Table of Content

15 July 2023, Volume 40 Issue 7 Previous Issue    Next Issue

Weather and Climate

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Evaluation of multi-model precipitation simulation over the Tibetan Plateau in early winter SHEN Hongyan, WEN Tingting, ZHAO Xianrong, FENG Xiaoli 2023, 40 (7):  1027-1039.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.01 Abstract ( 189 )   HTML ( 13 )   PDF (19279KB) ( 86 )   The prediction performance of four seasonal prediction model systems (BCC_CSM 1.1, ECMWF_System 5, CFSv 2, and TCC_MRI-CGCM 3) was evaluated from a deterministic perspective. Focusing on the spatial distribution and temporal variation of precipitation climatology in early winter, BCC_CSM 1.1 exhibited the best prediction performance among the models. Additionally, TCC_MRI-CGCM 3 performed well in capturing the interannual variability of precipitation, followed by BCC_CSM 1.1. All models effectively simulated regional-uniform precipitation, with BCC_CSM 1.1 exhibiting the highest time correlation coefficient and TCC_MRI-CGCM 3 showing the highest pattern correlation coefficient. Although all models could reproduce the north-south reverse mode, BCC_CSM 1.1 outperformed the other models in terms of reproducing the spatial pattern and interannual variation, given the model’s strong prediction capability for the Eurasian (EU) teleconnection pattern and western Pacific subtropical high, as well as accurate simulations of the physical processes of El Ni?o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) that impact early winter Tibetan Plateau precipitation. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Spatio-temporal variation of snow cover in Altai Mountains of Xinjiang in recent 20 years and its influencing factors LI Hong, LI Zhongqin, CHEN Puchen, PENG Jiajia 2023, 40 (7):  1040-1051.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.02 Abstract ( 270 )   HTML ( 82 )   PDF (13267KB) ( 141 )   Using MOD10A2 snow product data from 2001 to 2020, along with digital elevation and meteorological data, the spatiotemporal variation of snow cover in the Altai Mountains, Xinjiang, and the influence of topographic and meteorological factors over this period were analyzed. The results indicated the following. (1) Snow cover percentage (SCP) in the Altai Mountains of Xinjiang exhibited a decreasing overall trend from 2001 to 2020, with the lowest and highest values observed in 2007 and 2010, respectively, and a variation rate of -5.69%·(10a)-1. Troughs were observed throughout the year, with maximum and minimum troughs in January and July, respectively. Seasonally, SCP increased in fall and decreased in the other three seasons. The uneven distribution of climate conditions, including temperature and precipitation, caused fluctuations in the timing of maximum annual snow cover occurrence. The Altai annual SCP reached its peak between 96.45% and 99.92%, primarily observed in January and December. The lowest coverage range was 0.84%-2.27%, which occurred in July and August. (2) SCP showed a positive correlation with altitude, with lower SCP values below 500 m (average of 8.11%) and higher values above 2000 m (average of 99.08% in an area with stable snow cover all year round). SCP varied depending on the slope, with the northwest slope exhibiting the highest values (28.45%) and the south slope showing the lowest values (18.36%). (3) Land surface temperature exhibited higher and lower distributions in the northeast and southwest, respectively, and was significantly positively correlated with altitude. Moreover, 67.65% of the Altai Mountain region showed a downward trend in snow cover frequency (SCF) from 2001 to 2020. High mountain areas experienced increasing SCF, whereas plain and river areas exhibited decreasing SCF. (4) Temperature was the main factor influencing snow cover change, being negatively correlated with SCF over 9.08 × 103 km2 (80.52% of the total Altai Mountain area). Therefore, as altitude increases, the impact of temperature on snow cover gradually diminishes. Annual average precipitation in Altai decreased gradually from northwest to southeast, and precipitation was positively correlated with 87.14% of regional SCF, with a weakened effect on SCF changes observed in high-altitude mountain areas and a more significant correlation observed in low-altitude areas. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of WQSRTP method in objective forecast of high and low temperature in Gansu Province WANG Jixin, LI Qian, LI Han, ZHANG Junxia, LIU Xinyu 2023, 40 (7):  1052-1064.