose of obtaining a qualitative assessment of vegetation characteristics tied to its condition, productivity and health, and to land degradation. To do so, we compare a statistical model of vegetation growth and land surface imagery derived vegetation indices. Specifically, we analyze a stochastic cellular automata model and data obtained from satellite images, namely using the normalized difference vegetation index and the leaf area index. In the experimental data, we look for areas where vegetation is broken into small patches and qualitatively compare it to the percolating, fragmented, and degraded states that appear in the cellular automata model. We model the periodic effect of seasons, finding numerical evidence of a periodic fragmentation and recovery phenomenology if the model parameters are sufficiently close to the model's percolation transition. We qualitatively recognize these effects in real-world vegetation images and consider them a signal of increased environmental stress and vulnerability. Finally, we show an estimation of the environmental stress in land images by considering both the vegetation density and its clusterization.
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9
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Zhang M, Yang N, Wang S, Han X, Dang P, Li G, Wen S, Zhang L, Xue J, Qin X, Siddique KHM. Straw returning and nitrogen reduction: Strategies for sustainable maize production in the dryland. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 366:121837. [PMID: 39008926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Implementing continue straw returning practices and optimizing nitrogen application can mitigate nitrogen losses and enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in dryland. 15N-labeled technique offers a robust approach for tracking fertilizer nitrogen fate and assessing nitrogen use efficiency. Based on the continue (>6 yr) experiment, we conducted a two-year experiment (2020 and 2021) to evaluate the effects of straw returning and nitrogen management under plastic film mulching on 15N recovery rates, N2O emissions and maize yield with three treatments: no straw returning with 225 kg N·ha-1 under plastic film mulching (RP-N225), straw returning with 225 kg N·ha-1 under plastic film mulching (RPS-N225), and straw returning with 20% nitrogen reduction (180 kg N·ha-1) under plastic film mulching (RPS-N180). After six years, both continue straw returning with plastic film mulching increased uptake of fertilizer nitrogen, had higher 15N recovery rates than RP-N225, leading to increased 15N accumulation in grain and aboveground biomass, ultimately enhancing yield. The RPS-N225 treatment exhibited the highest spring maize yield and nitrogen harvest index. The RPS-N180 treatment significantly increased maize yield more than RP-N225 and had the highest NUE, partial factor productivity of nitrogen fertilizer, and nitrogen uptake efficiency, with improvements ranging from 1.7 to 2.4%, 19.3-29.6%, and 17.3-27.5%, respectively, compared to the other treatments. Moreover, RPS-N225 resulted in significantly higher cumulative N2O emissions and yield-scaled N2O emissions than the other treatments, whereas the RPS-N180 treatment significantly decreased yield-scaled N2O emissions compared to RP-N225. Hence, combining continue straw returning with appropriate nitrogen reduction can effectively increase maize yield and yield-scaled N2O emissions. By offering insights into optimizing nitrogen fertilizer management after continue maize straw return, this study is contributed to widespread adoption of straw return practices and sustainable agricultural development in semi-arid areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Zhang
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ning Yang
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shiguang Wang
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoqing Han
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Pengfei Dang
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shuyue Wen
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Jiquan Xue
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Xiaoliang Qin
- College of Agronomy, State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Kadambot H M Siddique
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, LB 5005, Perth, WA, 6001, Australia
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10
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Lewin A, Murali G, Rachmilevitch S, Roll U. Global evaluation of current and future threats to drylands and their vertebrate biodiversity. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:1448-1458. [PMID: 38965413 PMCID: PMC11310083 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02450-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Drylands are often overlooked in broad conservation frameworks and development priorities and face increasing threats from human activities. Here we evaluated the formal degree of protection of global drylands, their land vertebrate biodiversity and current threats, and projected human-induced land-use changes to drylands under different future climate change and socioeconomic scenarios. Overall, drylands have lower protected-area coverage (12%) compared to non-drylands (21%). Consequently, most dryland vertebrates including many endemic and narrow-ranging species are inadequately protected (0-2% range coverage). Dryland vertebrates are threatened by varied anthropogenic factors-including agricultural and infrastructure development (that is, artificial structures, surfaces, roads and industrial sites). Alarmingly, by 2100 drylands are projected to experience some degree of land conversion in 95-100% of their current natural habitat due to urban, agricultural and alternative energy expansion. This loss of undisturbed dryland regions is expected across different socioeconomic pathways, even under optimistic scenarios characterized by progressive climate policies and moderate socioeconomic trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Lewin
- Jacob Blaustein Center for Scientific Cooperation, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
| | - Gopal Murali
- Jacob Blaustein Center for Scientific Cooperation, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shimon Rachmilevitch
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Uri Roll
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
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11
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Klimova A, Gutíerrez‐Rivera J, Ortega‐Rubio A, Eguiarte LE. Population genomics and distribution modeling revealed the history and suggested a possible future of the endemic Agave aurea (Asparagaceae) complex in the Baja California Peninsula. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70027. [PMID: 39050658 PMCID: PMC11267983 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Agaves are an outstanding arid-adapted group of species that provide a unique chance to study the influence of multiple potential factors (i.e., geological and ecological) on plant population structure and diversification in the heterogeneous environment of the Baja California Peninsula. However, relatively little is known about the phylogeography of the endemic agave species of this region. Herein, we used over 10,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and spatial data from the Agave aurea species complex (i.e., A. aurea ssp. aurea, A. aurea ssp. promontorii, and A. aurea var. capensis) to resolve genetic relationships within this complex and uncover fine-scale population structure, diversity patterns, and their potential underlying drivers. Analyses resolved low genetic structure within this complex, suggesting that A. aurea is more likely to represent several closely related populations than separate species or varieties/subspecies. We found that geographical and historical ecological characteristics-including precipitation, latitude, and past climatic fluctuations-have played an important role in the spatial distribution of diversity and structure in A. aurea. Finally, species distribution modeling results suggested that climate change will become critical in the extinction risk of A. aurea, with the northernmost population being particularly vulnerable. The low population genetic structure found in A. aurea is consistent with agave's life history, and it is probably related to continuity of distribution, relatively low habitat fragmentation, and dispersion by pollinators. Together, these findings have important implications for management and conservation programs in agave, such as creating and evaluating protected areas and translocating and augmentation of particular populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Klimova
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste S.C.La PazMexico
- Departamento de Ecología EvolutivaInstituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoCiudad de MéxicoMexico
| | | | | | - Luis E. Eguiarte
- Departamento de Ecología EvolutivaInstituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoCiudad de MéxicoMexico
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12
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Wang K, Wang C, Fu B, Huang J, Wei F, Leng X, Feng X, Li Z, Jiang W. Divergent driving mechanisms of community temporal stability in China's drylands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 20:100404. [PMID: 38585198 PMCID: PMC10997951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2024.100404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Climate change and anthropogenic activities are reshaping dryland ecosystems globally at an unprecedented pace, jeopardizing their stability. The stability of these ecosystems is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local communities. Yet, the mechanisms governing their stability are poorly understood, largely due to the scarcity of comprehensive field data. Here we show the patterns of community temporal stability and its determinants across an aridity spectrum by integrating a transect survey across China's drylands with remote sensing. Our results revealed a U-shaped relationship between community temporal stability and aridity, with a pivotal shift occurring around an aridity level of 0.88. In less arid areas (aridity level below 0.88), enhanced precipitation and biodiversity were associated with increased community productivity and stability. Conversely, in more arid zones (aridity level above 0.88), elevated soil organic carbon and biodiversity were linked to greater fluctuations in community productivity and reduced stability. Our study identifies a critical aridity threshold that precipitates significant changes in community stability in China's drylands, underscoring the importance of distinct mechanisms driving ecosystem stability in varying aridity contexts. These insights are pivotal for developing informed ecosystem management and policy strategies tailored to the unique challenges of dryland conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Cong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- Shaanxi Yan'an Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Beijing, 100085, China
- National Observation and Research Station of Earth Critical Zone on the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Bojie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Shaanxi Yan'an Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Beijing, 100085, China
- National Observation and Research Station of Earth Critical Zone on the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jianbei Huang
- Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Hans-Knöll-Str. 10, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Fangli Wei
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xuejing Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zongshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- Shaanxi Yan'an Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Beijing, 100085, China
- National Observation and Research Station of Earth Critical Zone on the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
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13
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Song Y, Sapes G, Chang S, Chowdhry R, Mejia T, Hampton A, Kucharski S, Sazzad TMS, Zhang Y, Tillman BL, Resende MFR, Koppal S, Wilson C, Gerber S, Zare A, Hammond WM. Hyperspectral signals in the soil: Plant-soil hydraulic connection and disequilibrium as mechanisms of drought tolerance and rapid recovery. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 38924477 DOI: 10.1111/pce.15011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Predicting soil water status remotely is appealing due to its low cost and large-scale application. During drought, plants can disconnect from the soil, causing disequilibrium between soil and plant water potentials at pre-dawn. The impact of this disequilibrium on plant drought response and recovery is not well understood, potentially complicating soil water status predictions from plant spectral reflectance. This study aimed to quantify drought-induced disequilibrium, evaluate plant responses and recovery, and determine the potential for predicting soil water status from plant spectral reflectance. Two species were tested: sweet corn (Zea mays), which disconnected from the soil during intense drought, and peanut (Arachis hypogaea), which did not. Sweet corn's hydraulic disconnection led to an extended 'hydrated' phase, but its recovery was slower than peanut's, which remained connected to the soil even at lower water potentials (-5 MPa). Leaf hyperspectral reflectance successfully predicted the soil water status of peanut consistently, but only until disequilibrium occurred in sweet corn. Our results reveal different hydraulic strategies for plants coping with extreme drought and provide the first example of using spectral reflectance to quantify rhizosphere water status, emphasizing the need for species-specific considerations in soil water status predictions from canopy reflectance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Song
