Table of Content

15 November 2014, Volume 31 Issue 6 Previous Issue    Next Issue

Land and Water Resources

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Experimental Research on the Land Surface Evaporation of Unsaturated Loess WANG Tie-hang, CHEN Jing-jing, LI Yan-long 2014, 31 (6):  985-990.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.01 Abstract ( 1153 )   PDF (1429KB) ( 1175 )   In order to explore the surface evaporation mechanism of the unsaturated loess, a series of indoor and outdoor evaporating tests were carried out on soil samples with various initial moisture and dry densities. This paper explores the moisture migration rule of the soil samples in the process of the evaporation, analyzes the results of indoor and outdoor experiments and discusses the diversity of those experimenting results. It is concluded that there was a considerable difference in the evaporation intensity and potential evaporation between indoor and outdoor experiments but a small difference in the evaporation coefficient, which was closely related to the water content and was slightly affected by the dry density. The evaporation coefficient of the uniform soil with different initial moisture contents reduced exponentially over time. It further revealed that the soil evaporation coefficient at any time was mainly related to the water content of land surface and the moisture content gradient of the shallow soil. Based on the tested data, a formula which contains the water content of the soil surface and the moisture content gradient of the shallow soil is built up to determine the soil evaporation coefficient. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Agro-ecological Assessment for Land Resources and Carrying Capacity of the Heihe River Basin WANG Xiao-min, ZHAO Jun, WANG Jian-hua, SHI Yin-fang 2014, 31 (6):  991-997.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.02 Abstract ( 916 )   PDF (1350KB) ( 1180 )   The land resources carrying capacity reflects the limitations of the land productivity. In this paper, the land carrying capacity of the Heihe River Basin was estimated by using agro-ecological zone modeling (AEZ), which is a widely adopted methodology internationally in land resources assessment. This work further discussed the factors which determine the capacity, evaluated the results of the model against the population indexes and finally proposed suggestions on how to scientifically enhance the population capacity of the Heihe River Basin and to alleviate the tensions between the natural resources and the population. The results showed that the population pressure index of the Heihe River Basin was 1.13 and land resources carrying capacity was in an appropriate state. The carrying population densities were 15.14 and 13.77 Person·km-2 based on per capita calorie consumption and protein consumption respectively, which were greater than 7 Person·km-2 in rid land but lower than 20 Person·km-2 in semi-arid land according to the standards set by the United Nations. The spatial distribution of the population density in the Basin was significantly varied. Water resource was the main factor limiting the land resources carrying capacity of the Heihe River Basin. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Cutting and Thinning Management on Soil Moisture in Plantation Area of Gurbantunggut Desert JIANG You-wei, JIANG Jing, SONG Chun-wu, ZHANG Heng 2014, 31 (6):  998-1004.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.03 Abstract ( 1037 )   PDF (1128KB) ( 1080 )   Taking the non-irrigated plantations Gurbantunggut Desert as study subjects, soil water contents within 100 cm below the ground were investigated under different management (cutting, thinning) from April to September 2012. The results showed that cutting and thinning treatments changed the soil moisture utilization ways of the plantation. The soil moisture in each layer was decreased after the thinning of Haloxylon persicum forest. However, the decrease of the soil moisture in the soil layers decreased with the increase of the soil depth. The soil moisture even raised in 50-70 cm and 70-100 cm depths. The stronger the thinning, the shallower and higher the soil moisture. The thinning can also keep the monthly soil moisture stable. The soil moisture decreased at each soil layers as well after the cutting of the artificial Calligonum rubicundum forest. The cutting also increased the variation of the soil moisture in different months. In conclusion, it would be benefits for conserving soil moisture within 100 cm below the ground through thinning the artificial H. persicum forest; and cutting the artificial C. rubicundum forest to improve the effectiveness of the root water absorption. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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PLSR-BP Complex Model-Based Hyper-Spectrum Retrieval of Oasis Soil pH WANG Kai-long, XIONG Hei-gang, ZHANG Fang 2014, 31 (6):  1005-1009.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.04 Abstract ( 929 )   PDF (1055KB) ( 1080 )   Based on soil pH data, measured VIS-NIR reflectance and the data pretreated by multiplicative scatter correction(MSC) at the given spots, soil pH prediction models were established by using principle components analysis-PCA, partial least squares regression -PLSR and back propagation -BP. The results showed that soil pH had a good correlation with both the original reflectance and the spectral data pretreated by MSC. The correction between the soil pH and the spectral data pretreated by MSC was more obvious. PCA and PLSR soil pH prediction models both have good predictability on soil alkalinization. BP neural network model had a lower forecasting precision because of the amount of input variables. However, using the principal components obtained from PCA and PLSR models as input variables, the predictability and the stability of the BP neural network model can be significantly improved. Compared with PLSR, BP and PCA, the prediction results of PLSR-BP model is the best. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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AHP and Fuzzy Mathematics based Soil Quality Evaluation in Gongwusu ZHAO Zhen-ya, JI Bao-lin, SONG Xiao-yuan, ZUO Shu-yang, XU Ke 2014, 31 (6):  1010-1016.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.05 Abstract ( 1068 )   PDF (1686KB) ( 1223 )   This research comprehensively evaluated the soil fertility of the controlled flooding irrigation silt in Gongwusu and thereafter determined the plantation productivities of different silt levels. The weight of the index was determined by analytical hierarchy process (AHP) (in MS Excel). The physical-chemical characteristics of the silt soil such as organic matter, alkali-hydro N, available P, available K, total N, total P, total K etc were obtained and tested by using AHP and Fuzzy mathematics method combined with soil sample analysis at the different silt levels. The results showed that the soil fertility index was 0.258 6 in the wind-sandy land which had no controlled flooding irrigation. The soil fertility indexes of the silt soil with once controlled flooding irrigation were 0.540 3, 0.383 4 and 0.387 8 in the upper, middle and lower reaches in area. Therefore, silt soils in the controlled flooding irrigation areas were classified into different levels according to the soil fertilities. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Impact of CO2 Density and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Soil Nitrogen in Drip Irrigation Cotton Field LV Ning, YIN Fei-hu, CHEN Yun, GAO Zhi-jian, LIU Yu, XIE Zong-ming 2014, 31 (6):  1017-1023.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.06 Abstract ( 1080 )   PDF (1898KB) ( 1026 )   This research, conducted in a semi-closed and top-open artificial climate chamber, investigated the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application at varied CO2 levels on the soil nitrogen content in a drip irrigation cotton field. Total N, NH+4-N and NO-3-N in soil were monitored and measured when cotton blooming at different N fertilizer application levels under certain CO2 density. The results showed that NO-3-N in the soil decreased with the increase of N fertilizer applied when CO2 density was at 540 μmol·mol-1 and the more the N fertilizer applied, the faster the decrease of NO-3-N in the soil while there was no significant change of the total N in the soil. Although the rate of decrease was less than under CO2 density was at 540 μmol·mol-1, NO-3-N and the total N in the soil decreased with the increase of the N fertilizer applied when CO2 density was at 720 μmol·mol-1 while NH+4-N in the soil increased with the increase of the N fertilizer applied. NH+4-N in the soil increased with the increase of the N fertilizer applied at all CO2 density levels in general. There was no obvious difference in soil nitrogen between different soil layers. The study suggested that it was appropriate for cotton to absorb and utilize N particularly NO-3-N when CO2 density was at 540 μmol·mol-1 and the N fertilizer applied at 300 kg·hm-2. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Investigation and Evaluation of the Chemical Fertilizer Application Situation of Farmland in Xinjiang LAI Bo, TANG Ming-yao, CHAI Zhong-ping, CHEN Bo-lang, LI Qing-jun, DONG Ju-he, WANG Fei, TIAN Chang-yan 2014, 31 (6):  1024-1030.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.07 Abstract ( 1585 )   PDF (1494KB) ( 1309 )   Based on the project of soil testing and formulated fertilization in Xinjiang from 2005 to 2011, the crop fertilization data from 363 645 farm families of 87 cities and counties by using the household sampling method were analyzed and evaluated. The results showed that the amount of chemical fertilizer applied in farmland in Xinjiang was 377.55 kg·hm-2.The amount of application ratio among N, P2O5 and K2O were 1∶0.62∶0.08. The amount of fertilizers applied on wheat, corn,cotton and grape were 345.45 kg·hm-2, 372.45 kg·hm-2, 451.50 kg·hm-2 and 659.25 kg·hm-2, respectively. The application ratio among N, P2O5 and K2O on wheat, corn, cotton and grape were 1∶0.62∶0.05, 1∶0.62∶0.07, 1∶0.58∶0.07 and 1∶0.89∶0.33, respectively. The fertilizer use efficiencies for wheat, corn, cotton and grape were 15.7, 28.18, 10.88 kg·kg-1 and 59.62 kg·kg-1 respectively. There was a great difference on fertilizer application amount across Xinjiang. Fertilizer application per unit area in southern Xinjiang is 474.45 kg·hm-2 which was significantly higher than 317.85 kg·hm-2 in the northern Xinjiang. The amount of fertilizers applied on economic crops were higher than on ordinary crops. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Climate Change

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Spatial-temporal Changes of Surface Albedo and Its Relationship with Climate Factors in the Source of Three Rivers Region ZHAO Zhi-zhong, ZHAO Kai, XU Jian-bo, XIAO Zhi-feng, CUI Jiang-feng, HONG Zhong 2014, 31 (6):  1031-1038.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.08 Abstract ( 1581 )   PDF (5092KB) ( 1707 )   Surface albedo, the fraction of surface incident solar radiation that is reflected back to space, which controls surface energy balance and affects the microclimate conditions of ecosystems, is a critical physical variable affecting the Earth’s climate. In this study, the MODIS albedo products (MCD43A3) from 2001 to 2010 were adopted to investigate the surface albedo temporal and spatial changes in the Source of Three Rivers Region (STRR). The results indicated that the surface albedo decreased from the west to in the east in general in the region. During 2001-2010, the mean surface albedo of STRR was 0.209, and mostly ranged from 0.15 to 0.25. The interannual variability of the surface albedo showed a moderate increase trend over the study period while the seasonal changes of the surface albedo seasonal cycle presents a “U” shape, which obviously decreased from winter to summer and then increased from summer to winter, with the lowest value appeared in Jun to September. Based on the meteorological data from fourteen climatic stations, the surface albedo had varied correlation relationships with the climate factors, such as temperatures and precipitations, in seasonal time scales rather than in annual time scales. The surface albedo had a significant and negative correlation with the climate factors in spring and autumn but had both positive and negative correlation coexisted in summer and winter. In conclusion, changes in temperature and precipitation can influence the vegetation cover as well as the soil moisture, which therefore affect the surface albedo. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Characteristics and Change Trend of the First and the Last Frost Dates in Ningxia in Recent 50 Years ZHANG Lei, WANG Jing, ZHANG Xiao-yu, WEI Jian-guo, DUAN Xiao-feng, LI Hong-ying, XIAO Yan-hong 2014, 31 (6):  1039-1045.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.09 Abstract ( 1291 )   PDF (2630KB) ( 913 )   Based on the daily minimum temperature data at 20 meteorological stations in Ningxia from 1961 to 2010, the first and the last frost dates were counted according to the frost indexes and statistics. Using statistical and climate diagnosis methods,the characteristics and change trend of the first and the last frost dates were analyzed. The results showed that the average first frost date came in early October while the average last frost date appeared in early May next year in Ningxia over the recent 50 years. However, it was not equal in the whole region. The earliest first frost date appeared in the mountain areas in the south, the next was in the dry areas in the middle and the latest first frost date appeared in the Yellow River irrigation area in the north. The last frost dates were sorted contrary with the first frost dates in the above three regions. In general,the average first frost date appeared late while the average last frost date came early in Ningxia in the last 50 years. The trend changes in the three regions showed no difference with the trend in the whole region. In 1960s and 1970s, the first frost dates were earlier and the last frost dates were later than the averages of the last 50 years. Since 1980s, the first frost dates were later or close to the average but the last frost dates were earlier or close to the average. The first frost date cumulative departures abruptly changed in 1974 for the whole region but the last frost date cumulative departures were changed in different years in the three regions which was in 1983 for the middle dry areas and the south mountain areas and was in 1982 for the Yellow River irrigation areas. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Ground Temperature Changing Trends and Characteristics of the Eastern Hexi Corridor DIN Wen-kui, YIN Yu-chun, YANG Xiao-ling, ZHAO Dong-xu 2014, 31 (6):  1046-1052.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.10 Abstract ( 1374 )   PDF (2871KB) ( 1004 )   Based on the varied temperature data from four climatic stations in the eastern Hexi corridor in the recent 50 years, the extreme value, the spatial-temporal distribution and changing trends of the ground temperatures were analyzed by using the linear trend coefficient method. The results showed that the ground temperature in the low altitude plain was higher than in the high altitude mountain area. The annual ground temperature presented an increasing trend over the study period with a six to nine-year circle. The seasonal ground temperature presented an increasing trend as well with a big increase in spring and summer. The monthly ground temperature was consistent with an obvious peak value in July and bottom value in January. The annual and seasonal average maximum and minimum ground temperature were generally rising but in an inconsistent pace. The increase of the annual mean minimum temperature was faster that the increase of the annual mean maximum temperature. The annual extreme high and low ground temperatures were also raising over the study period. The increase of the extreme low temperature was greater than the increase of the annual extreme high temperature. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Precipitation Spatial Distribution Characteristics in Beijing during 1978-2010 LIU Wei-dong, YOU Huan-ling 2014, 31 (6):  1053-1060.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.11 Abstract ( 1397 )   PDF (2564KB) ( 1702 )   Based on the daily precipitation data from 20 national meteorological stations around Beijing, this paper analyzed the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of precipitation amount, days and intensity over more than thirty years from 1978 to 2010. The results showed that the distribution of the total precipitation amount was closely related to the precipitation intensity rather than to the precipitation days. However, at different precipitation levels, the distribution of the precipitation amount had a strong relationship with the days instead of the intensity. The distribution of precipitation amount in different seasons was varied significantly while the number of precipitation days in different seasons was quite similar. For example, in the north-west part of Beijing, no matter in which season, the precipitation amount was always higher than in the other parts. In the south-west and the north areas, the precipitation days were higher in spring, summer and autumn. The precipitation intensity gradually decreased from the south-east to the north-west in spring and in summer but vice versa in autumn. In winter time, the city area and the area to the north part of the city had a strong precipitation intensity. In the last 33 years, the precipitation amount, days and intensity in most stations in Beijing showed an apparent decreasing trend. The change trend of the precipitation amount distribution was positively related to the precipitation intensity. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Extreme Precipitation in the Upper Reach of Hanjiang River in Recent 60 Years—A Case Study of Ankang Region JIN Jun-fang, YIN Shu-yan, PANG Jiang-li 2014, 31 (6):  1061-1067.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.12 Abstract ( 1144 )   PDF (2597KB) ( 784 )   Based on the daily precipitations and the annual peak discharge of Ankang region in recent 60 years, this paper analyzed the timing characteristics, the mutation characteristics of the extreme precipitation and the correlations between the precipitation and the flood disasters from 1953 to 2011 in Ankang region, using Mann-Kendall test, percentile threshold, moving average, correlation analysis and trend analysis combined with the precipitation indexes provided by WMO. The results showed that the maximum daily precipitation, the extreme precipitation intensity, the number of the extreme precipitation days and the amount of the extreme precipitations in Ankang region all presented waving rising trends in the past 60 years. The mutation of the maximum daily precipitation appeared in 1974 and significantly increased in 1983; the mutation of the number of the extreme precipitation days appeared in 2002 and significantly increased in 2011; the amount of the extreme precipitations and the extreme precipitation intensity both presented rising trends since 1997 but no mutation occurred. Since 1997, particularly from the beginning of the 20th century, the number of the extreme precipitation days, the amount of the extreme precipitations and the extreme precipitation intensity apparently and significantly increased in Ankang region while the total precipitation were decreasing. Therefore, the potential flooding disasters have called for more attentions in the upper reach of the Hanjiang river in Ankang area to build up the ability to ensure the safety of the people’s life and property and the security of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Temperature Variation Characteristics in Shanxi in Recent 52 Years ZHANG Li-hua, YAN Jun-ping, CHEN Li-min 2014, 31 (6):  1068-1072.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.13 Abstract ( 1149 )   PDF (1003KB) ( 1133 )   Based on daily temperatures of the last 52 years from 17 climatic stations in Shanxi, the spatial and temporal variation characteristics of temperature anomalies were analyzed by using Mann-Kendall-abrupt-change test, the method of Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis and linear trend analysis. The variation of the temperature in Shanxi presented the following characteristics over the study period. The temperature wavelike rising tendency had an abrupt change point in 1994 and showed a continuously warming trend since then. Although having a rising tendency in general over entire region, the distribution of the temperature presented an obvious spatial variations with varied terrain features. Under the influences of topography, monsoon and latitude, several temperature centers were distributed from the south to the north. Both the extreme minimum temperature and extreme maximum temperature in Shanxi had been rising over the study period and the increase of the extreme low temperature was higher than the increase of the extreme high temperature. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Rate of Temperature Increase in Recent 50 Years in Xinjiang CHEN Peng-xiang, MAO Wei-yi, BAI Su-qing, DUAN Jun-ze, CAO Meng 2014, 31 (6):  1073-1077.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.14 Abstract ( 1455 )   PDF (1579KB) ( 977 )   Based on the average temperatures from 89 meteorological stations in Xinjiang during the period from 1961 to 2010, the rate of the temperature increase was calculated by statistical method and counting GIS-based spatialization method. The results in different area were compared according to altitude. The results showed that ① the rate of the annual average temperature increase was 0.27 ℃·(10a)-1 and 0.32 ℃·(10a)-1 in Xinjiang calculated by GIS spatialization method and statistical method respectively while the rate of the ground surface temperature increase in mainland China was 0.23 ℃·(10a)-1 and 0.22 ℃·(10a)-1 in the northwestern China from 1951 to 2009. ② 15.7% of the weather stations were distributed in the areas with the altitude higher than 1 500 m, which accounted for 40.7% of Xinjiang. The rate of the annual average temperature increase by spatialization method is generally lower than the statistics from the climatic stations due to the uneven spatial distribution of the stations. ③ It’s more reasonable to use the GIS-based spatialization method rather than counting regional warming rate after GIS spatialization than the statistical GIS-based spatialization method included the data contributed from the areas without the weather stations. to analyze the rate of the temperature increase in Xinjiang because the icounting station data directly. Because the former method conciders landarea without human being more than the latter method, while meteorological station is ofter builded in anthropic zone. It’s especially important that the contribution of non-meteorological station data to the warming rate in Xinjiang which is a scarcely populated area. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Temporal Distribution Characteristics and Variation Trend of Rainfall Erosivity in the Core Area of Dongzhi Tableland ZHANG Xin, LI Qi-quan, GUO Jia, LIU Jiao, YUE Tian-xiang, FENG Qiang, LIU Xiang-jun, ZHENG Yan-fen 2014, 31 (6):  1078-1085.