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.03 Abstract ( 193 )   HTML ( 18 )   PDF (16729KB) ( 78 )   Based on the ECMWF fine grid numerical prediction product and the temperature observation data of the national assessment station, the weighted quasi-symmetric running training period method (WQSRTP) was used to generate the maximum (low) objective product of the smart grid in Gansu Province. The results were compared with the smart grid guidance forecast product (SCMOC) of China Meteorological Administration and the urban grid forecast product (SPCC) of Gansu Province. The results show that the WQSRTP correction method can significantly improve the ability to predict the 24 h maximum (low) temperature of the ECMWF fine grid numerical model, and the predictive accuracy of the 24 h maximum and minimum temperatures increased by 32.16% and 15.48%, respectively. Compared with SCMOC, SPCC, and ECMWF, the modified WQSRTP products are positive correction techniques, and the modified ability of maximum temperature is better than that of minimum temperature. According to the spatial error test, the WQSRTP correction method can effectively improve the accuracy of maximum (low) temperature forecast in the Qilian Mountains and the Southwest Mountains, and significantly reduce the mean absolute error. Moreover, the effect of correction for predicting the maximum temperature is better than that of minimum temperature. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Temporal and spatial variation of temperature in the Shule River Basin from 1951 to 2020 WANG Shiwei, SUN Dongyuan, ZHOU Min, WANG Yike, WANG Xiangbin, JI Zonghu, ZHANG Wenrui, WU Lanzhen 2023, 40 (7):  1065-1074.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.04 Abstract ( 168 )   HTML ( 11 )   PDF (14975KB) ( 106 )   The linear tendency, cumulative anomaly, and Mann-Kendall test were used to analyze the temporal and spatial variation of temperature in Dunhuang, Guazhou, and Yumen stations in the Shule River Basin from 1951 to 2020. The results revealed that (1) all stations experienced a significant upward trend in average temperature, with tendency rates of 0.244 °C·(10a)-1 (P<0.05) for Dunhuang station, 0.209 °C·(10a)-1 (P<0.05) for Guazhou station, and 0.195 °C·(10a)-1 (P<0.05) for Yumen station. (2) Dunhuang and Yumen stations exhibited a significant upward trend in average temperature across all seasons, except for a nonsignificant upward trend in summer. (3) the mutation years for average temperature at Dunhuang, Guazhou, and Yumen stations were 1998, 1997, and 1995, respectively, with the first main cycles being 58 a, 30 a, and 13 a, respectively. (4) and annual and seasonal average temperatures gradually increased from east to west in the Shule River Basin, with decreasing nonuniformity coefficients and concentration degrees also observed. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Land and Water Resources

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Research progress in non-rainfall water: A review YUAN Ruiqiang,Li Zejun 2023, 40 (7):  1075-1084.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.05 Abstract ( 198 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (630KB) ( 258 )   In dry and semi-arid environments, non-rainfall water is crucial for water balance and ecology and enhances regional water intake. To preserve ecological equilibrium, non-rainfall water may be a crucial water supply. However, owing to the longer wetting period of leaves, non-rainfall water may also contribute to the spread of diseases. This work discusses the measurement and modeling methodologies of dew, fog, and water vapor adsorption, examines the research development of dew, fog, and water vapor adsorption, and does a dynamic analysis of bibliometric hot spots to enhance our knowledge on non-rainfall water. The findings indicate that there is a minor movement of non-rainfall water between the ground and the atmosphere. Utilizing unique condensers will result in significant condensation. Pyramid condensers are more effective in collecting dew than plane condensers. Since non-rainfall water exhibits clear temporal and geographical fluctuation, it is difficult to monitor in real-world settings, which restricts relevant research. The regional focus is on non-rainfall water research. Studies on fog water mostly concentrate on coastal and mountainous locations, whereas studies on dew primarily concentrate on the site scale in arid and semi-arid regions. Water vapor adsorption typically takes place on dry ground. A hub for research on non-rainfall water is the Negev Desert in southern Israel. The focus of this study is on the collection and use of non-rainfall water and its impact on the environment’s ecology. The water cycle and the carbon biogeochemical cycle in arid and semi-arid regions are affected by the interaction between non-rainfall water and biological crust. Recently, the study on the interaction between non-rainfall water and biological crusts has grown radically. Understanding the origins and evolution of coastal fog is crucial to enhance the precision of coastal fog forecasts by considering all relevant meteorological, climatic, and boundary layer factors. The modeling of soil moisture adsorption remains a significant obstacle, nevertheless. Precipitation is less concentrated in heavy isotopes than dew or fog water. The stable isotope technique is a useful tool for researching the ecohydrological impacts of dew and fog water due to the variation in isotope composition. More research has been done on dew than on fog water or soil moisture adsorption. However, extensive regional research is limited, including long-term studies on non-rainfall water or studies on natural surface condensation. Current studies on non-rainfall water are unable to provide a comprehensive grasp of its spatiotemporal variance. Future research must discover and develop new technologies and new methods to collect, observe, and model non-rainfall water on natural surfaces, investigate the large spatial scale and long-term non-rainfall water observation and simulation, and reveal influences of non-rainfall water on the water cycle, eco-hydrology, and climatic change to deepen the understanding of non-rainfall water as a nontraditional water resource. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Actual evapotranspiration characteristics and attribution in arid Central Asia based on the Priestley-Taylor method ZHAO Zhuoyi, HAO Xingming 2023, 40 (7):  1085-1093.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.06 Abstract ( 213 )   HTML ( 6 )   PDF (18176KB) ( 101 )   Understanding the dynamic process of evapotranspiration and its causes is crucial for water resource stability, ecological and environmental security, and agricultural water resource management in arid Central Asia. Evapotranspiration is the connection between the water-energy-carbon cycle. This study used the Priestley-Taylor diurnal land surface temperature range (PT-DTsR) model to calculate and analyze the spatial and temporal variability of evapotranspiration in arid Central Asia from 2000 to 2019. It also used the Lindeman-Merenda-Gold method to quantitatively evaluate the absolute contributions of various drivers to each component of evapotranspiration. By weighing each component’s contribution to the change in evapotranspiration, the contribution of each driver to evapotranspiration was assessed. According to the findings, evapotranspiration increased in dry Central Asia at a rate of 1.45 mm per year, and its pattern indicates that it increased in the east and decreased in the west. The changes in transpiration, evaporation, and interception were 2.46 mm·a-1, -1.03 mm·a-1, and 0.02 mm·a-1, respectively. These three trends contributed 70.09%, 29.34%, and 0.57%, to the change in evapotranspiration. With an absolute contribution of 28.16%, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is the key driver of evapotranspiration fluctuations in arid Central Asia. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of temporal and spatial characteristics and driving forces of Kunlun glacial lakes MENG Chengfeng, ZHONG Tao, ZHENG Jianghua, WANG Nan, LIU Zexuan, REN Xiangyuan 2023, 40 (7):  1094-1106.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.07 Abstract ( 212 )   HTML ( 21 )   PDF (9009KB) ( 359 )   Investigating the variable features of Kunlun glacier lakes is crucial for the development of the local ecological environment. The area and number of glacial lakes in the Kunlun Mountains have changed over the past 20 years, and this paper used supervised classification based on the Google Earth Engine remote sensing cloud platform to study the changes. It also examined the driving factors of temperature, precipitation, and glacier area. The findings indicate: (1) There were 39.25% more glacial lakes in the Kunlun Mountains in 2020 than there were in 2000, and the area expanded by 81.35%, with a distribution pattern of more lakes in the west and fewer lakes in the east. (2) The Kunlun Mountain glacial lakes are primarily found at an altitude of 4600-5600 m, and the number and area of glacial lakes account for 71.58% and 70.51% of the total, respectively. These glacial lakes have a smaller area than 0.1 km2 and are more sensitive to climate change. (3) The temperature and precipitation in the Kunlun Mountains declined by 3.45%, 6.27%, and 21.15% from 2000 to 2020, respectively, as did the glacier area. The primary cause of the expansion of glacial lakes is the meltwater produced by glacier melting. The study’s findings may provide empirical justification for the preservation and use of water resources as well as for catastrophe warnings in dry regions. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research on soil respiration and its influence factors on Hedysarum laeve shrubbery of different ages at Mu Us sandy land HAI Long, ZHOU Mei, ZHANG Jiakai, HONG Guangyu, LI Fengzi, FEI Fei 2023, 40 (7):  1107-1116.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.08 Abstract ( 156 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (2772KB) ( 155 )   To explore the trend of the change of the soil respiration flux and main influencing factors in the process of desertification reversal, 9 a, 18 a and 30 a ages of Hedysarum laeve shrubbery and no afforestation quicksand land (CK) were selected at Mu Us sandy land in Northern China. Using the Li-8100 carbon flux observation system which produced in the United States, measured soil respiration from May to October. At the same time, the main influencing factors were determined and analyzed. The results showed that: (1) Both soil respiration rate and flux increased first and then decreased in the growth season from May to October, and the highest value appeared in July. (2) The soil respiration rate and flux showed a continuous increasing trend with the age of the Hedysarum laeve shrubbery, the Q10 value shows a continuous downward trend. From May to October in the growing season, the order of average soil respiration rate was: 30 a（2.16 μmol·m-2·s-1）>18 a（1.98 μmol·m-2·s-1）>9 a（1.41 μmol·m-2·s-1）>CK（0.24 μmol·m-2·s-1）; the soil respiration carbon flux was 30 a (365.74 g C·m-2)>18 a (313.63 g C·m-2)>9 a (218.66 g C·m-2)>CK (40.08 g C·m-2). (3) The seasonal variation of soil respiration rate in CK, 9 a and 18 a plots was mainly affected by the coupling effect of soil temperature and water (P<0.01), while the main control factor in 30 a plots was soil temperature (P<0.01). (4) Soil respiration flux was positively correlated with vegetation biomass, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content (P<0.05). Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Changes, influencing factors and sensitivity of water use efficiency in maize farmland ecosystems based on evapotranspiration separation in the Ningxia irrigated area ZHUANG Haoran, FENG Kepeng, XU Dehao 2023, 40 (7):  1117-1130.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.09 Abstract ( 147 )   HTML ( 9 )   PDF (15097KB) ( 54 )   Water use efficiency (WUE) is an important indicator of the carbon-water cycle of farmland ecosystems and is of great significance for guiding agricultural irrigation and improving water productivity. Ningxia Irrigation area is a large-scale irrigation district located in the arid climate zone of China, where the corn planting area is the largest. Based on eddy flux observation of actual evapotranspiration (ET) of farmland ecosystems, this paper used the hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope method to segment evapotranspiration and estimated the total primary productivity (GPP) of typical maize farmland ecosystems in the Yellow River irrigation area of Ningxia using the LUE (Light Use Efficiency) model. Population Water Use Efficiency WUET = GPP/T, Ecosystem Water Use Efficiency WUEET = GPP/T, and Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency IWUEVPD = (GPP·VPD)/ET were calculated. Then, the relationship between different WUE and environmental factors, such as air temperature, saturated water vapor pressure difference, CO2 concentration, effective photosynthetic radiation, and soil water content was analyzed from three aspects: functional response relationship, correlation, and sensitivity. The result showed that the variation of actual evapotranspiration in the growing season of the maize agro-ecosystem in the Ningxia yellow irrigation area was single-humped, and the trends of crop transpiration and actual evapotranspiration were consistent. The variation of water use efficiency in the growing season was different among the three species, with WUET showing a “W-shaped” variation pattern during the growing season while WUEET and IWUEVPD showed a “single-hump” variation pattern. All three WUE peaks occurred at the male tasseling stage, reaching (5.90 kg C·m-3·H2O, 5.02 kg C·m-3·H2O, 32.9 kg C·hPa·m-3·H2O) respectively. The three kinds of water use efficiency began to decrease in the late filing period, and WUET increased slightly in the late ripening period due to weak transpiration. Among the five environmental factors, WUET, WUEET and IWUEVPD were positively correlated with soil water content, and the correlation and sensitivity were the strongest. The three water use efficiencies were significantly negatively correlated with VPD, with the second strongest correlation and sensitivity. Air temperature, photosynthetically active radiation, and CO2 concentration were negatively correlated with the three kinds of WUE but not critical factors. Therefore, soil moisture and VPD are the key factors affecting the WUE of the maize farmland ecosystem in the Yellow River irrigation area of Ningxia. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Plant Ecology

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Effects of different salt types on seed germination and seedling growth of Poa annua LI Juanxia, BAI Xiaoming, ZHANG Cui, RAN Fu, LI Ping, YAN Yubang, ZHANG Caizhong, ZHU Yanan, CHEN Hui 2023, 40 (7):  1131-1140.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.10 Abstract ( 149 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (14796KB) ( 34 )   The effects of different salt types and concentrations on the germination characteristics of Poa annua seeds were studied using the Petri dish method in this study. The relative germination rate, potential, index, vigor, bud length, radicle length, and salt damage rate were measured, analyzing the responses of P. annua seed germination and seedling growth to different salt types. The results indicated that: (1) P. annua from Yongchang had superior germination and seedling growth characteristics compared with the other provenances. (2) various salt types and concentrations significantly inhibited seed germination and seedling growth, with alkaline salts exhibiting stronger toxicity compared with neutral salts, and radicles being more sensitive than buds during germination; and (3) the salt toxicity of different salt types during P. annua seed germination ranked as follows: Na2CO3>NaHCO3>Na2SO4>NaCl. Therefore, this study provides a scientific basis for planting P. annua for ecological restoration of different types of saline lands. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Understory plant community diversity of Robinia pseudoacacia plantation with different densities in the loess plateau of western Shanxi Province WANG Siqi, ZHANG Jianjun, ZHANG Yanqin, ZHAO Jiongchang, HU Yawei, LI Yang, TANG Peng, WEI Zhaoyang 2023, 40 (7):  1141-1151.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.11 Abstract ( 180 )   HTML ( 10 )   PDF (3477KB) ( 141 )   Stand density has an important effect on understory plant community structure and species diversity of Robinia pseudoacacia plantations. Identifying changes of understory plant community structure and species diversity under different stand densities is helpful for vegetation restoration and improving forest ecological function in loess regions. Taking a R. pseudoacacia plantation in the Loess area of western Shanxi as the focus of study here, the understory community composition characteristics, growth characteristics, and species diversity associated with six stand densities (950, 1450, 1950, 2450, 2950 and 3450 trees·hm-2) were analyzed through field investigation. The following results were obtained: (1) The study identified 77 species of understory plants in 65 genera in 39 families, including shrubs of 36 species from 29 genera in 16 families, and herbs of 41 species from 36 genera in 25 families. The number of species in the shrub layer peaked when the stand density was 1950 trees·hm-2, and the number of species in the herb layer peaked when the stand density was 2450 trees·hm-2. The understory community of R. pseudoacacia forest mainly consists of Rosaceae, Compositae, Gramineae, and Caprifoliaceae. With increasing stand density, the dominant species transition from heliotropic species and intermediate species to shade species. (2) The height and aboveground biomass of shrubs decreased with increasing stand density. The aboveground biomass of herb layer had no significant difference among stand densities (P>0.05), and the total coverage of shrub and grass community showed little change. (3) With increasing stand density, Margalef richness index and Shannon-Wiener diversity index of the shrub layer first increased and then decreased, and peaked when the stand density was 1950 trees·hm-2, while the Simpson dominance index and Pielou evenness index showed gradually decreasing trends. The Margalef richness index and Shannon-Wiener diversity index of the herb layer peaked when the stand density was 2450 trees·hm-2, while the Simpson dominance index and Pielou evenness index peaked when the stand density was 1950 trees·hm-2. (4) The similarity of species composition of understory communities in R. pseudoacacia forest of different densities was above the medium level. When the stand density was 1950-2450 trees·hm-2, the understory community species diversity of R. pseudoacacia plantation was optimal, which was conducive to the improvement and sustainable development of its ecological function. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Seed germination and dormancy traits of fruit heteromorphism species Lycium ruthenicum in an elevational heterogeneity environment Reyilamu MAIMAITUERXUN, Halibunuer , Aysajan ABDUSALAM 2023, 40 (7):  1152-1163.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.12 Abstract ( 142 )   HTML ( 5 )   PDF (5993KB) ( 83 )   A national second-class protected food and medicinal plant, Lycium ruthenicum grows in Northwest China’s arid, arid-land climate. At various elevation populations in southern Xinjiang, China, this species produces flat and spherical fruit individuals and noticeably varied heteromorphic fruit individuals. We studied seed sets and their quality, seed germination and dormancy, and drought stress responses of both types of fruits from different elevation populations in laboratory settings, as well as the adaptive strategies of this species in different climate weather populations at southern Xinjiang to better understand how the heteromorphic fruit of this species adapted to its different climate desert habitat. Flat fruits had a larger seed set than globular fruits. Moreover, the seed set was reduced for both types of fruits with the increasing elevation, while seed quality improved for the same as elevation increased. The ability of seeds to absorb water is greater in low-elevation populations than in high-elevation populations, and the ability of seeds in flat fruit to absorb water is greater than that of globular fruit. The major elements that were employed to disrupt L. ruthenicum seed dormancy and increase seed germination were high temperature (20-30 °C), low concentration (0.1 mmol·L-1 of GA3), and dark mode circumstances. The drought resistance of globular fruit seeds in low-elevation populations was greater than that of high-elevation populations, and they were 30% more susceptible to drought stress. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Ecology and Environment