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Gerard Sapes
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Spencer Chang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ritesh Chowdhry
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Tomas Mejia
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Anna Hampton
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Shelby Kucharski
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - T M Shahiar Sazzad
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Barry L Tillman
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, Florida, USA
| | - Márcio F R Resende
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sanjeev Koppal
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Chris Wilson
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Stefan Gerber
- Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alina Zare
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - William M Hammond
- Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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14
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Xu D, Wang Y, Wang J. A review of social-ecological system vulnerability in desertified regions: Assessment, simulation, and sustainable management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172604. [PMID: 38657819 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Desertified regions face considerable vulnerability due to the combined effects of climate change and human activities, which threaten regional ecological security and societal development. It is therefore necessary to assess, simulate, and manage the vulnerability of desertified regions from the perspective of the social-ecological system, to support desertification control and sustainable development. This study is a systematic review of the vulnerability of the social-ecological system in desertified regions (SESDR) based on a bibliometric analysis, and a summary of the research progresses in vulnerability assessment, simulation, and sustainable management is provided. It was found that SESDR vulnerability research started relatively late, but has developed rapidly in recent years, with an emphasis on the coupling between natural systems and human activities, and multi-scale interactions and dynamics. Using various indicators at different scales, SESDR vulnerability could be assessed in terms of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability. Modeling the complex interactions among natural and human factors across multiple scales is essential to simulate the vulnerability dynamics of the SESDR. The sustainable management of SESDR vulnerability focuses on rational spatial planning to achieve the maximum benefits, with the right measures in the right places. Four priority research directions were proposed to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms of vulnerability and smart restoration of desertified land. The findings of this study will enable researchers, land managers, and policymakers to develop a more comprehensive understanding of SESDR vulnerability, thereby enabling them to better address the challenges posed by complex resource and environmental issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duanyang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yuanqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Environment and Resources, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junfang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Environment and Resources, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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15
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Gao N, Liang W, Gou F, Liu Y, Fu B, Lü Y. Assessing the impact of agriculture, coal mining, and ecological restoration on water sustainability in the Mu Us Sandyland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172513. [PMID: 38657798 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Balancing water demand for socio-economic development and ecosystem stability presents a challenge for regional sustainable management, especially in drylands. Previous studies have indicated that large-scale ecological restoration projects (ERPs) lead to a decline in terrestrial water storage (TWS) in the Mu Us Sandyland (MUS). However, the effects of other human activities (e.g., cropland reclamation, coal mining) on water resources remain unclear, raising concerns regarding water crisis and human-natural system sustainability. Through the utilization of coal mine location data, we found that the impact of coal mass loss on the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) products cannot be ignored in MUS, especially in the coal-rich northeastern part. Combining these data with auxiliary datasets, we observed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in TWS (-0.85 cm yr-1) and groundwater storage (GWS, -0.95 cm yr-1) in the MUS, with human activities accounting for 79.23 % of TWS and 90.45 % of GWS reductions, primarily due to increased agricultural and industrial water consumption. Agricultural water consumption increased 2.23 times from 2001 to 2020, attributed to enhanced water use intensity (62.6 %) and cropland expansion (37.4 %). Industrial water consumption in Shenmu, a representative coal county, experienced a 4.16-fold rise between 2001 and 2020. Despite these challenges, local governments have alleviated water stress, ensured food security, and increased household income by comprehensive management strategies, such as enhancing water-saving technology and enforcing stringent policies. Previous studies have overestimated the amount of water resources consumed by ERPs. However, ERPs has played a critical role in stabilizing the regional ecological environment and ensuring the region as a vital food and energy supplier. Our findings can guide for socio-economic development and water management policies in similar regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Gao
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China; Shaanxi Observation and Research Station for Ecology and Environment of Desert-Loess Zone at Yulin, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Wei Liang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China; Shaanxi Observation and Research Station for Ecology and Environment of Desert-Loess Zone at Yulin, Xi'an 710119, China.
| | - Fen Gou
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China; Shaanxi Observation and Research Station for Ecology and Environment of Desert-Loess Zone at Yulin, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China; Shaanxi Observation and Research Station for Ecology and Environment of Desert-Loess Zone at Yulin, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Bojie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yihe Lü
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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16
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Hu E, Gao R. Spatial distribution pattern of colonized native semi-shrubs in two artificial vegetation restoration patterns in Mu Us sandy land, North China. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304204. [PMID: 38843205 PMCID: PMC11156356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Vegetation construction is a key process for restoring and rehabilitating degraded ecosystems. However, the spatial pattern and process of native plants colonized by different vegetation restoration methods in semi-arid sandy land are poorly understood. In this study, two artificial vegetation restoration patterns (P1: row belt restoration pattern of Salix matsudana with low coverage; P2: a living sand barrier pattern of Caryopteris mongolica with low coverage) were selected to analyze the spatial distribution pattern and interspecific association of the colonizing native shrubs. The effects of the two restoration models on the spatial patterns of the main native semi-shrubs of the colonies (i.e., Artemisia ordosica and Corethrodendron lignosum var. leave) were studied using single variable and bivariate transformation point pattern analysis based on Ripley's L function. Our results showed that two restoration patterns significantly facilitated the establishment of A. ordosica and C. lignosum var. leave, with their coverage reaching 17.04% and 22.62%, respectively. In P1, the spatial distribution pattern of colonial shrubs tended to be a random distribution, and there was no spatial correlation between the species. In P2, the colonial shrub aggregation distribution was more dominant, and with the increase in scale, the aggregation distribution changed to a random distribution, whereas the interspecific association was negatively correlated. The differences in the spatial distribution patterns of colonized native semi-shrubs in these two restoration patterns could be related to the life form of planted plants, configuration methods, biological characteristics of colonized plants, and intra- and interspecific relationships of plants. Our results demonstrated that the nurse effect of artificially planted vegetation in the early stage of sand ecological restoration effectively facilitated the near-natural succession of communities. These findings have important implications for ecological restoration of degraded sandy land in the semi-arid region of northern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ercha Hu
- College of Forestry, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Forestry Sciences, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Runhong Gao
- College of Forestry, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
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17
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Zhang D, Zhao Y, Qi H, Shan L, Chen G, Ning T. Effects of Micro-Topography and Vegetation on Soil Moisture on Fixed Sand Dunes in Tengger Desert, China. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1571. [PMID: 38891378 PMCID: PMC11174629 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Soil moisture is a key factor in arid ecosystems, with local variations influenced by topography and vegetation. Understanding this relationship is crucial for combating desertification. Employing ANOVA, Mean Decrease Accuracy (MDA) analysis from random forest modeling and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this study investigates the distribution of soil moisture and its associations with topographic and vegetative factors across four micro-geomorphic units in the Tengger Desert, China. Significant heterogeneity in soil moisture across various layers and locations, including windward and leeward slopes and the tops and bottoms of dunes, was observed. Soil moisture generally increases from the surface down to 300 cm, with diminishing fluctuations at greater depths. Soil moisture peaks in the surface and middle layers on windward slopes and in deep layers at the bottom of dunes, exhibiting an initial rise and then a decline on windward slopes. Topographic (including slope direction and elevation difference) and vegetation (including shrub and herb coverage) factors significantly influence soil moisture across three depth layers. Topographic factors negatively affect soil moisture directly, whereas vegetation positively influences it indirectly, with shrub and herb abundance enhancing moisture levels. These insights inform ecological management and the formulation of soil moisture-conservation strategies in arid deserts. The study underscores customizing sand-binding vegetation to various micro-geomorphic dune units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinghai Zhang
- Centre for Quantitative Biology, College of Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Q.); (T.N.)
| | - Youyi Zhao
- Centre for Quantitative Biology, College of Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Q.); (T.N.)
| | - Haidi Qi
- Centre for Quantitative Biology, College of Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Q.); (T.N.)
| | - Lishan Shan
- College of Forestry, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (L.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Guopeng Chen
- College of Forestry, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (L.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Ting Ning
- Centre for Quantitative Biology, College of Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Q.); (T.N.)