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.15 Abstract ( 1156 )   PDF (2219KB) ( 802 )   Rainfall erosivity reflects the potential ability of soil loss caused by rainfall and is an important factor in quantitative prediction of soil loss. Based on the daily rainfall data between 1951 and 2011 from Xifeng meteorological station, which is in the center of Dongzhi tableland, rainfall erosivity was estimated and its temporal distribution characteristics and variation trend were analyzed with the trend coefficient and Mann-Kendall test. The results showed that: ① the annual rainfall erosivity value (R value) ranged from 706.9 to 3 200.6 MJ·mm·hm-2·h-1·a-1, with an average of 1 634.7 MJ·mm·hm-2·h-1·a-1 in the past 61 years. The seasonal distribution of R value is a single peak, concentrating from July to September and taking 72.6% of total annual R value. R value of July is the largest one among all months within a year which is 520.9 MJ·mm·hm-2·h-1·a-1 and takes 31.9% of total annual R value. There is no erosive rainfall in winter (January, February and December) since 1954; ② The trend coefficients of annual, vernal, aestival and autumnal R value during 1951-2011 are 0.005, -0.104、0.054 and -0.016, which suggested that the trend of ascend or descend are not significant; ③ The rainfall erosivity of the core area of Dongzhi tableland shows a change in variability in the past 61 years, which means that there is little change in average rainfall erosivity but the standard deviation (SD) and variation coefficient (CV) of the R value change significantly. The SD and CV of annual rainfall erosivity increased significantly (P=0.030 and 0.044<0.05). Except for autumn, the SD of vernal and aestival rainfall erosivity increased by 38.5% and 36.3% respectively while the CV of vernal and aestival rainfall erosivity increased by 47.8% and 11.0% respectively. Although there were no significant increase of rainfall erosivity in the core area of Dongzhi tableland during 1951-2011, the increasing variability of rainfall erosivity may increase the risk of soil loss. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Biological Resources

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Response on Salsola passerina Seedlings Root, Stem and Leaf’s Ionic Homeostasis Under NaCl Salt Stress ZHAO Xin, SHI Yong, ZHANG Ji-wei, LI Xin-rong 2014, 31 (6):  1086-1092.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.16 Abstract ( 1330 )   PDF (3078KB) ( 860 )   This study focused on absorption and distribution of main ions in roots, stems and leaves of Salsola passerina seedlings which were soaked in NaCl solutions with concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 mmol·L-1 under salt stresses for 5 d and 10 d, respectively. The results showed that with the increase of the NaCl concentration, Na+ in seedlings was reduced but K+ was significantly increased; K+/Na+ ratio in leaves were increased accordingly; Na+ content in leaves was lower than that in roots and stems; Cl- content was decreased in the roots, stems and leaves while Ca2+ and Si4+ contents were increased. Under the same salt stress concentrations the K+/Na+ ratio gradually raised from roots to the leaves which presented a characteristic of the plant selectively transporting the K+ from roots to leaves while preventing Na+ entering into leaves. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Water Source of Root Suckers of Populus euphratica in the Tarim River Basin, Xinjiang PENG Gang, ZHAO Cheng-yi, LI Jun, HAN Ming, LI Ju-yan 2014, 31 (6):  1093-1099.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.17 Abstract ( 1194 )   PDF (1019KB) ( 890 )   Water source of Populus euphratica root suckers was investigated through stable isotope analysis, combined with plant water potential and root cutting experiment. Predawn xylem water potential (ψpd) of root suckers was significantly lower than that of parents, and the water used by root suckers was mainly from soils water 60 cm below the ground under the condition of that there was soil water in shallow layers prior to inundation. After the recession, δ18O of the upper layer soil water was depleted, associated with the δ18O of xylem water of root suckers. At the same time, water used by root suckers was mainly from soil water in shallow layers (0-60 cm), and the root suckers presented a significant higher ψpd than their parents. Excavation indicated that root suckers developed from parental root within 30 cm depth, without tap root. Further experiments showed that root suckers died from cutting their proximal (between sucker and parents) and distal (from root sucker to end) roots of the spacers, which suggested that the water maintaining root sucker growth was primarily from the parents. Our results suggested that P. euphratica root suckers obtained water primarily from parents’ distal roots of which the water absorption by shallow roots determines the soil water using patterns for root suckers. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Phylogenetic Relationships and Divergence Time of Brassicaceae Ephemeral Plants in Xinjiang LI Yan, FENG Ying, LIU Bin, LV Guang-hui, WANG Xi-yong 2014, 31 (6):  1100-1108.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.18 Abstract ( 1211 )   PDF (4733KB) ( 904 )   Using nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F(combination of trnL intron and trnL-trnF intergenic spacer)DNA sequences, this paper investigated the phylogenetic relationships of the Brassicaceae ephemeral plants in Xinjiang and explored the systematic relationship between ephemeral plants and non-ephemeral plants. The divergennt time of the ephemeral plants was estimated by using molecular clock theory. The main results of the research are as follows: The ephemeral plants are not recovered as a monophyletic group, but rather cluster into several clades which nest in the non-ephemeral plants; The ephemeral groups (genus/species) have close phylogenetic relationships with their taxonomic closely related non-ephemeral units (genus/species from same genus). The phylogenetic relationships of the ephemeral plants, Malcolmia, Leptaleum,Euclidium,Neotorularia, Tetracme, Lachnoloma, Sterigmostemum and Matthiola are grouped together, Sterigmostemum and Matthiola are more closely related and they are sister to the lineage comprised of Malcolmia,Leptaleum,Euclidium,Neotorularia,Tetracme and Lachnoloma; Chorispora, Litwinowia and Diptychocarpus are closely related; Tauscheria,Isatis and Pachypterygium have close phylogenetic relationship that members of the three genus nest with each other and they together have close relationship with Conringia; Goldbachia and Spirorrhynchus unit together and display close phylogenetic status; The ephemeral plants of Alyssum,Lepidium,Megacarpaea are grouped with the non-ephemeral members from the same genera, separately. It is likely that Megacarpaea is more close to Goldbachia and Spirorrhynchus. The divergent time of the ephemeral plants is estimated between 14-6 Ma that is the middle to the late Miocene which is earlier than the previous estimation of from the late Miocene to the early Pliocene. The intensive divergence of the ephemera plants in the middle and the late Miocene might be closely related with the uplift of Qinghai-Xizang plateau which caused aridification in the central Asia and speed up the formation of arid and semi-arid climate and the development of the ephemeral plants in the area. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Genetic Polymorphism of Microsatellite DNA in Schizothorax biddulphi Populations YANG Tian-yan, MENG Wei, GAO Tian-xiang, GUO Yan, MA Yan-wu, ZHANG Fu-chun 2014, 31 (6):  1109-1114.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.19 Abstract ( 1005 )   PDF (956KB) ( 859 )   Population variations and genetic structures of five Schizothorax biddulphi populations (Tashikuergan, Duolang headworks, Muzhati River, Yulongkashi River, Kalakashi River) were analyzed using seven pairs of microsatellite primers. A total of 34 bands were amplified by all primers in five populations and the sizes of amplified fragments were from 105 bp to 370 bp. The genetic distance between Yulongkashi River population (Y) and Tashikuergan population (T) was the largest while the genetic distance between Yulongkashi River population (Y) and Kalakashi River population (K) was the smallest. UPGMA cluster tree which was constructed based on genetic distance was divided into two branches. The AMOVA results showed that variance within populations accounted for 87.84% and among populations accounted for 12.16%. The value of the F-statistic (Φst) was 0.121 61 (P<0.01) which meant there were significant genetic differentiations among populations, and the Tashikuergan population had the highest genetic diversity. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Initial Analysis of the Intestinal Bacteria Diversity in Desert Euchoreutes naso ZHANG Zhe, KONG Yan, YIN Yan-qiang, LIU Bin 2014, 31 (6):  1115-1120.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.20 Abstract ( 1053 )   PDF (1176KB) ( 1025 )   Euchoreutes naso is defined as an endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is important to do the research and protection with Euchoreutes naso. Study of its intestinal microbial diversity has highly conservation value. Seventeen sequences were obtained through extracting the total DNA, building 16S rRNA clone libraries, analyzing the nucleotide fragment length polymorphism which was digested by Endonuclease Bsur I within 262 clones and sequencing the different operational taxonomic units. After Basic Local Alignment Search Tool(BLAST) aligned, six orders of the gained species were obtained, which were Clostridiales, Lactobacillales, Enterobacteriales, Bacillales, Bacteroidales and Mycoplasmatales. Therefore, the phylogenetic tree could show a visual result. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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A New Record of Diplozoidae in China WANG Xin, JIAO Li, JIA Shu-an, WANG Na, HAO Cui-lan, ZHU Meng-ying, YUE Cheng 2014, 31 (6):  1121-1124.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.21 Abstract ( 1428 )   PDF (630KB) ( 1094 )   It was the first time that Paradiplozoon homoion homoion Bychowsky et Nagibina, 1959 was found in China. Paradiplozoon homoion homoion Bychowsky et Nagibina, 1959, which was collected from the gills of Rutilus rutilus lacustris Pallas in the Irtysh River (Chinese section) in July 2010, belongs to Platyhelminthes, Monogenea, Diplozoinae, Paradiplozoon. Compared with the original Paradiplozoon homoion homoion Bychowsky et Nagibina, 1959, the morphological characteristics of the Paradiplozoon from the Irtysh River showed high similarities in basic morphological features but minor differences in structural sizes. The ITS2 rDNA sequence of the Paradiplozoon was tested and compared against the ITS2 rDNA sequences in Genebank for homogeneity. The results showed that the Paradiplozoon collected from the Irtysh River with a 100% of homogeneity in ITS2 rDNA sequence of the same species in Genebank. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Spatial Patterns of Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon and Factors Influencing the Distribution in a Typical Desert Ecosystem GUAN Hai-ying, ZHAO Xin, JIN Jia, ZHANG Si-nan, XU Lu 2014, 31 (6):  1125-1131.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.22 Abstract ( 1041 )   PDF (1327KB) ( 1232 )   Soil microbes, as main decomposers in desert ecosystems, play an important role in the carbon (C) cycle in arid lands. Using the geostatistical spatial autocorrelation method, this study explored the spatial distribution patterns of the surface soil microbial biomass carbon in a selected Tamarix chinensis desert ecosystem, a typical desert ecosystem and further analyzed the environmental factors affected the distribution. The results showed that the microbial biomass C varied from 14.1-1 178.6 μg·g-1 in the selected ecosystem, which was far more less than in the other ecosystem. The distribution presented as the higher the vegetation density, the larger the soil microbial biomass C. The soil microbial biomass exhibited a positive global spatial autocorrelation with its environmental factors and the local spatial autocorrelation Moran’s I indexes varied from -0.2 to 0.5. The soil microbial biomass had a positive and significant relationship (P<0.05) with soil moisture and soil temperature, with spatial correlation coefficients of 0.56 and 0.64, respectively. The results suggested that soil microbes in the desert ecosystem scale shows strong spatial heterogeneity and its distribution at 10 m level was heavily affected by vegetation density, soil moisture and soil temperature. This study would be in help to improve the understanding of the spatial distribution of soil carbon in arid lands and to define a finer spatial autocorrelation pixel scale accordingly. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Landscape Ecology

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Recent Changes of the Land Surface Temperature in Shijiazhuan City, Hebei Province SONG Yi-hao, JIA Bao-quan, JIANG Nan 2014, 31 (6):  1132-1140.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.23 Abstract ( 968 )   PDF (3007KB) ( 911 )   Using the image-based retrieval the land surface temperature (LST) and relative brightness temperature were obtained from Landsat TM thermal-infrared datasets after geometric rectification, radiometric correction and atmospheric correction were applied on the Landsant TM imagine, which were taken from 30 August 2004 to 15 August 2010 in Shijiazhuang. Based on the datasets, we analyzed the spatial distribution and changes of LST in the scale of the city area and different eco-regions. The spatial distribution of LST presented increase and decrease trends across the city. The LST presented an increase trend in the city area and along the Hutuo river valley and a decrease trend in the hilly areas in Zanhuang, Lingshou and Xingtang counties from 2004 to 2010. From the perspective of relative brightness temperature, the heat fields of the city were constituted by green islands and slight heat islands, which accounted for 92.33% and 88.24% of the area in the study period. In general, the heat field intensity was getting higher but presented different characteristics in different eco-regions with apparent increases in the western hilly area. Except for the global warming, the change of the land use and the decreased vegetation coverage, the expanding of the city area, the fixed assets investment and the real estate development all contributed to the increase of the heat field intensity. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Ecological Responses to Changing Landscape Patterns in Yushenfu Mining Area FENG Jian-min, DONG Gui-fang, GUO Ling-xia, WEN Qi 2014, 31 (6):  1141-1146.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.24 Abstract ( 987 )   PDF (1205KB) ( 813 )   The landscape structure evolution may significantly affected the regional ecological service value.Taking the TM images in 1990 and 2006, and ETM+ images in 2000 as underlying data, combined with analytical methods, we analyzed the landscape pattern change and estimated the ecosystem service values from 1990 to 2006 in Yushenfu Mining Area. The results showed that the landscape diversity index and evenness index were rising during the last 16 years while the landscape dominance index was falling. Woodland, construction and industrial land were expanding but cultivated land was decreasing. From 1990 to 2006, total value of ecosystem services (ESV) increased by 10.39×108 yuan in Yushenfu mining area. Meanwhile, the ESV of woodland increased by 14.59×108 yuan. On the contrary, the ESV of cultivated land reduced by 3.96×108 yuan. In summary, soil formation and conservation, water resources conservation, biodiversity protection and gas regulation occupied the main position of the ecological functions in the region and played important roles in the protection of the ecological environment. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Inversion of Natural Grassland Productivity from Remote Sensor Imagery in Zulihe River Basin XU Bao-quan, LIANG Chang-li, CHAI Ding-jian, SHI Wen-qun, SUN Guo-jun 2014, 31 (6):  1147-1152.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.25 Abstract ( 1091 )   PDF (1847KB) ( 1081 )   The re-normalized differential vegetation index (RNDVI) and ratio vegetation index (RVI) were calculated by using the Landsat 5 TM image data processed with geometric, atmospheric and radiometric calibrations. The natural grassland productivity GIS regression retrieval model was then established by using the above calculated indexes combined with the natural grassland biomass data from field work in the Zulihe River Basin. The accuracy of the indexes were assessed through the model. The results showed the RNDVI had a higher accuracy than RVI, with a correlation coefficient R2=0.939 (P=0.00). The spatial distribution of the natural grassland biomass was uneven across the Zulihe River Basin according to the RNDVI and the retrieved distribution. The vegetation biomass was apparently higher in the southern region than that in the north part. From the perspective of forage availability analysis, the unusable grassland accounted for 53.16% of the total grassland in the Basin while the usable grassland accounted for only 18.16%. The rest of the grassland, accounted for 28.67%, was restrictive usable. The animal husbandry would be limited by the natural grassland productivity and need to rely on livestock breeding to improve the population. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Comprehensive Evaluation on Ecosystem Services of Several Tipical Plantation in Desert Region of Xinjiang GUO Jing, WANG Rang-hui, ZHANG Ren-ping, NING Hu-sen 2014, 31 (6):  1153-1157.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.26 Abstract ( 1190 )   PDF (660KB) ( 905 )   In this study, taking the plantation in the Moyu county in Xinjiang as an example, based on the economic theories and the ecosystem law, an index system with four criterion and 12 index layers has been established through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The index system was suitable for ecosystem services of plantation forests in desert regions and comprehensive evaluations were conducted through the system on ecosystem services of plantation forests in the region. The results indicated that the descending order of the plantation forests ecosystem service functions were as Populus bolleana>Tamarix chinensis>Elaeagnus angustifolia>Elaeagnus angustifolia+Tamarix chinensis>Elaeagnus angustifolia+Populus bolleana+ Mulberry>Elaeagnus angustifolia+Populus bolleana, which provided scientific basis for choosing planting patterns of plantation in the region. It is favorable for setting up compensation mechanism in ecological fragile regions and guidelines for protecting desert ecosystem. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Wetlands of the Altai Mountains in Xinjiang NURLAN Haziz, NURBAY Abdusalih, HANS Josten, ALTAI Taibazar, CHEN Ke-lin 2014, 31 (6):  1158-1162.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.27 Abstract ( 1277 )   PDF (1249KB) ( 1321 )   Altai Mountain is the most concentrated area of mountain forest vegetation, biodiversity and wetland resources in Xinjiang, with unique biology groups, large numbers of rare species, but also the distribution area of the southern boundary of the taiga. This paper studied the Altai typical wetlands by using the methods of sampling the peats, remote sensing technology and landscape ecology. The results indicated that: First, Altai mountain marsh wetlands formed in the late Pleistocene-early Holocene deposits. Second, wetlands of Altai, different from wetlands of Central Asia and of any other districts in China, had unique high altitude and high latitude Siberia characteristics. Third, wetland resources were seriously degraded in the Altai Mountains under the influence of human activities and the climate changes. Research and protection of the wetlands were of great significance. Finally, the region was sensitive to the climate change. The wetland protection in the region was therefore very important. Otherwise, it would have significant and negative impact on the biodiversity, the ecosystem integrity, the landscape ecological service functions and the sustainable economic development of the region. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Mechanism of Energy Consumption on the Regional Development in Xinjiang from 1978 to 2010 WANG Chang-jian, DU Hong-ru, WANG Fei 2014, 31 (6):  1163-1169.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.28 Abstract ( 1216 )   PDF (1444KB) ( 980 )   Energy consumption has complex relationships with economic growth, urbanization, industrialization and fixed assets investment (FAI) in different regions and different development stages. We demonstrated the above causal relationships with the co-integration test and Granger causality test, and then analyzed the dynamic process during 1978-2010. The conclusions are as follows: since the opening and reform, the energy consumption has kept a long and stable relationships with industrialization, urbanization, economic growth and FAI in Xinjiang; there is a Granger causality relationship between energy consumption and industrialization but not between energy consumption and urbanization while economic growth and FAI have a one-way Granger causality relationship with the energy consumption; Whenever the industrialization index increases by 1%, it will lead to a 0.565% increase of energy consumption. If the energy consumption increases by 1%, the industrialization index will increase by 0.209%. When economic growth and FAI increase by 1%, energy consumption will increase by 0.848% and 0.571% respectively. At the moment, the energy resources are the favorable conditions for industrialization, the economic development and the fixed assets investment in Xinjiang. It is a fundamental proposition on how to ensure the stable and sustainable local energy supply and effective energy utilization, which related to the long-term stable regional economic development in Xinjiang. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Empirical Studies on Land Productivity under the Effects of Farmland Transfer—A Case Study of Manas County in the Northern Slope Economic Zone of the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang SUN Yi, YANG Jun-xiao, LIU Kai-hui 2014, 31 (6):  1170-1175.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2014.06.29 Abstract ( 1011 )   PDF (808KB) ( 1257 )   The purpose of the agricultural modernization is to improve the land productivity. From the perspective of the farmland transfer, this paper selected the land productivity and the labor productivity as two indicators to measure the farmland production efficiency, based on a 327-household survey data in Manas, a typical county in the northern slope economic zone of the Tianshan mountains in Xinjiang, using multiple linear regression model to analyze the impact of land transfer and land fragmentation on the farmland production efficiency. The results showed that the farmland transfer-in had a positive and significant impact on the increase of the labor productivity while the transfer-out had a positive relationship with the land productivity. There was a negative correlation between land productivity and land fragmentation. Therefore, this paper proposed that in the process of land transfer it is necessary to guide farmers through a variety ways to achieve the concentration of land contiguous operations, to reduce the degree of land fragmentation and to improve the moderate scale management of the agriculture land. References | Related Articles | Metrics