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Spatial allocation pattern of near-natural vegetation for ecological restoration of abandoned mines in the Wula Mountains ZHANG Zeyu, WU Xiaojing, LIANG Yipeng, ZHANG Xiaoxia, ZHA Tonggang 2023, 40 (7):  1164-1171.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.13 Abstract ( 156 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (1600KB) ( 256 )   This study addresses the insufficient trade-offs between regional vegetation diversity and topographic differentiation during restoring vegetation processes in abandoned mines. Based on the basic principles of near-natural restoration, this study examines the primary factors determining a classification of different site types, clarifies the spatial distribution patterns of vegetation and near-natural vegetation configuration modes under various site types, and establishes a foundation for near-natural vegetation configuration for ecological restoration in abandoned mine areas. It is crucial to understand the features of the plant communities of various site types for the selection and allocation of species during the restoration of ecological services in abandoned mines. Herein, we employed field investigation and indoor analysis as our study methodologies, situated within abandoned mines of Inner Mongolia’s Wula Mountains. Using principal component, correlation, and cluster analyses, we chose nine indicators, including topographic features and soil properties (slope, slope position, slope direction, available phosphorus, total phosphorus, available potassium content, soil hardness, soil thickness, and soil texture), to identify the dominant site types. The variations in plant community traits (e.g., biomass and diversity) among different site types were then compared. Based on correlation analysis and principal component analysis, the results indicated that slope, slope location, and soil hardness were the key characteristics for classifying different types of sites. The research region was classified into three site type groups and nine site types. The biomass, vegetation coverage, Margalef richness index, and Shannon-Wiener diversity index are greater for the gentle-middle slope-medium hard soil site type, slope-middle slope-medium hard soil site type, and lower for the steep-middle slope-hard soil site type than for other site types. This is because of the variations in moisture, nutritional, and light conditions across the site types owing to topographic influences. In comparison to moderate slopes, steep slopes are more vulnerable to soil erosion caused by gravity and wind, as well as moisture and nutrient loss. Nutrient conditions are better at the downhill than in and on the slope due to the change in slope position. Additionally, too soft or too hard soil does not support the plants’ development. Consequently, the biomass and diversity of various site types on abandoned mining sites vary. Therefore, we must consider the effect of site conditions and create the spatial layout of vegetation according to distinct site types when creating near-natural vegetation for mine ecological restoration. We advise the herbaceous mode for poorer habitat types, such as the steep-middle slope-hard soil site type (with a configuration ratio of perennial herb∶annual herb = 4∶1). We recommend the irrigation and grass mode for better-maintained areas. Examples of these site types include gentle-middle slope-medium hard soil (with a configuration ratio of perennial herb∶annual herb∶shrub or semi-shrub = 5∶4∶1) and slope-middle slope-medium hard soil (with a configuration ratio of perennial herb: annual herb: shrub or semi-shrub = 7∶2∶1). Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Construction of an ecological security pattern and zoning optimization for territorial space in the Liupan Mountain Area BAO Yubin,WANG Yaozong,LU Feng,LIU Zizeng,MA Dawei,YANG Yong,WU Juan,ZHANG Yongkang 2023, 40 (7):  1172-1183.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.14 Abstract ( 178 )   HTML ( 9 )   PDF (23049KB) ( 73 )   The establishment of an ecological security pattern is a crucial step in ensuring human well-being and healthy growth. It is a particular measure for putting the notion of “life community” into reality. The critical ecological location and abundant ecological resources of Ningxia’s Liupan Mountain Area make it indispensable in ensuring regional ecological security. In this study, we use the InVEST model and the circuit theory landscape model (Circuitscape) to completely integrate the benefits of ecosystem service assessment and ecological corridor identification. Meanwhile, we use the “sources-corridors-nodes” paradigm to build the ecological security pattern and complete ecological restoration zoning. According to the findings, there are 75 ecological sources in the Liupan Mountain Area, accounting for 21.8% of the total study area, which exhibits the characteristics of mountain spatial pattern and county expansion and serves as ecological strategic points and nodes in the construction of ecological security patterns. With a total length of 211.6 km, 47 significant ecological corridors link the nature reserves and the primary ecological sources. Meanwhile, 547 ecological pinchpoints and 217 ecological barriers, totaling 626.9 km2 and 