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18
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Maestre FT, Biancari L, Chen N, Corrochano-Monsalve M, Jenerette GD, Nelson C, Shilula KN, Shpilkina Y. Research needs on the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship in drylands. NPJ BIODIVERSITY 2024; 3:12. [PMID: 39242863 PMCID: PMC11332164 DOI: 10.1038/s44185-024-00046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Research carried out in drylands over the last decade has provided major insights on the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship (BEFr) and about how biodiversity interacts with other important factors, such as climate and soil properties, to determine ecosystem functioning and services. Despite this, there are important gaps in our understanding of the BEFr in drylands that should be addressed by future research. In this perspective we highlight some of these gaps, which include: 1) the need to study the BEFr in bare soils devoid of perennial vascular vegetation and biocrusts, a major feature of dryland ecosystems, 2) evaluating how intra-specific trait variability, a key but understudied facet of functional diversity, modulate the BEFr, 3) addressing the influence of biotic interactions on the BEFr, including plant-animal interactions and those between microorganisms associated to biocrusts, 4) studying how differences in species-area relationships and beta diversity are associated with ecosystem functioning, and 5) considering the role of temporal variability and human activities, both present and past, particularly those linked to land use (e.g., grazing) and urbanization. Tackling these gaps will not only advance our comprehension of the BEFr but will also bolster the effectiveness of management and ecological restoration strategies, crucial for safeguarding dryland ecosystems and the livelihoods of their inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando T Maestre
- Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Lucio Biancari
- IFEVA, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Facultad de Agronomía, Av. San Martín 4453, Buenos Aires, C1417DSE, Argentina
- Cátedra de Ecología, Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 4453, Buenos Aires, C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Ning Chen
- Instituto Multidisciplinar Para el Estudio del Medio "Ramon Margalef", Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, No.222, Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Mario Corrochano-Monsalve
- Instituto Multidisciplinar Para el Estudio del Medio "Ramon Margalef", Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
- Departamento de Genética, Antropología Física y Fisiología Animal, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - G Darrel Jenerette
- Instituto Multidisciplinar Para el Estudio del Medio "Ramon Margalef", Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Corey Nelson
- Instituto Multidisciplinar Para el Estudio del Medio "Ramon Margalef", Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Kaarina N Shilula
- Instituto Multidisciplinar Para el Estudio del Medio "Ramon Margalef", Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Yelyzaveta Shpilkina
- Instituto Multidisciplinar Para el Estudio del Medio "Ramon Margalef", Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
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19
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Arroyo AI, Pueyo Y, Barrantes O, Alados CL. Interplay between Livestock Grazing and Aridity on the Ecological and Nutritional Value of Forage in Semi-arid Mediterranean Rangelands (NE Spain). ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:1005-1015. [PMID: 38300314 PMCID: PMC11024040 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01939-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Rangeland-based livestock production constitutes a primary source of livelihood for many inhabitants of dryland regions. Their subsistence relies heavily on maintaining the productivity, biodiversity and services of these ecosystems. Harsh environmental conditions (e.g., drought) combined with land use intensification (e.g., overgrazing) make dryland ecosystems vulnerable and prone to degradation. However, the interplay between livestock grazing intensity and aridity conditions in driving the conservation and nutritional value of forage in arid and semi-arid rangelands is still not fully understood. In this study, we performed structural equation models (SEM) to assess the simultaneous direct and indirect effects of livestock grazing intensity and aridity level on community structure, diversity, biomass, forage production, forage C:N ratio and forage fiber composition in two semi-arid Mediterranean rangelands, NE Spain. Not surprisingly, we found that higher livestock grazing intensity led to lower community plant cover, especially when combined with higher aridity. However, both increasing grazing intensity and aridity were associated with higher forage production after one year of grazing exclusion. We did not find any adverse effect of livestock grazing on plant diversity, although plant species composition differed among grazing intensity levels. On the other hand, we found an aridity-driven trade-off in regard of the nutritional value of forage. Specifically, higher aridity was associated with a decrease in the least digestible fiber fraction (i.e., lignin) and an increase in forage C:N ratio. More interestingly, we found that livestock grazing modulated this trade-off by improving the overall forage nutritional value. Altogether, our results provide further insights into the management of semi-arid Mediterranean rangelands, pointing out that maintaining traditional rangeland-based livestock production may be a sustainable option as long as rangeland conservation (e.g., community plant cover) is not severely compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio I Arroyo
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE), CSIC, Av. Montañana 1005, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Yolanda Pueyo
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE), CSIC, Av. Montañana 1005, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Olivia Barrantes
- Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Facultad de Veterinaria (Universidad de Zaragoza), C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón -IA2- (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Concepción L Alados
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE), CSIC, Av. Montañana 1005, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain
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20
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Imminger S, Meier DV, Schintlmeister A, Legin A, Schnecker J, Richter A, Gillor O, Eichorst SA, Woebken D. Survival and rapid resuscitation permit limited productivity in desert microbial communities. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3056. [PMID: 38632260 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial activity in drylands tends to be confined to rare and short periods of rain. Rapid growth should be key to the maintenance of ecosystem processes in such narrow activity windows, if desiccation and rehydration cause widespread cell death due to osmotic stress. Here, simulating rain with 2H2O followed by single-cell NanoSIMS, we show that biocrust microbial communities in the Negev Desert are characterized by limited productivity, with median replication times of 6 to 19 days and restricted number of days allowing growth. Genome-resolved metatranscriptomics reveals that nearly all microbial populations resuscitate within minutes after simulated rain, independent of taxonomy, and invest their activity into repair and energy generation. Together, our data reveal a community that makes optimal use of short activity phases by fast and universal resuscitation enabling the maintenance of key ecosystem functions. We conclude that desert biocrust communities are highly adapted to surviving rapid changes in soil moisture and solute concentrations, resulting in high persistence that balances limited productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Imminger
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- University of Vienna, Doctoral School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dimitri V Meier
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Ecological Microbiology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Arno Schintlmeister
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Large-Instrument Facility for Environmental and Isotope Mass Spectrometry, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Legin
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Schnecker
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Richter
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Osnat Gillor
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion, Israel
| | - Stephanie A Eichorst
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dagmar Woebken
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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21
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Zhang J, Zhang H, Luo S, Ye L, Wang C, Wang X, Tian C, Sun Y. Analysis and Functional Prediction of Core Bacteria in the Arabidopsis Rhizosphere Microbiome under Drought Stress. Microorganisms 2024; 12:790. [PMID: 38674734 PMCID: PMC11052302 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of global warming, population growth, and economic development are increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, such as drought. Among abiotic stresses, drought has the greatest impact on soil biological activity and crop yields. The rhizosphere microbiota, which represents a second gene pool for plants, may help alleviate the effects of drought on crops. In order to investigate the structure and diversity of the bacterial communities on drought stress, this study analyzed the differences in the bacterial communities by high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatical analyses in the rhizosphere of Arabidopsis thaliana under normal and drought conditions. Based on analysis of α and β diversity, the results showed that drought stress had no significant effect on species diversity between groups, but affected species composition. Difference analysis of the treatments showed that the bacteria with positive responses to drought stress were Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia (BCP) and Streptomyces. Drought stress reduced the complexity of the rhizosphere bacterial co-occurrence network. Streptomyces was at the core of the network in both the control and drought treatments, whereas the enrichment of BCP under drought conditions was likely due to a decrease in competitors. Functional prediction showed that the core bacteria metabolized a wide range of carbohydrates, such as pentose, glycans, and aromatic compounds. Our results provide a scientific and theoretical basis for the use of rhizosphere microbial communities to alleviate plant drought stress and the further exploration of rhizosphere microbial interactions under drought stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Straw Comprehensive Utilization and Black Soil, Conservation College of Life Science, The Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (H.Z.); (L.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Hengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Straw Comprehensive Utilization and Black Soil, Conservation College of Life Science, The Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (H.Z.); (L.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Shouyang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Mollisols Agroecology, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; (S.L.); (C.W.); (C.T.)
| | - Libo Ye
- Key Laboratory of Straw Comprehensive Utilization and Black Soil, Conservation College of Life Science, The Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (H.Z.); (L.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Changji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mollisols Agroecology, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; (S.L.); (C.W.); (C.T.)
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Straw Comprehensive Utilization and Black Soil, Conservation College of Life Science, The Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (J.Z.); (H.Z.); (L.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Chunjie Tian
- Key Laboratory of Mollisols Agroecology, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; (S.L.); (C.W.); (C.T.)
| | - Yu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Mollisols Agroecology, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; (S.L.); (C.W.); (C.T.)
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22
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Shrestha N, Kolarik NE, Brandt JS. Mesic vegetation persistence: A new approach for monitoring spatial and temporal changes in water availability in dryland regions using cloud computing and the sentinel and Landsat constellations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170491. [PMID: 38301786 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Climate change and anthropogenic activity pose severe threats to water availability in drylands. A better understanding of water availability response to these threats could improve our ability to adapt and mitigate climate and anthropogenic effects. Here, we present a Mesic Vegetation Persistence (MVP) workflow that takes every usable image in the Sentinel (10-m) and Landsat (30-m) archives to generate a dense time-series of water availability that is continuously updated as new images become available in Google Earth Engine. MVP takes advantage of the fact that mesic vegetation can be used as a proxy of available water in drylands. Our MVP workflow combines a novel moisture-based index (moisture change index - MCI) with a vegetation index (Modified Chlorophyll Absorption Ratio Vegetation Index (MCARI2)). MCI is the difference in soil moisture condition between an individual pixel's state and the dry and wet reference reflectance in the image, derived using 5th and 95th percentiles of the visible and shortwave infra-red drought index (VSDI). We produced and validated our MVP products across drylands of the western U.S., covering a broad range of elevation, land use, and ecoregions. MVP outperforms NDVI, a commonly-employed index for mesic ecosystem health, in both rangeland and forested ecosystems, and in mesic habitats with particularly high and low vegetation cover. We applied our MVP product at case study sites and found that MVP more accurately characterizes differences in mesic persistence, late-season water availability, and restoration success compared to NDVI. MVP could be applied as an indicator of change in a variety of contexts to provide a greater understanding of how water availability changes as a result of climate and management. Our MVP product for the western U.S. is freely available within a Google Earth Engine Web App, and the MVP workflow is replicable for other dryland regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawaraj Shrestha
- Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725, USA; Conservation Survey Division, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA.
| | - Nicholas E Kolarik
- Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Jodi S Brandt
- Human-Environment Systems, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725, USA
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23
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Wang H, Liu Q, Gui D, Liu Y, Feng X, Qu J, Zhao J, Wei G. Automatedly identify dryland threatened species at large scale by using deep learning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170375. [PMID: 38280598 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Dryland biodiversity is decreasing at an alarming rate. Advanced intelligent tools are urgently needed to rapidly, automatedly, and precisely detect dryland threatened species on a large scale for biological conservation. Here, we explored the performance of three deep convolutional neural networks (Deeplabv3+, Unet, and Pspnet models) on the intelligent recognition of rare species based on high-resolution (0.3 m) satellite images taken by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). We focused on a threatened species, Populus euphratica, in the Tarim River Basin (China), where there has been a severe population decline in the 1970s and restoration has been carried out since 2000. The testing results showed that Unet outperforms Deeplabv3+ and Pspnet when the training samples are lower, while Deeplabv3+ performs best as the dataset increases. Overall, when training samples are 80, Deeplabv3+ had the best overall performance for Populus euphratica identification, with mean pixel accuracy (MPA) between 87.31 % and 90.2 %, which, on average is 3.74 % and 11.29 % higher than Unet and Pspnet, respectively. Deeplabv3+ can accurately detect the boundaries of Populus euphratica even in areas of dense vegetation, with lower identification uncertainty for each pixel than other models. This study developed a UAV imagery-based identification framework using deep learning with high resolution in large-scale regions. This approach can accurately capture the variation in dryland threatened species, especially those in inaccessible areas, thereby fostering rapid and efficient conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; College of Mathematics and System Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Qi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Cele National Station of Observation & Research for Desert Grassland Ecosystem in Xinjiang, Cele 848300, China.
| | - Dongwei Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Cele National Station of Observation & Research for Desert Grassland Ecosystem in Xinjiang, Cele 848300, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Yunfei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; Cele National Station of Observation & Research for Desert Grassland Ecosystem in Xinjiang, Cele 848300, China
| | - Xinlong Feng
- College of Mathematics and System Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Jia Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; College of Mathematics and System Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- College of Mathematics and System Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Xinjiang Tarim River Basin Management Bureau, Korla 841000, China
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24
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Hamad KO, Surucu A. Land degradation sensitivity and desertification risk in Harrir region, northern Iraq. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27123. [PMID: 38444469 PMCID: PMC10912695 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil degradation and desertification are persistent ecological issues that present significant challenges worldwide. An accurate evaluation of land susceptibility to desertification is essential for developing suitable strategies or policies to address it on national scales. Modified Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model is widely utilized to assess environmental and desertification sensitivity. This study employed MEDALUS model to identify environmentally sensitive areas prone to desertification in the Harrir region, northern Iraq. A total of 102 soil samples were collected from 0 to 20 cm depth covering a land area of 279.36 km2. Environmental sensitivity area index (ESAI) was used to evaluate sensitivity of the study area to environmental changes. The results indicated that ∼68.18 km2 of the study area would be exposed to land degradation and desertification. Fragile (F) regions accounted for 39.63 km2, underscoring the need for effective management and conservation practices. Only a small portion of the region (2.81 km2) was classified as 'critical' (C). Further analysis revealed that fragile sub-classes F1, F2, and F3 accounted for 11.84%, 17.16%, and 14.19% respectively, while critical subclass C1, C2, and C3 areas accounted for 10.97%, 9.12%, and 1.006% respectively. The remaining areas were either classified as unaffected or had potential for being influenced by environmental changes. Approximately 24.41% of the study area had the potential for being influenced by environmental sensitivity. This highlights the importance of implementing effective management and conservation practices to protect fragile regions in the study area. Policymakers and land managers can effectively prioritize and implement targeted interventions to prevent further soil degradation and desertification in the Harrir region of northern Iraq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karwan Obaid Hamad
- Department of Geography, College of Arts, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Northern, Iraq
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Abdulkadir Surucu
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
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25
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Yan Z, Guo Y, Sun B, Gao Z, Qin P, Li Y, Yue W, Cui H. Combating land degradation through human efforts: Ongoing challenges for sustainable development of global drylands. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120254. [PMID: 38340668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Drylands, as highly vulnerable ecosystems, support environmental functions and human well-being. Nevertheless, widespread land degradation and desertification present significant global and regional environmental challenges, with limited consensus on their area and degree. This study used time-series vegetation productivity and meteorological data from 2000 to 2020 to quantify global land degradation trends and driving factors in drylands. The results show a notable restoration of land degradation in drylands worldwide, with the area of improved land exceeding the degraded area by 1.4 times, although the threat of degradation persists. India and China emerge as pioneers in effective land improvement strategies, offering valuable experiences for other regions. Combined effects, as quantitatively distinguished by our established model, dominate the degradation and improvement processes. Notably, human activities play a decisive role in influencing land degradation trends, with the potential for either exacerbation or reversal. This study provides new perspectives on environmental health and human activities from global and regional observations. Finally, our research provides scientific support for desertification control and contributes to the overall advancement of the SDGs globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Yan
- Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Forestry Remote Sensing and Information System, NFGA, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Ye Guo
- Development Research Center of NFGA, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Forestry Remote Sensing and Information System, NFGA, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Zhihai Gao
- Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Forestry Remote Sensing and Information System, NFGA, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Pengyao Qin
- Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Forestry Remote Sensing and Information System, NFGA, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Yifu Li
- Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Forestry Remote Sensing and Information System, NFGA, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Wei Yue
- Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Forestry Remote Sensing and Information System, NFGA, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Hanwen Cui
- Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Key Laboratory of Forestry Remote Sensing and Information System, NFGA, Beijing, 100091, China
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26
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Xian W, Liu H, Yang X, Huang X, Huang H, Li Y, Zeng Q, Tang X. An ensemble framework for farmland quality evaluation based on machine learning and physical models. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168914. [PMID: 38029986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Farmland quality (FQ) evaluation is crucial to curb agricultural land's "non-grain" behavior and promote ecological nitrogen trade-off in North China. However, a promising approach to obtain the verified spatial distribution of nitrogen emissions remains to be developed, making it difficult to achieve the precise FQ estimation. Facing this issue, we present a Machine Learning (ML) - Nitrogen Export Verification (NEV) ensemble framework for the precise evaluation of FQ, taking the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei 200 km traffic zone (zone) as the case. This was done by employing physical models for the precisely spatial estimation of Nitrogen Export (NE) values and then using ML methods to compute the spatial distribution of FQ using the Farmland Quality Evaluation System (FQES) indicators. We found: (1) the ML - NEV framework showed promising results, as the relative error of the NEV method was lower than 5.25 %, and the Determination coefficient of the ML method in FQ evaluation was higher than 0.84; (2) the FQ results within the zone were mainly good-quality areas (~47.25 % and primarily concentrated in the southwest-northeast regions) with improvement significance, with Fractal Dimension, NE values, and unbalanced Irrigation or Drainage Capabilities serving as the primary driving factors. Our results would be helpful in offering decision support for improving FQ based on refined grids, benefiting to Agribusiness Revitalization Plans (i.e., safeguarding grain yield, activating agribusiness development, Etc.) in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixuan Xian
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Hang Liu
- Shijiazhuang vocational college of city economy, Shijiazhuang 052165, PR China
| | - Xingjian Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Xi Huang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Huiming Huang
- School of Land Science and Space Planning, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang 050031, PR China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Qijing Zeng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China
| | - Xianzhe Tang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Joint Institute for Environment & Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, PR China.
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27
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Roy P, Pal SC, Chakrabortty R, Chowdhuri I, Saha A, Ruidas D, Islam ARMT, Islam A. Climate change and geo-environmental factors influencing desertification: a critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-32432-9. [PMID: 38372926 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32432-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The problem of desertification (DSF) is one of the most severe environmental disasters which influence the overall condition of the environment. In Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit on Environment and Development (1922), DSF is defined as arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid induced LD and that is adopted at the UNEP's Nairobi ad hoc meeting in 1977. It has been seen that there is no variability in the trend of long-term rainfall, but the change has been found in the variability of temperature (avg. temp. 0-5 °C). There is no proof that the air pollution brought on by CO2 and other warming gases is the cause of this rise, which seems to be partially caused by urbanization. The two types of driving factors in DSF-CC (climate change) along with anthropogenic influences-must be compared in order to work and take action to stop DSF from spreading. The proportional contributions of human activity and CC to DSF have been extensively evaluated in this work from "qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative" perspectives. In this study, we have tried to connect the drives of desertification to desertification-induced migration due to loss of biodiversity and agriculture failure. The authors discovered that several of the issues from the earlier studies persisted. The policy-makers should follow the proper SLM (soil and land management) through using the land. The afforestation with social forestry and consciousness among the people can reduce the spreading of the desertification (Badapalli et al. 2023). The green wall is also playing an important role to reduce the desertification. For instance, it was clear that assessments were subjective; they could not be readily replicated, and they always relied on administrative areas rather than being taken and displayed in a continuous space. This research is trying to fulfill the mentioned research gap with the help of the existing literatures related to this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramita Roy
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 713104, India
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 713104, India.
| | - Rabin Chakrabortty
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 713104, India
| | - Indrajit Chowdhuri
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 713104, India
| | - Asish Saha
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 713104, India
| | - Dipankar Ruidas
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 713104, India
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, 5400, Bangladesh
- Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Aznarul Islam
- Department of Geography, Aliah University, 17 Gorachand Road, Kolkata, 700014, West Bengal, India
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28
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Tarolli P, Luo J, Park E, Barcaccia G, Masin R. Soil salinization in agriculture: Mitigation and adaptation strategies combining nature-based solutions and bioengineering. iScience 2024; 27:108830. [PMID: 38318366 PMCID: PMC10838710 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil salinization is among the most critical threats to agriculture and food security. Excess of salts adversely affects soil structure and fertility, plant growth, crop yield, and microorganisms. It is caused by natural processes, such as dry climates and low precipitations, high evaporation rate, poor waterlogging, and human factors, such as inappropriate irrigation practices, poor drainage systems, and excessive use of fertilizers. The growing extremization of climate with prolonged drought conditions is worsening the phenomenon. Nature-based solutions (NBS), combined with precision or conservation agriculture, represent a sustainable response, and offer benefits through revitalizing ecosystem services. This perspective explores NBS that can be adopted, along with their challenges and implementation limitations. We also argue that NBS could not be enough to combat hunger in the world's most vulnerable regions and fully achieve the Sustainable Development Goal - Zero Hunger (SDG2). We therefore discuss their possible combination with salt-tolerant crops based on bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tarolli
- Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Jian Luo
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of River and Lake Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Edward Park
- Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS), National Institute of Education (NIE) and Asian School of the Environment (ASE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gianni Barcaccia
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Agripolis, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Roberta Masin
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Agripolis, Legnaro (PD), Italy
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29
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Li J, Pei J, Fang C, Li B, Nie M. Drought may exacerbate dryland soil inorganic carbon loss under warming climate conditions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:617. [PMID: 38242894 PMCID: PMC10799000 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44895-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Low moisture conditions result in substantially more soil inorganic carbon (SIC) than soil organic carbon (SOC) in drylands. However, whether and how changes in moisture affect the temperature response of SIC in drylands are poorly understood. Here, we report that the temperature sensitivity of SIC dissolution increases but that of SOC decomposition decreases with increasing natural aridity from 30 dryland sites along a 4,500 km aridity gradient in northern China. To directly test the effects of moisture changes alone, a soil moisture control experiment also revealed opposite moisture effects on the temperature sensitivities of SIC and SOC. Moreover, we found that the temperature sensitivity of SIC was primarily regulated by pH and base cations, whereas that of SOC was mainly regulated by physicochemical protection along the aridity gradient. Given the overall increases in aridity in a warming world, our findings highlight that drought may exacerbate dryland soil carbon loss from SIC under warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinquan Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Junmin Pei
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Changming Fang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Bo Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Transboundary Ecosecurity of Southwest China, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650504, Yunnan, China
| | - Ming Nie
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Xie C, Liu H, Li X, Zhao H, Dong X, Ma K, Wang N, Zhao L. Spatial characteristics of hydrochemistry and stable isotopes in river and groundwater, and runoff components in the Shule River Basin, Northeastern of Tibet Plateau. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119512. [PMID: 37944319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Water resources play a crucial role in constraining the high-quality development of the arid, necessitating an in-depth investigation and understanding of hydrological processes, hydrochemical characteristics, and their influencing factors amidst climate change. This study meticulously examined and analyzed the hydrochemistry and stable isotope composition (δ18O and δD) of river and groundwater within the Shule River Basin (SRB). Results showed that both river (mean: 8.01) and groundwater (mean: 7.92) had alkaline pH values, while average total dissolved solids were measured at 709.25 mg/L in river and 861.88 mg/L in groundwater, indicating predominance of fresh water sources. HCO3-, SO42-, Na+ and Ca2+ were the most abundant ions, influenced by evaporation-crystallization processes and rock weathering. The dominated hydrochemical facies in both river and groundwater were Ca-HCO3 type in the upper (UR) and the middle reaches (MR), while Ca-Mg-Cl type in the lower reaches (LR). The local meteoric water line (LMWL) was defined as δD = 8.01δ18O + 18.48 (R2 = 0.98, n = 163; P < 0 0.001). The more negative δ18O and δD values in river and groundwater were plotted nearby and lower right of the LMWL, implying that the important recharge source of those waters is from precipitation. The relationship between river δ18O and elevation showed an increase of 0.14‰/100 m in the UR, but a negative correlation with a rate of -0.47‰/100 m in the MR and LR. Precipitation, groundwater, baseflow and meltwater accounted for 62.5%, 19.8%, 11.9% and 5.8% of the UR river, respectively, during the observed period, according to the end-member mixing analysis. These runoff components displayed distinct seasonal variations, primarily driven by precipitation during the early and groundwater/baseflow during the rapid and end-stage ablation periods. The observed alterations in hydrological elements present both opportunities and challenges for water resource management across the SRB, and adaptive measures have been proposed based on our study. These findings provide valuable insights into efficient utilization of water resources from water chemistry and environmental isotopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xie
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Hang Liu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xingru Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Haichen Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiying Dong
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Keke Ma
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Ninglian Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Liangju Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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Ding C, Newbold T, Ameca EI. Assessing the global vulnerability of dryland birds to heatwaves. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17136. [PMID: 38273501 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
As global average surface temperature increases, extreme climatic events such as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, which can drive biodiversity responses such as rapid population declines and/or shifts in species distributions and even local extirpations. However, the impacts of extreme climatic events are largely ignored in conservation plans. Birds are known to be susceptible to heatwaves, especially in dryland ecosystems. Understanding which birds are most vulnerable to heatwaves, and where these birds occur, can offer a scientific basis for adaptive management and conservation. We assessed the relative vulnerability of 1196 dryland bird species to heatwaves using a trait-based approach. Among them, 888 bird species are estimated to be vulnerable to heatwaves (170 highly vulnerable, eight extremely vulnerable), of which ~91% are currently considered non-threatened by the IUCN, which suggests that many species will likely become newly threatened with intensifying climate change. We identified the top three hotspot areas of heatwave-vulnerable species in Australia (208 species), Southern Africa (125 species) and Eastern Africa (99 species). Populations of vulnerable species recorded in the Living Planet Database were found to be declining significantly faster than those of non-vulnerable species (p = .048) after heatwaves occurred. In contrast, no significant difference in population trends between vulnerable and non-vulnerable species was detected when no heatwave occurred (p = .34). This suggests that our vulnerability framework correctly identified vulnerable species and that heatwaves are already impacting the population trends of these species. Our findings will help prioritize heatwave-vulnerable birds in dryland ecosystems in risk mitigation and adaptation management as the frequency of heatwaves accelerates in the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Ding
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tim Newbold
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eric I Ameca
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Climate Change Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Gland, Switzerland
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Liu C, Jia X, Bai X, Shao M. Analysis of soil water use by exotic and native vegetation in a semi-arid area and their associated interspecific competition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167066. [PMID: 37709068 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The exotic vegetation used in dryland vegetation restoration projects is characterized by its fast-growing and deep-rooted system, which enables it to expedite the restoration of ecosystem functions and enhance biodiversity. However, the interspecific relationship between exotic and native vegetation and soil water uptake in these restored ecosystems remains unclear, limiting our ability to evaluate the succession process and sustainability of restored ecosystems. In this study, stable isotope techniques and a proportional similarity index were used to investigate soil water use strategies and interspecific relationships between exotic and native vegetation. The results showed significant differences between the soil water use strategies of both exotic and native vegetation between seasons and species, where the proportions of deep soil water (30-100 cm) used by exotic shrubs (Caragana korshinskii) and exotic grass (Medicago sativa) were significantly higher than those used by the co-occurring native grass (Stipa bungeana) (p < 0.05). As soil water storage declined, exotic vegetation increased its utilization of deep soil water, whereas native grasses relied more on surface water (0-10 cm). This suggests that deep-rooted exotic vegetation has greater adaptability and access to water resources than shallow-rooted native vegetation. However, a prolonged decline in soil water storage led to increased competition for surface soil water (0-30 cm) between the exotic and native vegetation. This may increase the risk of degradation of exotic vegetation, particularly in situations with lower soil water content in the deep layers. Overall, this study highlights the variation in water-use strategies and interspecies relationships between exotic and native vegetation and their implications for ecosystem succession, which provides valuable insights for developing future vegetation restoration strategies and managing restored ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenggong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xiaoxu Jia
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Yellow River Delta Modern Agricultural Engineering Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xiao Bai
- College of Geomatics, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Ming'an Shao
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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Richardson W, Stringham TK, Nuss AB, Morra B, Snyder KA. Shifts in sage-grouse arthropod food sources across grazing and environmental gradients in upland meadow communities. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119261. [PMID: 37844403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater dependent systems are extremely important habitats for a wide variety of taxa in the Great Basin of North America. The impacts of grazing on these habitats cause shifts in resources and subsequent change in species composition. The Greater sage-grouse, a keystone species of Great Basin ecosystems, rear offspring in these areas during spring and summer months using forbs and arthropods. To examine the impact of grazing on arthropod abundance in these ecosystems, seven meadows, each made up of three unique vegetative communities, were grazed at three intensities across two years (2019-2020) and monitored for environmental variables and abundance of arthropods during peak sage-grouse utilization periods. Additionally, the relationship of field measurements and near-surface digital cameras (phenocams) was examined to better understand how remote sensing technologies can be used to monitor these insect abundance shifts on larger scales. Arthropod taxa abundance responded differently to grazing management and environmental variables. Coleoptera abundance during peak sage-grouse usage periods increased roughly 50% in some meadows with increased grazing intensity. For year-to-year environmental variability in precipitation, Lepidoptera abundance was 114% higher in the drier year, while Coleoptera was 39% lower. Near-surface cameras had varied success with predicting peak insect abundance levels. Lepidoptera and Coleoptera capture rates had strong correlations with phenological indices derived from phenocams, while Formicidae had much weaker relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Richardson
- University Nevada Reno, Dept. of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Science, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
| | - Tamzen K Stringham
- University Nevada Reno, Dept. of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Science, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Andrew B Nuss
- University Nevada Reno, Dept. of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Science, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Brian Morra
- University Nevada Reno, Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Keirith A Snyder
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Great Basin Rangelands Research Unit, Reno, NV, 89512, USA
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Sheng X, Qiying C, Shifeng S, Liu Yizhen, Bicai G, Lan W, Gang G. The trait co-variation regulates the response of bryophytes to nitrogen deposition: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 339:122739. [PMID: 37852313 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The nitrogen deposition has the potential to alter the trait composition of plant communities by affecting the fitness and physiological adaptation of species, consequently exerting an influence on ecosystem processes. Despite the importance of bryophytes in nutrient and carbon dynamics across different ecosystems, there is a lack of research examining the relationship between nitrogen deposition and the co-variation of bryophyte traits. To address this gap, a meta-analysis was conducted using data from 27 independent studies to investigate potential associations between trait co-variation of bryophytes and nitrogen deposition. The results revealed that interspecific variability regulates the influence of nitrogen deposition on bryophytes by affecting trait co-variation. Multiple correspondence analysis identified six combinations of closely related traits. For example, species with unbranched main stems frequently exhibit robust leaf midribs, leading to leaf wrinkling and leaf clasping around the stem as a response to water loss. Some weft or mat species tend to obtain resources (nitrogen) through their scale hairs on the main stem. Some species with narrow leaves require leaf teeth to maintain a normal leaf shape. The subgroup analyses indicated that certain traits, including unbranched main stem, changes in leaf morphology, robust leaf midrib, main stem without scale hairs, narrow leaf, leaf margin with teeth, undeveloped apophysis, and erect capsule minimize interaction with pollutants and represent a resource strategy. Conversely, functional traits representing a resource acquisition strategy, such as branched main stem, no changes in leaf morphology, short and weak leaf midrib, main stem with scale hairs, broad leaf, leaf margin without teeth, developed apophysis, and non-erect capsule increase pollutant exposure. Overall, our results suggest that anthropogenic global change may significantly impact bryophytes due to changes in their individual physiology and colony ecological indicators caused by increased nitrogen deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Sheng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Cai Qiying
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Sun Shifeng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Liu Yizhen
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Guan Bicai
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Wu Lan
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization Ministry of Education, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Ge Gang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China; Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization Ministry of Education, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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Niu F, Pierce NA, Okin GS, Archer SR, Fischella MR, Nadoum S. Sandblasting promotes shrub encroachment in arid grasslands. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:1817-1829. [PMID: 37658674 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Shrub encroachment is a common ecological state transition in global drylands and has myriad adverse effects on grasslands and the services they provide. This physiognomic shift is often ascribed to changes in climate (e.g. precipitation) and disturbance regimes (e.g. grazing and fire), but this remains debated. Aeolian processes are known to impact resource distribution in drylands, but their potential role in grassland-to-shrubland state changes has received little attention. We quantified the effects of 'sandblasting' (abrasive damage by wind-blown soil) on the ecophysiology of dryland grass vs shrub functional types using a portable wind tunnel to test the hypothesis that grasses would be more susceptible to sandblasting than shrubs and, thus, reinforce transitions to shrub dominance in wind-erodible grasslands when climate- or disturbance-induced reductions in ground cover occur. Grasses and shrubs responded differently to sandblasting, wherein water-use efficiency declined substantially in grasses, but only slightly in shrubs, owing to grasses having greater increases in day/nighttime leaf conductance and transpiration. The differential ecophysiological response to sandblasting exhibited by grass and shrub functional types could consequently alter the vegetation dynamics in dryland grasslands in favour of the xerophytic shrubs. Sandblasting could thus be an overlooked driver of shrub encroachment in wind-erodible grasslands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Niu
- College of Forestry, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730070, China
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Nathan A Pierce
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Southwest Watershed Research Center, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA
| | - Gregory S Okin
- Department of Geography, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Steven R Archer
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Michael R Fischella
- Department of Geography, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Shereen Nadoum
- Department of Geography, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Zhang T, Grube M, Wei X. Host selection tendency of key microbiota in arid desert lichen crusts. IMETA 2023; 2:e138. [PMID: 38868215 PMCID: PMC10989926 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Lichen genus Endocarpon in biological soil crust form was chosen as a model to investigate the bacterial communities for the first time across four vertically distinct strata. Key bacterial microbiota in lichen thallus were discovered, which were gradually filtered and mainly derived from the crust soil, with clear host selection tendency. The study provided key information to better understand the homeostasis maintenance mechanism of the lichen symbiont and community assembly of desert lichen crust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting‐Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Martin Grube
- Institute of BiologyUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Xin‐Li Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Feng L, Cao B, Wang X. Response of soil extracellular enzyme activity and stoichiometry to short-term warming and phosphorus addition in desert steppe. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16227. [PMID: 37872947 PMCID: PMC10590576 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Phosphorus (P) is regarded as one of the major limiting factors in grassland ecosystems. Soil available phosphorus deficiency could affect soil extracellular enzyme activity, which is essential for microbial metabolism. Yet it is still unclear how soil available phosphorus affects soil extracellular enzyme activity and microbial nutrient limitation of desert steppe in the context of climate warming. Methods This study carried out a short-term open-top chambers (OTCs) experiment in a desert steppe to examine the effects of warming, P addition, and their interaction on soil properties, the activities of soil extracellular enzymes, and stoichiometries. Results The findings demonstrated that soil acquisition enzyme stoichiometry of C: N: P was 1.2:1:1.5 in this experiment region, which deviated from the global mean scale (1:1:1). Warming increased soil AN (ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen) contents and decreased microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN). Phosphorus addition raised soil available phosphorus and microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) contents. Soil extracellular enzyme activities and stoichiometries in desert steppe are largely impacted by soil AN, MBC: MBP, and MBN: MBP. These results revealed that the changes of soil available nutrients and stoichiometries induced by short-term warming and P addition could influence soil microbial activities and alleviate soil microbial carbon and phosphorus limitation. Our findings highlight that soil available phosphorus played a critical role in regulating soil extracellular enzyme activity and microbial nutrient limitation of desert steppe. Further research on soil microbial communities should explore the microbiological mechanisms underlying these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxia Feng
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Northwest Degraded Ecosystem Recovery and Reconstruction, Yinchuan, China
| | - Bing Cao
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaojia Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Northwest Degraded Ecosystem Recovery and Reconstruction, Yinchuan, China
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Duniway MC, Finger-Higgens R, Geiger EL, Hoover DL, Pfennigwerth AA, Knight AC, Van Scoyoc M, Miller M, Belnap J. Ecosystem resilience to invasion and drought: Insights after 24 years in a rare never-grazed grassland. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:5866-5880. [PMID: 37489280 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the resilience of ecosystems globally is hampered by the complex and interacting drivers of change characteristic of the Anthropocene. This is true for drylands of the western US, where widespread alteration of disturbance regimes and spread of invasive non-native species occurred with westward expansion during the 1800s, including the introduction of domestic livestock and spread of Bromus tectorum, an invasive non-native annual grass. In addition, this region has experienced a multi-decadal drought not seen for at least 1200 years with potentially large and interacting impacts on native plant communities. Here, we present 24 years of twice-annual plant cover monitoring (1997-2021) from a semiarid grassland never grazed by domestic livestock but subject to a patchy invasion of B. tectorum beginning in ~1994, compare our findings to surveys done in 1967, and examine potential climate drivers of plant community changes. We found a significant warming trend in the study area, with more than 75% of study year temperatures being warmer than average (1966-2021). We observed a native perennial grass community with high resilience to climate forcings with cover values like those in 1967. In invaded patches, B. tectorum cover was greatest in the early years of this study (1997-2001; ~20%-40%) but was subsequently constrained by climate and subtle variation in soils, with limited evidence of long-term impacts to native vegetation, contradicting earlier studies. Our ability to predict year-to-year variation in functional group and species cover with climate metrics varied, with a 12-month integrated index and fall and winter patterns appearing most important. However, declines to near zero live cover in recent years in response to regional drought intensification leave questions regarding the resiliency of intact grasslands to ongoing aridification and whether the vegetation observations reported here may be a leading indicator of impending change in this protected ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Duniway
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | | | - Erika L Geiger
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | - David L Hoover
- Rangeland Resources & Systems Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Alix A Pfennigwerth
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | - Anna C Knight
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | | | - Mark Miller
- National Park Service, Southeast Utah Group Parks, Moab, Utah, USA
- National Park Service, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Copper Center, Alaska, USA
| | - Jayne Belnap
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
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Dominguez DLE, Cavagnaro JB, Ros JP, Le AT, Chung YS, Cavagnaro PF. Genetic diversity for drought tolerance in the native forage grass Trichloris crinita and possible morpho-physiological mechanisms involved. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1235923. [PMID: 37600198 PMCID: PMC10435868 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1235923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The use of drought tolerant genotypes is one of the main strategies proposed for coping with the negative effects of global warming in dry lands. Trichloris crinita is a native forage grass occupying extensive arid and semi-arid regions in the American continent, and used for range grazing and revegetation of degraded lands. Methods To identify drought-tolerant genotypes and possible underlying physiological mechanisms, this study investigated drought tolerance in 21 genetically diverse T. crinita genotypes under natural field conditions. The accessions were grown under irrigated (control) and drought conditions for 84 days after initiation of the drought treatment (DAIDT), which coincided with flowering initiation. Various morpho-physiological traits were monitored, including total-, foliage-, and root biomass yield, dry matter partitioning to individual plant organs (roots, leaves, stems, and panicles), total leaf area, chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, stomatal conductance, and number of panicles per plant. Results and discussion Broad and significant variation (p<0.001) was found among the accessions for all the traits. Three highly tolerant and three very sensitive accessions were identified as the most contrasting materials, and their responses to drought stress were confirmed over two years of experiments. Under prolonged drought conditions (84 DAIDT), the tolerant accessions were generally more productive than the rest for all the biomass yield components analyzed, and this was associated with a postponed and more attenuated decrease in variables related to the plant photosynthetic activity, such as stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and photochemical efficiency. In contrast to previous findings, our data indicate no direct relationship between drought tolerance and the level of aridity in the accessions natural habitats, but rather suggest genetic heterogeneity and ample variation for drought tolerance in T. crinita natural populations derived from a particular location or environment. Also, having low total and forageable biomass yield, or increased biomass allocation to the roots (i.e., lower foliage/root ratio), under optimal water availability, were not associated with greater drought tolerance. The drought-tolerant accessions identified are of value for future genetic research and breeding programs, and as forage for range grazing and revegetation in arid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deolindo Luis Esteban Dominguez
- Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza (IBAM), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Juan Bruno Cavagnaro
- Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza (IBAM), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Juana Panasiti Ros
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Anh Tuan Le
- Department of Plant Resources and Environment, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Suk Chung
- Department of Plant Resources and Environment, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Pablo Federico Cavagnaro
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) Agricultural Experimental Station Mendoza (EEA Mendoza), Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Shi CM, Zhang XS, Liu L, Ji YJ, Zhang DX. Phylogeography of the desert scorpion illuminates a route out of Central Asia. Curr Zool 2023; 69:442-455. [PMID: 37614924 PMCID: PMC10443618 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of phylogeography requires the integration of knowledge across different organisms, ecosystems, and geographic regions. However, a critical knowledge gap exists in the arid biota of the vast Asian drylands. To narrow this gap, here we test an "out-of-Central Asia" hypothesis for the desert scorpion Mesobuthus mongolicus by combining Bayesian phylogeographic reconstruction and ecological niche modeling. Phylogenetic analyses of one mitochondrial and three nuclear loci and molecular dating revealed that M. mongolicus represents a coherent lineage that diverged from its most closely related lineage in Central Asia about 1.36 Ma and underwent radiation ever since. Bayesian phylogeographic reconstruction indicated that the ancestral population dispersed from Central Asia gradually eastward to the Gobi region via the Junggar Basin, suggesting that the Junggar Basin has severed as a corridor for Quaternary faunal exchange between Central Asia and East Asia. Two major dispersal events occurred probably during interglacial periods (around 0.8 and 0.4 Ma, respectively) when climatic conditions were analogous to present-day status, under which the scorpion achieved its maximum distributional range. M. mongolicus underwent demographic expansion during the Last Glacial Maximum, although the predicted distributional areas were smaller than those at present and during the Last Interglacial. Development of desert ecosystems in northwest China incurred by intensified aridification might have opened up empty habitats that sustained population expansion. Our results extend the spatiotemporal dimensions of trans-Eurasia faunal exchange and suggest that species' adaptation is an important determinant of their phylogeographic and demographic responses to climate changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Min Shi
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Xue-Shu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ya-Jie Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - De-Xing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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41
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Benito P, Bellón J, Porcel R, Yenush L, Mulet JM. The Biostimulant, Potassium Humate Ameliorates Abiotic Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana by Increasing Starch Availability. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12140. [PMID: 37569516 PMCID: PMC10418871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium humate is a widely used biostimulant known for its ability to enhance growth and improve tolerance to abiotic stress. However, the molecular mechanisms explaining its effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of potassium humate using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrated that a formulation of potassium humate effectively increased the fresh weight accumulation of Arabidopsis plants under normal conditions, salt stress (sodium or lithium chloride), and particularly under osmotic stress (mannitol). Interestingly, plants treated with potassium humate exhibited a reduced antioxidant response and lower proline accumulation, while maintaining photosynthetic activity under stress conditions. The observed sodium and osmotic tolerance induced by humate was not accompanied by increased potassium accumulation. Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed that potassium humate increased maltose levels under control conditions but decreased levels of fructose. However, under stress, both maltose and glucose levels decreased, suggesting changes in starch utilization and an increase in glycolysis. Starch concentration measurements in leaves showed that plants treated with potassium humate accumulated less starch under control conditions, while under stress, they accumulated starch to levels similar to or higher than control plants. Taken together, our findings suggest that the molecular mechanism underlying the abiotic stress tolerance conferred by potassium humate involves its ability to alter starch content under normal growth conditions and under salt or osmotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Benito
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.B.); (R.P.); (L.Y.)
- Caldic Ibérica, S. L. U. Llobateras 23-25, pol.ind. Santiga, Barberà del Vallés, 08210 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Javier Bellón
- Caldic Ibérica, S. L. U. Llobateras 23-25, pol.ind. Santiga, Barberà del Vallés, 08210 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Rosa Porcel
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.B.); (R.P.); (L.Y.)
| | - Lynne Yenush
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.B.); (R.P.); (L.Y.)
| | - José M. Mulet
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.B.); (R.P.); (L.Y.)
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Liu Y, Li L, Wang S, Li X. Precipitation modulates the net effect of solar radiation on litter decomposition and CO 2 emission - a meta-analysis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1200155. [PMID: 37484456 PMCID: PMC10356545 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1200155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Solar radiation plays a crucial role in the decomposition of litter and the cycling of nutrients. Previous studies have investigated that the net effect of solar radiation on litter decomposition depends on the balance of its facilitative and inhibitory effects on microbial activity; however, a gap in understanding the mechanism by which precipitation affects the net effect of solar radiation and the mechanism of litter decomposition on a global scale was observed. Methods In addressing this gap, a comprehensive meta-analysis of 351 data points from 37 published studies was conducted to estimate the sole radiation effect and interactive effect of solar radiation and precipitation on a global scale, as well as how they vary at different precipitation levels. In addition, the importance of influential factors regulating the net effect of solar radiation on litter decomposition was assessed to identify the key drivers of the response of mass loss to solar radiation at different precipitation levels. Results Our findings indicated that solar radiation largely regulates litter decomposition, and the direction and magnitude are potentially dependent on the precipitation regime. In addition, solar radiation significantly increased mass loss and decreased the nutrient remaining. Furthermore, the effects of solar radiation on mass loss, C remaining, and N remaining were found to be similar among areas with precipitation levels below 200 and above 800 mm and greater than in areas with precipitation levels between 200-400 mm and 400-800 mm. The effect of solar radiation on CO2 emissions varied from 13.97% when precipitation was below 200 mm to -0.707% when precipitation was between 200 and 400 mm. Conclusion Climatic factors determine the response ratio of mass loss to solar radiation in arid lands, whereas the initial litter characteristics have a great influence on the response of mass loss to solar radiation in ecosystems that are not moisture limited. The effect of precipitation on the photodegradation mechanism of litter was primarily achieved by influencing the decomposition of lignin, and the main effect of solar radiation on litter decomposition will shift from the positive effect of "photopriming" to the negative effect of "microbial inhibition" with the increase of precipitation. Our findings can provide a comprehensive understanding of litter decomposition patterns on a global scale, and our results showed that CO2 emissions from photodegradation will be lessened by precipitation, which is important in predicting CO2 emission and separating sources of CO2 under future increasing precipitation scenarios, particularly in arid lands.
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Affiliation(s)
- YaLan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Desert Plant Roots Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Cele National Station of Observation and Research for Desert-Grassland Ecosystems, Cele, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Desert Plant Roots Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Cele National Station of Observation and Research for Desert-Grassland Ecosystems, Cele, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - ShiQi Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Desert Plant Roots Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
- Cele National Station of Observation and Research for Desert-Grassland Ecosystems, Cele, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Kuklina V, Sizov O, Fedorov R, Butakov D. Dealing with sand in the Arctic city of Nadym. AMBIO 2023; 52:1198-1210. [PMID: 37154875 PMCID: PMC10247945 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01868-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Sand plays an important role in the Arctic urban development as construction material and stable ground. Significance of its studies increases in face of permafrost degradation and coastal erosion and for understanding human capacities to restore natural landscapes after anthropogenic disturbances. This paper examines changing human interactions with sand in the city of Nadym, northwest of Siberia. The study utilizes an interdisciplinary approach which includes remote sensing and GIS analysis, field observations, and interviews with local residents and stakeholders. Analysis of spatial and social characteristics of sand demonstrates different roles of sand as part of the landscape, a resource, and as a mediator in urban and infrastructure development. Understanding the diversity of sand qualities, its uses, and perceptions is relevant for studies of landscape disturbances, resilience, vulnerability, and adaptive capacities of Arctic cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Kuklina
- Department of Geography, The George Washington University, 2036 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20052 USA
| | - Oleg Sizov
- Laboratory of Integrated Geological and Geophysical Studies, Oil and Gas Research Institute RAS, 3, Gubkina St., Moscow, Russia 119333
| | - Roman Fedorov
- Earth Cryosphere Institute, Tyumen Scientific Centre SB RAS, 86 Malygina Str., Tyumen, Russia 625026
| | - Daniil Butakov
- Earth Cryosphere Institute, Tyumen Scientific Centre SB RAS, 86 Malygina Str., Tyumen, Russia 625026
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Saade C, Fronhofer EA, Pichon B, Kéfi S. Landscape Structure Affects Metapopulation-Scale Tipping Points. Am Nat 2023; 202:E17-E30. [PMID: 37384765 DOI: 10.1086/724550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
AbstractEven when environments deteriorate gradually, ecosystems may shift abruptly from one state to another. Such catastrophic shifts are difficult to predict and sometimes to reverse (so-called hysteresis). While well studied in simplified contexts, we lack a general understanding of how catastrophic shifts spread in realistically spatially structured landscapes. For different types of landscape structures, including typical terrestrial modular and riverine dendritic networks, we here investigate landscape-scale stability in metapopulations whose patches can locally exhibit catastrophic shifts. We find that such metapopulations usually exhibit large-scale catastrophic shifts and hysteresis and that the properties of these shifts depend strongly on the metapopulation spatial structure and on the population dispersal rate: an intermediate dispersal rate, a low average degree, or a riverine spatial structure can largely reduce hysteresis size. Our study suggests that large-scale restoration is easier with spatially clustered restoration efforts and in populations characterized by an intermediate dispersal rate.
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Peng HW, Xiang KL, Erst AS, Erst TV, Jabbour F, Ortiz RDC, Wang W. The synergy of abiotic and biotic factors correlated with diversification of Fumarioideae (Papaveraceae) in the Cenozoic. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023:107868. [PMID: 37394080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Rapid diversification of a group is often associated with exploiting an ecological opportunity and/or the evolution of a key innovation. However, how the interplay of such abiotic and biotic factors correlates with organismal diversification has been rarely documented in empirical studies, especially for organisms inhabiting drylands. Fumarioideae is the largest subfamily in Papaveraceae and is mainly distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Here, we used one nuclear (ITS) and six plastid (rbcL, atpB, matK, rps16, trnL-F, and trnG) DNA sequences to investigate the spatio-temporal patterns of diversification and potential related factors of this subfamily. We first present the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Fumarioideae to date. The results of our integrated molecular dating and biogeographic analyses indicate that the most recent common ancestor of Fumarioideae started to diversify in Asia during the Upper Cretaceous, and then dispersed multiple times out of Asia in the Cenozoic. In particular, we discover two independent dispersal events from Eurasia to East Africa in the late Miocene, suggesting that the Arabian Peninsula might be an important exchange corridor between Eurasia and East Africa in the late Miocene. Within the Fumarioideae, increased speciation rates were detected in two groups, Corydalis and Fumariinae. Corydalis first experienced a burst of diversification in its crown group at ∼42 Ma, and further accelerated diversification from the mid-Miocene onwards. During these two periods, Corydalis had evolved diverse life history types, which could have facilitated the colonization of diverse habitats originating from extensive orogenesis in the Northern Hemisphere as well as Asian interior desertification. Fumariinae underwent a burst of diversification at ∼15 Ma, which temporally coincides with the increasing aridification in central Eurasia, but is markedly posterior to the shifts in habitat (from moist to arid) and in life history (from perennial to annual) and to range expansion from Asia to Europe, suggesting that Fumariinae species may have been pre-adapted to invade European arid habitats by the acquisition of annual life history. Our study provides an empirical case that documents the importance of pre-adaptation on organismal diversification in drylands and highlights the significant roles of the synergy of abiotic and biotic factors in promoting plant diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Wen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kun-Li Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Andrey S Erst
- Central Siberian Botanical Garden, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Tatyana V Erst
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Florian Jabbour
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université des Antilles, EPHE, 57 rue Cuvier, CP39, Paris 75005, France
| | - Rosa Del C Ortiz
- Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Zhou W, Li C, Wang S, Ren Z, Stringer LC. Effects of grazing and enclosure management on soil physical and chemical properties vary with aridity in China's drylands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162946. [PMID: 36948320 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Dryland soils are nutrient-poor and prone to degradation due to aridity, grazing and enclosure. It is essential to examine the effects of grazing and enclosure on aridity-induced soil degradation in dryland ecosystems to optimize land management practices in response to climate change. However, quantitative evaluation on this topic is scarce due to a lack of long-term field monitoring data. This study evaluated the combined effects of aridity and grazing/enclosure using long-term data (2005-2015) from three research stations on soil physical and chemical properties in typical steppes and desert steppes across the semi-arid and hyper-arid areas of China's drylands. Results showed that soil organic matter (OM) content was higher for enclosures (20.50 g/kg) than for grazing (19.06 g/kg). In the semi-arid steppe, enclosures aged 30-33 years had the highest soil total nitrogen (TN) content (1.21 g/kg). Longer enclosures aged 34-36 years showed decreased soil TN content (0.88 g/kg). In the desert steppe, enclosures aged 5-8 years exhibited the highest soil OM (2.44 g/kg) and TN (0.21 g/kg) contents. Grazing enhanced the decrease of OM content (from 4.57 to 2.39 g/kg) with increasing aridity (1 - aridity index) from 0.35 to 1. These findings indicate that enclosures can improve soil fertility, but prolonged enclosures may have negative effects. Grazing had a synergistic effect on the decrease of OM with aridity. Results can be used in response to climate changes to formulate sustainable land management strategies, such as reducing the enclosure period in wetter and restored areas, and diminishing the grazing intensity in areas with higher aridity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Changjia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuobing Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lindsay C Stringer
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, UK; York Environmental Sustainability Institute, University of York, York, UK
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Chen Y, Wang J, Jiang L, Li H, Wang H, Lv G, Li X. Prediction of spatial distribution characteristics of ecosystem functions based on a minimum data set of functional traits of desert plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1131778. [PMID: 37332722 PMCID: PMC10272538 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1131778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between plant functional traits and ecosystem function is a hot topic in current ecological research, and community-level traits based on individual plant functional traits play important roles in ecosystem function. In temperate desert ecosystems, which functional trait to use to predict ecosystem function is an important scientific question. In this study, the minimum data sets of functional traits of woody (wMDS) and herbaceous (hMDS) plants were constructed and used to predict the spatial distribution of C, N, and P cycling in ecosystems. The results showed that the wMDS included plant height, specific leaf area, leaf dry weight, leaf water content, diameter at breast height (DBH), leaf width, and leaf thickness, and the hMDS included plant height, specific leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf length, and leaf width. The linear regression results based on the cross-validations (FTEIW - L, FTEIA - L, FTEIW - NL, and FTEIA - NL) for the MDS and TDS (total data set) showed that the R2 (coefficients of determination) for wMDS were 0.29, 0.34, 0.75, and 0.57, respectively, and those for hMDS were 0.82, 0.75, 0.76, and 0.68, respectively, proving that the MDSs can replace the TDS in predicting ecosystem function. Then, the MDSs were used to predict the C, N, and P cycling in the ecosystem. The results showed that non-linear models RF and BPNN were able to predict the spatial distributions of C, N and P cycling, and the distributions showed inconsistent patterns between different life forms under moisture restrictions. The C, N, and P cycling showed strong spatial autocorrelation and were mainly influenced by structural factors. Based on the non-linear models, the MDSs can be used to accurately predict the C, N, and P cycling, and the predicted values of woody plant functional traits visualized by regression kriging were closer to the kriging results based on raw values. This study provides a new perspective for exploring the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Chen
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Jinghe, China
| | - Jinlong Wang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Jinghe, China
| | - Lamei Jiang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Jinghe, China
| | - Hanpeng Li
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Jinghe, China
| | - Hengfang Wang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Jinghe, China
| | - Guanghui Lv
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Jinghe, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of Education Ministry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Jinghe Observation and Research Station of Temperate Desert Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, Jinghe, China
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Farrell HL, Munson SM, Butterfield BJ, Duniway MC, Faist AM, Gornish ES, Havrilla CA, Larios L, Reed SC, Rowe HI, Laushman KM, McCormick ML. Soil surface treatments and precipitation timing determine seedling development across southwestern US restoration sites. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2834. [PMID: 36864737 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Restoration in dryland ecosystems often has poor success due to low and variable water availability, degraded soil conditions, and slow plant community recovery rates. Restoration treatments can mitigate these constraints but, because treatments and subsequent monitoring are typically limited in space and time, our understanding of their applicability across broader environmental gradients remains limited. To address this limitation, we implemented and monitored a standardized set of seeding and soil surface treatments (pits, mulch, and ConMod artificial nurse plants) designed to enhance soil moisture and seedling establishment across RestoreNet, a growing network of 21 diverse dryland restoration sites in the southwestern USA over 3 years. Generally, we found that the timing of precipitation relative to seeding and the use of soil surface treatments were more important in determining seeded species emergence, survival, and growth than site-specific characteristics. Using soil surface treatments in tandem with seeding promoted up to 3× greater seedling emergence densities compared with seeding alone. The positive effect of soil surface treatments became more prominent with increased cumulative precipitation since seeding. The seed mix type with species currently found within or near a site and adapted to the historical climate promoted greater seedling emergence densities compared with the seed mix type with species from warmer, drier conditions expected to perform well under climate change. Seed mix and soil surface treatments had a diminishing effect as plants developed beyond the first season of establishment. However, we found strong effects of the initial period seeded and of the precipitation leading up to each monitoring date on seedling survival over time, especially for annual and perennial forbs. The presence of exotic species exerted a negative influence on seedling survival and growth, but not initial emergence. Our findings suggest that seeded species recruitment across drylands can generally be promoted, regardless of location, by (1) incorporation of soil surface treatments, (2) employment of near-term seasonal climate forecasts, (3) suppression of exotic species, and (4) seeding at multiple times. Taken together, these results point to a multifaceted approach to ameliorate harsh environmental conditions for improved seeding success in drylands, both now and under expected aridification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Farrell
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Seth M Munson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Bradley J Butterfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael C Duniway
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | - Akasha M Faist
- College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Elise S Gornish
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Caroline A Havrilla
- Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Loralee Larios
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Sasha C Reed
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, USA
| | - Helen I Rowe
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
- McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Molly L McCormick
- Southwest Fire Science Consortium and School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
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Andrews HM, Krichels AH, Homyak PM, Piper S, Aronson EL, Botthoff J, Greene AC, Jenerette GD. Wetting-induced soil CO 2 emission pulses are driven by interactions among soil temperature, carbon, and nitrogen limitation in the Colorado Desert. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:3205-3220. [PMID: 36907979 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Warming-induced changes in precipitation regimes, coupled with anthropogenically enhanced nitrogen (N) deposition, are likely to increase the prevalence, duration, and magnitude of soil respiration pulses following wetting via interactions among temperature and carbon (C) and N availability. Quantifying the importance of these interactive controls on soil respiration is a key challenge as pulses can be large terrestrial sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2 ) over comparatively short timescales. Using an automated sensor system, we measured soil CO2 flux dynamics in the Colorado Desert-a system characterized by pronounced transitions from dry-to-wet soil conditions-through a multi-year series of experimental wetting campaigns. Experimental manipulations included combinations of C and N additions across a range of ambient temperatures and across five sites varying in atmospheric N deposition. We found soil CO2 pulses following wetting were highly predictable from peak instantaneous CO2 flux measurements. CO2 pulses consistently increased with temperature, and temperature at time of wetting positively correlated to CO2 pulse magnitude. Experimentally adding N along the N deposition gradient generated contrasting pulse responses: adding N increased CO2 pulses in low N deposition sites, whereas adding N decreased CO2 pulses in high N deposition sites. At a low N deposition site, simultaneous additions of C and N during wetting led to the highest observed soil CO2 fluxes reported globally at 299.5 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 . Our results suggest that soils have the capacity to emit high amounts of CO2 within small timeframes following infrequent wetting, and pulse sizes reflect a non-linear combination of soil resource and temperature interactions. Importantly, the largest soil CO2 emissions occurred when multiple resources were amended simultaneously in historically resource-limited desert soils, pointing to regions experiencing simultaneous effects of desertification and urbanization as key locations in future global C balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly M Andrews
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Alexander H Krichels
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
- Center for Conservation Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Peter M Homyak
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Piper
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Emma L Aronson
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Jon Botthoff
- Center for Conservation Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Aral C Greene
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - G Darrel Jenerette
- Center for Conservation Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
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Zhou W, Li C, Wang S, Ren Z, Stringer LC. Effects of vegetation restoration on soil properties and vegetation attributes in the arid and semi-arid regions of China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 343:118186. [PMID: 37224686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Driven by the goal of reversing desertification and recovering degraded lands, a wide range of vegetation restoration practices (such as planting and fencing) have been implemented in China's drylands. It is essential to examine the effects of vegetation restoration and environmental factors on soil nutrients to optimize restoration approaches. However, quantitative evaluation on this topic is insufficient due to a lack of long-term field monitoring data. This study evaluated the effects of sandy steppe restoration and sand dune fixation in the semi-arid desert, and natural and artificial vegetation restoration in the arid desert. It considered soil and plant characteristics using long-term (2005-2015) data from the Naiman Research Station located in the semi-arid region and Shapotou Research Station in the arid region of China's drylands. Results showed the sandy steppe had higher soil nutrient contents, vegetation biomass and rate of accumulating soil organic matter (OM) than the fixed dunes and moving dunes. Soil nutrient contents and vegetation biomass of the natural vegetation of Artemisia ordosica were higher than those of the artificial restoration of Artemisia ordosica since 1956. Artificial restoration had a higher rate of accumulating soil OM, total nitrogen (TN) and grass litter biomass than natural restoration. Soil water indirectly affected soil OM by affecting vegetation. Grass diversity was the main influencing factor on soil OM variance in the semi-arid Naiman desert while shrub diversity was the main factor in the arid Shapotou desert. These findings indicate that sand fixation in the semi-arid desert and vegetation restoration in the arid desert bring benefits for soil nutrient accumulation and vegetation improvement, and that natural restoration is preferable to artificial restoration. Results can be used to formulate sustainable vegetation restoration strategies, such as encouraging natural restoration, considering local resource constraints, and giving priority to restoring shrubs in arid areas with limited water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Changjia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuobing Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lindsay C Stringer
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, UK; York Environmental Sustainability Institute, University of York, York, UK
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