Arid Zone Research ›› 2025, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (9): 1715-1725.doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.09.15

• Ecology and Environment • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Spatiotemporal evolution and prediction of carbon storage in Xinjiang using the PLUS-InVEST model

ZHANG Kun1(), WU Xinping2, LIU Yongqiang1(), ZHANG Lifang1, QIN Yan1, YANG Yulu1, GAN Hui1   

  1. 1. College of Geography and Remote Sensing Sciences, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, Xinjiang, China
    2. Tazhong Weather Station of Qiemo, Qiemo 841900, Xinjiang, China
  • Received:2025-01-05 Revised:2025-03-13 Online:2025-09-15 Published:2025-09-16
  • Contact: LIU Yongqiang E-mail:zkun_@stu.xju.edu.cn;liuyq@xju.edu.cn

Abstract:

Under the “dual carbon” background, exploring the spatiotemporal evolution of carbon storage and future scenario predictions is of great significance for maintaining ecological balance, promoting high-quality regional development, and achieving the goal of “carbon neutrality.” As an ecologically fragile and climate-sensitive region, simulating past and future land use changes and carbon storage in Xinjiang can support the effective simulation of emission reduction strategies and ecosystem restoration efforts. This study, based on the sustainable development theory, integrates the PLUS-InVEST model to comprehensively assess land use changes and their impact on carbon storage in Xinjiang from 1990 to 2050. The main findings are summarized as follows. (1) From 1990 to 2020, the land use in Xinjiang was primarily composed of unused land and grassland, accounting for over 67% and 23% of the total land area, respectively. Both categories showed a decreasing trend, while other land types exhibited an increasing trend. (2) Grassland is the primary contributor to carbon storage in Xinjiang, and its degradation is the main cause of carbon storage loss. Between 1990 and 2020, grassland degradation resulted in a carbon storage loss of 224.16 t. (3) By 2050, under the ecological protection scenario, carbon storage is expected to increase by 6.19×107 t. in contrast, under the economic priority scenario, it is projected to decrease by 3.52× 107 t. Through a quantitative evaluation of 30 years of past and projected future land use changes and their impacts on carbon storage, this study provides reliable reference materials and accurate data support for Xinjiang's land management decision-making.

Key words: land use change, carbon storage, PLUS model, InVEST model