893.9 km2, need urgent conservation and restoration. The area of ecological barriers accounts for 17.4% of the total, which requires the most stringent ecological protection to maximize the regional ecological radiation effect. Meanwhile, the proportions of conservation areas, restoration and improvement areas, and control and coordination areas are 6.5%, 38.2%, and 37.9%, respectively. To limit the danger of ecological deterioration, protected zones have strengthened surveillance of closed slopes and prohibited grazing, as well as plant regeneration. The restoration and improvement regions need the implementation of diverse strategies to enhance ecological quality to sustain the ecological network’s healthy, stable, and virtuous cycle and to capitalize on the ecological buffer zone impact. To thoroughly coordinate and maintain development, it is critical to scientifically outline the three zones and three lines, as well as enhance the degree of land conservation and intense usage. The findings might be useful for integrated and systematic ecological conservation and restoration, as well as policy development and project layout in the Liupan Mountain Area. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Agricultural gray water footprint in the Tarim River Basin using SDGs analysise DU Huijuan, WANG Guangyao, RAN Guangyan, LYU Mi 2023, 40 (7):  1184-1193.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.15 Abstract ( 169 )   HTML ( 8 )   PDF (4494KB) ( 253 )   The dry Tarim River Basin in Northwest China acts as a crucial ecotone for Xinjiang’s agricultural and grazing resources. Therefore, studying agricultural nonpoint source pollution is essential for the green and sustainable growth of basin agriculture. This research offers a gray water footprint theory-based assessment index for China’s sustainable development. Furthermore, the Tarim River Basin’s regional and temporal variation patterns are examined using SDGs framework. The agricultural gray water footprint’s intensity and efficiencies are estimated for 2006-2020. The findings are shown as below. (1) The Tarim River Basin’s entire agricultural gray water footprint has reduced, falling from 6.95×1010 m3 in 2006 (highest value) to 3.96×1010 m3 in 2017 (lowest value). The main source of the gray water footprint is animal husbandry. (2) In the Tarim River Basin, the intensity of the agricultural gray water footprint has decreased by 62.5% from 4.48×104 m3·hm-2 in 2006 to 1.68×104 m3·hm-2 in 2017. (3) The Tarim River Basin’s agricultural gray water footprint efficiency has increased from 0.6 yuan·m-3 in 2006 to 4.03 yuan·m-3 in 2019. To sum up, initiatives to improve the water environment in the Tarim River Basin should emphasize encouraging the integrated development of agriculture and animal husbandry in agricultural areas, modifying the livestock and poultry breeding structure and putting livestock and poultry manure recycling into practice. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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The impact of farmers’ livelihood capital on the sensitivity of livelihood strategy choice in the Shafeng District: Taking Linze County as an example LE Fangjun, LUO Yongzhong, GUO Yanjun, LUO Xin, GUI Jie 2023, 40 (7):  1194-1202.  doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2023.07.16 Abstract ( 139 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (3591KB) ( 89 )   Sand bound land protection area (sand bound area) is an important means to prevent desertification, restore vegetation, maintain ecological security, and promote sustainable economic and social development of contiguous sand bound land that does not have control and development. As primary body of the operations in sand bound area, farmers’ construction has an impact on their livelihood. To explore the impact of livelihood capital on livelihood strategy selection in this region. This paper adopts the participatory rural assessment method (PRA) and takes Linze County of Zhangye City as an example. Based the sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA) sustainable analysis framework paired with binary logistic regression model. The results show that (1) Natural and human capital significantly affect the choice of pure agricultural livelihood strategy. Material and social capital have significant influence on the choice and agriculture livelihood strategy. Financial capital is the main factor of non-agricultural livelihood strategy selection (2) The reserves livelihood capital affect farmers’ choice of different types of livelihood strategies, and the more reserves, the stronger the sensitivity of choice. (3) The willingness of different types of farmers to adjust the existing livelihood strategy is very different, 68% of pure farmers and 56% of part-time farmers hope to adjust the existing livelihood strategy; 63% of non-farmers are unwilling to adjust their existing livelihood strategies. The conclusion provides a theoretical basis for improving the livelihood and ecological security of local farmers and promoting the sustainable development of social economy. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics