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Multi-scenario simulation of synergistic dynamics in ecosystem services within Shennongjia National Park ZHENG Binbin, ZENG Jie, CUI Xinyu, LI Jiangfeng, YANG Meng, YANG Tian Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (2): 325-336.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202602.021 Abstract （505）      PDF（pc） （4792KB）（21）       Knowledge map    Save Understanding the trade-offs, synergies, and dynamics among ecosystem services (ESs) under both current and future conditions is crucial foundation for promoting holistic ecosystem conservation and scientific management of national park. Using the PLUS and InVEST models, we assessed land use and ES changes of Shennongjia National Park in 2030 and 2050 under three scenarios: Natural development, ecological conservation, and tourism development. We used Spearman correlation analysis and K-means clustering to identify trade-offs and synergies among ESs, delineate the functional structure of ES bundles, and examine their dynamics. The results showed that different ESs exhibited distinct evolutionary trends from 2020 to 2050. Recreational services remained relatively stable overall. Water yield, soil conservation, and habitat quality showed declining trends, with the most significant reductions under the tourism development scenario by 359769.00 mm, 28388.70 t, and 0.11, respectively. Carbon storage increased significantly only under the ecological conservation scenario, with a gain of 102096.71 t. Relationships among ESs under different scenarios were predominantly synergistic and showed notable changes. Under the natural development and tourism development scenarios, trade-offs weakened while synergies strengthened. The relationship between carbon storage and water yield shifted from trade-off to synergy. Under the ecological conservation scenario, trade-offs and synergies remained largely unchanged. Based on K-means clustering of ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies, four distinct types of ES bundles were identified: strict protection, science education and recreation, community livelihood, and ecological restoration. The spatial patterns of ES bundles showed minimal variation and remained relatively stable across different scenarios. Based on the distribution patterns and internal characteristics of different ES bundles, we proposed corresponding ecological management strategies to provide a scientific basis for the holistic conservation of national park ecosystems. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Branch architectural features of Populus euphratica in the lower reaches of the Tarim River using terrestrial laser scanning Zaimila AIHEMAITI, Asadilla YUSUP, Ümüt HALIK, Alfidar ARKIN, HU Xiaomei, QING Xiandong, JIANG Jinfeng Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (6): 1739-1747.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202606.003 Abstract （429）      PDF（pc） （2745KB）（0）       Knowledge map    Save Branch architecture is the spatial structure formed by branching within the canopy, which directly affects tree growth, function, and ecological adaptation. To reveal the morphological adaptation mechanisms of Populus euphratica to extremely arid environments, we used terrestrial laser scanning to scan 51 individual P. euphratica trees in the lower reaches of the Tarim River. We reconstructed the branch structure using the quantitative structural model TreeQSM, extracted the geometric parameters of first- to third-order branches, and analyzed the allometric relationships among different branch orders, vertical distribution patterns of branches, as well as the correlations between architectural parameters (number of branche, length, and angle), and tree structural parameters (tree height, diameter at breast height, crown base height, crown diameter, crown area, crown volume, and crown height ratio). The results showed that the mean numbers of first-, second-, and third-order branches of individual trees were 9.2, 68.1, and 567.1, respectively; the corresponding mean branch lengths were 2.70, 1.18, and 0.30 m; and the mean branch angles were 53.30°, 61.33°, and 62.61°, respectively. With increasing branch order, branch number increased, branch length decreased, and branch angle increased slightly. The ratios of branch number of first- to second-order branches and second- to third-order branches were 1:8 and 1:9, respectively, while the corresponding length ratios were 2.15:1 and 4:1. Branches were mainly distributed within the 3-5 m canopy height range. The lengths of first- and third-order branches decreased with increasing canopy height, whereas second-order branch lengths varied only slightly with canopy height. Among the first- to third-order branches, all architectural parameters except the number of first-order branches increased with increasing diameter at breast height (DBH). The numbers and lengths of first- to third-order branches in P. euphratica exhibited clear allometric growth patterns and vertical distribution characteristics, and DBH was an important structural parameter for characterizing branch architecture. These results would provide support for fine-scale structural inversion and quantitative functional studies of P. euphratica branches. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Effects of photovoltaic projects on desert ecosystems: A review HAN Peng, XIE Yucai, YE Lin, WANG Sen, REN Tingting, LI Ang, WEI Cunzheng, TIAN Qiuying Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2025, 36 (12): 3871-3878.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202512.004 Abstract （407）      PDF（pc） （1263KB）（20）       Knowledge map    Save The rapid development of the photovoltaic (PV) industry is boosting the energy transition, while exerting profound impacts on fragile ecosystems such as deserts and saline-alkali lands in northwestern China. We reviewed the effects of photovoltaic projects on microclimates, soils, vegetation, and biological soil crusts (BSCs). PV projects could improve the local environment through shading, humidification, and windbreak effects, and thus facilitate vegetation restoration and BSCs development, while it could improve potentially the heat island effects, which might further alter biotic community structures. These ecological responses exhibit spatiotemporal variations. The restoration process of ecosystems exert feedbacks on efficiency and operational stability of photovoltaic power generation, collectively forming a coupled system of “PV-climate-soil-organism”. Currently, long-term monitoring and in-depth mechanistic analysis studies are rather scarce. Future research should prioritize cross-scale and interdisciplinary investigations to provide scientific basis for the coordinated development of PV base construction and ecological conservation in fragile arid and semi-arid regions. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Degradation mechanisms and microbial remediation of micro- and nanoplastics: A comprehensive review CHANG Xiao, LIU Qian, SUN Mengyao, ZHONG Rongzhen Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2025, 36 (11): 3535-3548.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202511.034 Abstract （334）      PDF（pc） （2594KB）（124）       Knowledge map    Save Micro/nano plastics are emerging pollutants of global concerns due to their environmental persistence and potential ecological toxicity. We reviewed the generation pathways and microbial degradation mechanisms of micro/nano plastics, and assessed the application potential of microbial remediation. The abiotic degradation pro-cesses of micro/nano plastics mainly include photo-oxidation, thermal cracking, mechanical crushing, hydrolysis, and ozone degradation. Microorganisms gradually degrade high-molecular-weight polymers into oligomers and monomers by secreting depolymerases, and ultimately complete the biological mineralization process of micro/nano plastics. Microbial treatment technologies for the degradation of micro/nano plastics mainly include the use of high-tempera-ture resistant bacteria for ultra-high temperature composting and the genetic engineering of strains to synthesize enzymes capable of degrading micro/nano plastics. The bottlenecks for these technologies include low degradation efficiency, poor environmental adaptability, and difficulties in engineering scale-up. Future research should enhance experimental simulations of plastics under weathering or aging conditions, focus on exploring and utilizing microorganisms in extreme environments, and develop degradation enzyme systems based on synthetic biology for modification and optimization. Meanwhile, efforts should be made to promote their coupled application and large-scale verification with solid waste or sludge treatment processes, in order to provide technical support for the effective control of micro/nano plastic pollution. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Current status and prospects of terrestrial ecosystem carbon sink in the Dongting Lake Basin, China CHEN Ming, LI Zhongwu, NIE Xiaodong, WANG Shilan, RAN Fengwei, CHEN Yue Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2025, 36 (11): 3501-3511.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202511.010 Abstract （325）      PDF（pc） （919KB）（16）       Knowledge map    Save The enhancement of carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems is regarded as one of the most effective measures for mitigating global carbon emissions and climate change. Compared to that at the local scale, watershed terrestrial ecosystems at the watershed scale typically exhibit the characteristics of more complex hydrological processes, intense anthropogenic disturbance, independence and intact. The Dongting Lake basin, as one of the most representative watershed in China, exhibits low carbon sink stability but significant carbon sequestration potential. We reviewed current research on the spatiotemporal patterns, carbon storage, sequestration potential, and carbon storage stability along the Dongting Lake basin, and proposed future research prospects. Currently, the mea-surement and monitoring of terrestrial ecosystem carbon sinks primarily rely on conventional models, with the limitations of inconsistent validation standards, relatively low precision, and neglecting anthropogenic disturbances. Data sources are predominantly confined to land use and remote sensing imagery, which often suffer from insufficient spatial resolution and untimely updates, leading to considerable uncertainties in carbon sink estimation. Overall, forest ecosystems are the primary contributors to carbon sequestration across the basin, while farmland and wetland ecosystems exhibit substantial carbon sequestration potential. Further attention should also be directed toward the complex hydrological conditions and regional characteristics. There is a critical need to develop carbon cycle models that couple watershed hydrological processes with biogeochemical cycles. Additionally, we require a systematic assessment and quantification of the mechanisms underlying the influences of human activities on ecosystem carbon sequestration. Such efforts are essential for more accurately evaluating the carbon sequestration function, potential, and multi-scale drivers of the terrestrial ecosystem in the Dongting Lake basin, thereby offering scientific support for achieving China's “Dual Carbon” goals. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Research advances in soil microbial carbon use efficiency in response to climate change DANG Jianyu, MA Xiaojian, YANG Xinyi, PAN Yuliang, HE Xunyang, WANG Kelin, LI Dejun, DUAN Pengpeng Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (2): 609-621.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202602.035 Abstract （319）      PDF（pc） （1671KB）（15）       Knowledge map    Save Soil microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE), defined as the proportion of assimilated carbon allocated to microbial growth versus maintenance, is a key parameter regulating terrestrial soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. The response of CUE to climate change and its feedbacks profoundly affect global carbon cycle and soil carbon sequestration. At present, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the mechanisms underlying the responses of CUE to climate change and the ecological consequences. We synthesized research progress on soil microbial CUE over the past 20 years. First, we clarified the basic concept and computational approaches of CUE, and compared the principles, strengths, and limitations of three mainstream measurement techniques (isotope labeling method, stoichiometric model, and thermodynamic efficiency method). Second, we summarized the key biotic and abiotic factors influencing CUE. Focused on the mechanisms underlying the main and interactive effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration, climate warming, and altered precipitation patterns on microbial CUE, and based on a “resource-cost trade-off” framework, we discussed the potential mechanisms underlying the heterogeneous responses of CUE across different ecosystems, and summarized the bottlenecks and challenges that still existed in current research regarding methodological standardization, the analysis of deep soil processes, the quantification of multi-factor interaction effects, and the application of CUE in earth system models (ESMs). We proposed an integrative research framework spanning from micro-scale metabolic mechanisms to macro-scale carbon cycling patterns, emphasizing the need for methodological innovation, multi-scale networked observations, and model-experiment integration, to thoroughly reveal the dynamics and adaptive mechanisms of CUE under climate change. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Impact of forest succession on soil microorganisms and soil multifunctionality in subtropical forests GAO Shuo, LIAO Hong, XU Songbai, YANG Wenrong, LIU Shuguang, GAO Dandan Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (2): 417-426.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202602.005 Abstract （311）      PDF（pc） （2631KB）（18）       Knowledge map    Save This study focused on the early-, mid- and late-stage of subtropical forests, as represented by Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations (with stand ages of 5, 10, and 20 years), the mixed coniferous-broadleaf forests, and broadleaf forests, respectively. Using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing techniques, we investigated the variations of rare and dominant soil microbial groups and soil multifunctionality across the succession stages. The results showed that forest succession altered the composition and structure of rare and dominant groups of microbial communities, significantly increased the abundance of dominant and rare soil microorganisms, but reduced their diversity. As succession progressed, the relative abundance of the rare bacterial phylum Planctomycetes significantly increased, the relative abundances of the phyla Bacteroidota, Chloroflexota, Gemmatimonadota, and Proteobacteria significantly decreased, while the relative abundance of the dominant fungal phylum Zygomycota significantly increased. With forest succession, soil multifunctionality significantly improved. Soil multifunctionality indices increased by 51.4%, 67.2%, 80.1%, and 69.2% in the 10-year-old C. lanceolata plantation, the 20-year-old C. lanceolata plantation, coniferous-broadleaved mixed forests, and broad-leaved forests respectively, compared to 5-year-old C. lanceolata plantation. Soil multifunctionality was significantly correlated with the abundance and diversity of dominant microorganisms but not with rare microorganisms, suggesting that dominant soil microorganism species might contribute more to soil multifunctionality than rare species. Soil nutrient content was identified as a key factor influencing rare and dominant microbial groups. Forest succession significantly enhanced soil multifunctionality, and dominant species may play a more critical role in maintaining soil multifunctionality compared to rare species. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Ecological conservation and restoration of territorial space towards harmony between humanity and nature: Logical framework and implementation pathway YUE Wenze, WAN Pengxiang, ZHANG Yuefeng, XIAO Wu, WU Tong Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (6): 1731-1738.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202606.022 Abstract （309）      PDF（pc） （763KB）（0）       Knowledge map    Save Building an ecological civilization is a millennium plan for the sustainable development in China. Territorial spatial ecological restoration, as a core measure for advancing ecological civilization and achieving harmonious coexistence between man and nature, is undergoing a profound transformation from traditional engineering-based approaches to a systemic, comprehensive, and holistic mode of governance. We reviewed the core connotations and fundamental requirements of “harmonious coexistence between man and nature” and analyzed its contemporary value as a new feature of Chinese modernization. By tracing the evolutionary trajectory of China’s efforts in ecological restoration, we identified three stages, i.e., early exploration, gradual maturation, and value deepening, and pointed out that the current stage still faced multidimensional dilemmas related to governance systems, engineering measures, and adaptation to socio-economic development. On this basis, we proposed the construction of a logic framework for territorial spatial ecological conservation and restoration oriented by the value of “harmonious coexistence between man and nature”. We established four core mechanisms, namely, strengthening ecological security baselines, systematic restoration and functional enhancement, co-creation and sharing of multiple values, and intelligent collaborative governance, from three aspects, i.e., target synergy, process regulation, and motivation renewal. Finally, we systematically expounded the implementation pathways of this framework from four dimensions, i.e., strategic guidance, engineering implementation, model innovation, and supportive guarantee, in order to provide scientific reference for the theoretical innovation and practical deepening of territorial spatial ecological conservation and restoration in the new era. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The perceptions of community residents on the importance and satisfaction of ecosystem services and their influencing factors: A case study of Wolong Nature Reserve, China ZHAO Lexin, HUANG Yiqiang, MA Wenhui, XU Jianying Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (2): 337-346.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202602.026 Abstract （303）      PDF（pc） （1388KB）（9）       Knowledge map    Save Nature reserves are of great significance in maintaining the supply of ecosystem services and sustaining development of local livelihoods. It is important to understand the perceptions of community residents on the importance and satisfaction with ecosystem services in protected areas, which is helpful for prioritizing ecosystem services and coordinating the relationship between ecological protection and resident livelihood development. With Wolong Nature Reserve as a case, we used the participatory rural appraisal method to the perceptions of community residents regarding the importance and satisfaction of ecosystem services. We further employed the importance-satisfaction analysis and multiple regression analysis to examine the differences in their perceptions of various ecosystem services and the influencing factors. The results showed that there were significant differences between the importance and satisfaction for the all types of ecosystem services, except for the regulating service of air purification. Importance-satisfaction analysis indicated that six ecosystem services (freshwater provision, natural disaster prevention, soil fertility maintenance, pest control, scientific knowledge and environmental education, and recreational tourism) were identified as high importance-low satisfaction, which requires high priority in reserve management. Local perceptions of ecosystem services were influenced significantly by the educational level, livelihood type, and geographical location. Residents with different education levels, livelihood types, and geographical locations exhibited different perceptions of the importance and satisfaction with ecosystem services. Among these, livelihood type and geographic location jointly affected residents’ perception of importance and satisfaction, while educational level only had a significant impact on satisfaction perception. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Response characteristics of soil physicochemical properties after broad-leaved transformation of pure Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation in Dagangshan Region, Jiangxi, China YUAN Yuan, XU Keqin, CAI Zongming, OUYANG Qiong, YAO Jiabao, XIAO Bin, DING Ying, WANG Bin Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (8): 2481-2490.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202608.041 Abstract （296）      PDF（pc） （2567KB）（0）       Knowledge map    Save Soil quality and productivity usually decline with long-term monoculture of Cunninghamia lanceolata. To clarify the soil improvement potential of native broad-leaved tree species in subtropical regions on degraded C. lanceolata plantation, we focused on three kinds of broad-leaved monoculture of Phoebe bournei, Schima superba, and Cyclobalanopsis gilva, using C. lanceolata harvested plantation as control. We examined the responses of soil physicochemical properties in different soil layers (0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm) after transforming a pure Chinese fir forest into pure broad-leaved forests. The results showed that broad-leaved pure plantations improved the quality of surface soil (0-20 cm), with P. bournei pure plantation showing the greatest improvement in soil pore structure and water retention. Compared with the C. lanceolata pure plantation, soil total porosity, capillary porosity, capi-llary water-holding capacity and field water-holding capacity in the surface layer of P. bournei pure plantation increased by 6.4%-11.7%, while the mass water content was significantly increased by 28.7%. S. superba pure plantation showed obvious advantages in enhancing soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content, which were 2.8 and 3.6 times that of the C. lanceolata pure plantation, and 2.5 and 2.0 times that of the control, respectively. C. gilva pure plantation performed better in promoting available nutrients accumulation. The contents of alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen and available phosphorus in the surface layer increased by 89.8% and 204.9% respectively compared with the C. lanceolata monoculture, and increased by 36.4% and 85.8% respectively compared with the control. With the deepening of soil layer, the improvement advantages of broad-leaved pure plantations significantly diminished. In the 40-60 cm soil layer of three broad-leaved pure plantation, soil bulk density increased by 8.7%-11.4% compared with the surface layer, while porosity, water-holding capacity, and the contents of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus decreased by 15.4%-52.4% compared with the surface layer. The content of total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and available potassium in the 40-60 cm soil layer were generally low, indicating that there were still phosphorus and potassium limitations in the deep soil after the broad-leaved transformation of degraded C. lanceolata plantation. Correlation analysis showed that the maxi-mum water-holding capacity, capillary water-holding capacity and field water-holding capacity were significantly positively correlated with total porosity and capillary porosity, but significantly negatively correlated with soil bulk density. Soil organic carbon content was significantly positively correlated with total nitrogen, alkaline hydrolysable nitrogen, and available phosphorus, indicating that soil pore structure determined water holding capacity, while organic matter accumulation contributed to the enhancement of nutrient availability. Therefore, converting degraded C. lanceolata plantation into broad-leaved pure plantation of S. superba, P. bournei, and C. gilva, could significantly improve soil quality of surface layer, but the effect on deep soil remained limited. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Comprehensive management method of “Mountains-Rivers-Forests-Farmlands-Lakes-Grasslands-Deserts” composite system for Three-North Region sandy lands based on coordination degree of composite systems and windscape division QI Ke, ZHU Jiaojun, ZHANG Jiabao, ZHANG Huaiqing, ZHENG Xiao, GAO Tian, ZONG Wenjun, TENG Dexiong Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2025, 36 (12): 3563-3574.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202512.007 Abstract （289）      PDF（pc） （4917KB）（22）       Knowledge map    Save Desertification is one of the most critical challenges worldwide. Ecological restoration is one of the effective ways to control desertification. Due to the complexity of the desertification process and ecological fragility, the prevention and controlling of desertification are difficult to achieve stable and sustainable effects by relying solely on vegetation restoration. In this study, desertification areas were considered as “Mountains-Rivers-Forests-Farmlands-Lakes-Grasslands-Deserts” composite system from the perspective of the principle of harmony of composite systems. We proposed a new framework to achieve the goal of coordinated sustainable development of ecology-production-living function of sandy land composite ecosystem with the Coordination Degree of Composite Systems (CDoCS) as the key indicator. The sandy land within the region of Three-North Afforestation Program (TNAP, covering 96.5% of the country’s sandy areas) was selected as the study area, including sand land, deserts, as well as the areas undergoing desertification and potential desertification (2.34×106 km2, covering 52.1% of TNAP). Based on the concept of windscape, we delineated the applicability scope for the application of CDoCS framework that covered the sand land of TNAP, including three levels from large to small: first-level windscapes (28), second-level windscapes (169), and third-level windscapes (1686). The three levels of windscapes were suitable for the management at different scales, which were the minimum unit for the application of the CDoCS framework. We applied the framework in the third-level windscapes, with Wengniute Banner, a typical sandy area, as an example. The CDoCS of Wengniute Banner was improved from 0.578 to 0.656, transferring from a medium coordinated state to a state close to a high coordinated state. The methodology framework proposed here was a promising approach to achieve the comprehensive management of “Mountains-Rivers-Forests-Farmlands-Lakes-Grasslands-Deserts” composite system and integrated desertification control. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Response of non-structural carbohydrates in leaves of different life-form plants to altitude in secondary Betula platyphylla forests in mountainous area of northern Hebei, China WANG Xumin, LIU Jinhua, LI Chenghao, WANG Riu, ZHAO Shuaiming, XU Xuehua Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (2): 371-380.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202602.008 Abstract （285）      PDF（pc） （2690KB）（12）       Knowledge map    Save We measured the contents of starch, soluble sugars, and non-starch carbohydrates (NSC) in leaves of 60 common plant species (trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants) from Betula platyphylla secondary forests across an altitude gradient (950, 1150, 1350, 1550, and 1750 m) in the northern Hebei mountainous region and analyzed their relationships with environmental factors. The results showed that both trees and shrubs exhibited significantly higher soluble sugar and NSC contents than herbaceous plants, while the starch-to-soluble sugar ratio (SC/SSC) was significantly lower in woody species, indicating a tendency to maintain higher carbon storage levels. With increasing altitude, NSC contents in trees first decreased and then increased, shifting from carbon limitation to growth limitation as a response to environmental stress, demonstrating a flexible trade-off strategy between ‘growth’ and ‘energy storage’. In contrast, NSC in shrubs and herbaceous plants increased significantly with altitude, dominated by growth limitation, reflecting a conservative strategy focused on carbon accumulation under low-temperature stress. The mixed-effects model revealed that altitude was the key driver of NSC variation, with interspecific differences being the primary source of leaf NSC variation. Redundancy analysis indicated that the first two principal components explained 87.6%, 79.9%, and 93.1% of the cumulative variance for trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, respectively. The main influencing factors were soil moisture and total nitrogen for trees; soil pH, available phosphorus, and mean temperature of the growing season for shrubs; and, mean temperature of the growing season, soil moisture, and pH for herbaceous plants. This study revealed the differential regulation of hydrothermal conditions and nutrient supply on carbon balance of different plant life forms, and clarified that life form is a key dimension to explain the diversity of plant adaptation strategies to altitude gradient. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Systematic management and ecological restoration of saline-alkali soils in China: A review ZHOU Tairan, WANG Shuhan, WANG Tianhao, MENG Yunshan, ZHANG Yun, WANG Jie, GAO Haixiang, HU Shuwen Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (4): 975-982.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202604.034 Abstract （281）      PDF（pc） （521KB）（0）       Knowledge map    Save The remediation of saline-alkali land is critical for global food security, regional sustainable development, and the stability of ecological barriers. In recent years, related research and remediation strategies have shifted from a narrow agricultural focus toward an integrated approach centered around ecological priorities. We reviewed the principle-based framework for remediation that grounds in “water resource-based zoning”, centers on “soil structure restoration”, and aims for “systematic governance”. Water resource-based zoning emphasizes differentiated remediation strategies that consider water resource constraints and carrying capacity assessments. Restoring soil structure is pivotal for regulating water-salt dynamics and nutrient cycling, necessitating the synergistic application of biological, physical, and chemical measures. Systematic governance seeks to harmonize biological, environmental, and socio-economic factors to achieve outcomes with ecological priority. In the future, it is essential to develop an interdisciplinary theoretical framework, advance efficient, low-cost, and eco-friendly integrated remediation technologies, and establish evaluation and incentive mechanisms that incorporate the value of diverse ecosystem services. These measures will facilitate the large-scale and sustainable implementation of saline-alkali land remediation. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Theoretical foundation and implementation pathway for the holistic ecological conservation and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and deserts ZHOU Yan, LIN Menghao, ZHONG Chongjun, ZHENG Hua, BAI Zhongke, XIAO Wu, CHEN Yan, WANG Jinman Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2025, 36 (12): 3603-3611.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202512.001 Abstract （280）      PDF（pc） （2145KB）（20）       Knowledge map    Save Over the past decade, initiatives such as the Shan-Shui Initiative, the “Three-North” Project, and the construction of nature reserve system, have accumulated valuable experience of ecological governance for the ecological conservation and restoration, thereby establishing a solid foundation for achieving deeper “holism”, including full-factor integration and full-cycle monitoring. To promote theoretical advancement and model optimisation of holistic ecological conservation and restoration, we applied a three-in-one analytical framework of “problem, theory, and pathway” to develop a collaborative governance logic system, alongside a five-in-one implementation pathway based on the induction of practical challenges. The results showed that holistic ecological conservation and restoration is confronted with structural gaps that urgently need to be addressed in terms of objective transmission, organizational collaboration, and process control. By coupling theories from fields such as ecological environmental science, management, geography, systems theory, and cybernetics, a governance logic system comprised of “objective collaboration, organizational collaboration, and process collaboration” can be established for holistic ecological conservation and restoration. The governance form of holistic ecological conservation and restoration is expected to evolve from “physical combination” to “organic fusion”, wherein the implementation pathway encompassing “strategy, planning, design, implementation, and management” serves as the pivotal mechanism for translating theory into practice. Collectively, the proposed governance logic and implementation pathway contribute to the establishment and improvement of a governance model characterized by “unified understanding, unified implementation, and unified management”, thereby providing systematic theoretical guidance and structured model references for the in-depth development for practical activities of holistic ecological conservation and restoration. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Ecological compensation mechanism of Xin’an River Watershed under the disturbance of the “water-land”relationship CHEN Qianhu, MIAO Yan, CHAI Zhouyue, GAO Zheng Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2025, 36 (12): 3585-3594.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202512.029 Abstract （278）      PDF（pc） （1627KB）（26）       Knowledge map    Save As a natural geographical unit centered on water resources, watersheds serve as critical entities for coordinating the development and protection of territorial spaces. Establishing an ecological compensation mechanism based on the “water-land” relationship has become a vital approach to reconcile the conflicts between environmental conservation and socio-economic development in watersheds. It plays a significant role in advancing mo-dern watershed governance and achieving green, high-quality development. Xin’an River Watershed is the first cross-provincial ecological compensation pilot in China. With it as a case, we adopted a comprehensive research approach centered on scenario analysis and logical deduction to systematically examine the evolutionary trajectory of the compensation mechanism, diagnose shortcomings in the existing compensation system, and construct a dynamic compensation framework based on the disturbance of the “water-land” relationship. We found that the current compensation mechanism was lacking in whole-process management under the “post-event compensation” model and was insufficient for self-sustaining development due to its unitary compensation approach. An integrated watershed assessment system, based on the linkage of water quality “effect value”, “measured value”, and “target value”, could overcome the limitations of traditional evaluations that rely solely on measured values and thus enable precise tracing of water and land environmental issues. Differentiated targeted compensation pathways, informed by diagnostic results from water and land environment assessments, could help enhance the focus and sustainability of governance measures. The systematically constructed dynamic compensation framework would facilitate the institutional transition of the ecological compensation mechanism from “post-event remediation” to “whole-process governance”. This study would provide new perspectives, ideas, and methodologies for the integrated governance of watersheds and territorial spaces. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Multi-scale trade-off and synergy relationship and influencing factors of ecosystem services in the Yangtze River Basin LIN Jinhuang, ZANG Yuanrui, LIU Wanyi, HUANG Jixing, LI Guoqing, HUANG Yan, DAI Yongwu, YAN Xiaoyan, OUYANG Youquan Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (6): 1748-1762.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202606.029 Abstract （276）      PDF（pc） （7694KB）（0）       Knowledge map    Save The rapid urbanization has posed a serious threat to the ecological security of river basins. Exploring the trade-offs, synergies, driving factors, and ecological management zoning of regional ecosystem services is of great significance for achieving the sustainable utilization of ecosystems in the Yangtze River Basin. We employed the InVEST model to quantitatively assess the spatial patterns of five major ecosystem services (soil conservation, water yield, habitat quality, and carbon sequestration and food supply) from 2000 to 2023, and used the Spearman correlation coefficient to examine the trade-off and synergy relationships among different ecosystem services and their scale effects. We then applied the Geodetector model and random forest method to identify the dominant driving factors, interactive effects and nonlinear response characteristics, while used the K-means clustering method to identify ecosystem service bundles. Based on these analyses, we proposed ecological management zones and their optimization pathways for the Yangtze River Basin. The results showed that carbon sequestration, habitat quality, and soil conservation exhibited a slight declining trend from 2000 to 2023 by 0.5%, 2.0%, and 10.2%, respectively, whereas water yield and food supply increased by 1.0% and 14.6%. The trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services displayed significant scale effects. As the spatial scale expanded from grid to county and city levels, the weak synergistic relationships gradually strengthened and became dominant, while the trade-off intensity weakened and the spatial distribution became more clustered. The key driving factors of the five ecosystem services varied significantly. There was also a distinct nonlinear response and a threshold effect: vegetation coverage (explanatory power q=0.45) dominated carbon sequestration, population density (q=0.71) mainly affected habitat quality, precipitation determined (q=0.93) water yield, and slope (q=0.60) affected soil conservation, population density (q=0.56) affected food supply. Based on the clustering of ecosystem services, we classified the study area into three ecological management zones, namely ecological protection zones, ecological conservation zones, and provisioning service zones. We proposed differentiated optimization strategies for each zone. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Effects of restoration measures on soil organic carbon fractions in degraded grasslands in China GUO Zihua, HAO Huanhuan, MA Jie, ZHOU Ao, CUI Qingliang, CHEN Xiaopeng, ZHAO Xiang Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2025, 36 (11): 3327-3338.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202511.002 Abstract （272）      PDF（pc） （3112KB）（39）       Knowledge map    Save Reseeding, fertilization, and fencing are widely used restoration measures for degraded natural grasslands. Soil organic carbon fractions serve as key indicators for evaluating carbon turnover and sequestration during the restoration of degraded grasslands. Clarifying the impacts of various restoration measures on soil organic carbon fractions can provide a scientific basis for selecting appropriate restoration strategies. Based on 269 data pairs from 73 papers, we evaluated the effects of three restoration measures-reseeding, fertilization, and fencing-on soil organic carbon fractions in degraded natural grasslands in China. The results showed that reseeding significantly increased soil total organic carbon by 18.7%, dissolved organic carbon by 12.4%, and easily oxidizable carbon by 17.7%. Fertilization significantly increased easily oxidizable carbon by 15.5% and light fraction organic carbon by 11.5%, but significantly reduced microbial biomass carbon by 15.5%. Fencing significantly increased dissolved organic carbon by 12.7%, microbial biomass carbon by 17.8%, and particulate organic carbon by 14.7%, while significantly reduced light fraction organic carbon by 9.7%. Under different environmental conditions, reseeding significantly enhanced soil organic carbon content, whereas fencing markedly enhanced soil microbial biomass carbon. In contrast, the effects of fertilization on soil organic carbon fractions exhibited considerable uncertainty. Correlation analysis indicated that soil dissolved organic carbon, light fraction organic carbon, and mineral associated organic carbon significantly increased with increasing total soil organic carbon content, whereas microbial biomass carbon, easily oxidizable carbon, and particulate organic carbon remained relatively stable. Soil moisture and ammonium content are key factors influencing changes in soil organic carbon during the restoration of degraded grasslands. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Research progresses on the effects of rice cultivation on amelioration of saline-alkali soil TANG Haijiang, GUO Fucheng, YANG Jiuju, XIAO Donghao, LIAO Tinglu, LUO Chengke Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (2): 591-600.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202602.017 Abstract （262）      PDF（pc） （1026KB）（12）       Knowledge map    Save Saline-alkali soils pose severe challenges to agricultural production and the sustainable utilization of land resources. Efficient amelioration and utilization of saline-alkali land is of great significance for expanding agricultural production and safeguarding national food security. Rice cultivation is an important approach to ameliorate saline-alkali soils, offering dual benefits in ecological improvement and economic development. We reviewed research on improving saline-alkali land through rice cultivation over the past two decades. Long-term (≥5 years) rice cultivation exerts positive effects on saline-alkali soils. Specifically, soil pH and electrical conductivity decreased by 5.9%-23.0% and 22.1%-89.7%, respectively. Soil organic matter, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium contents increased significantly by 60.0%-66.7%, 90.2%-131.0%, 68.9%-89.2%, and 6.7%-179.2%, respectively. In addition, the richness (Ace index) of soil bacterial and fungal communities increased by 10.5%-23.4% and 23.8%-52.8%, and the Shannon index increased by 60.9%-98.7% and 18.3%-107.0%, respectively. Improvements in the physicochemical and biological properties of saline-alkali soils enhanced rice yield and yield components, with thousand-grain weight, grains per panicle, and overall grain yield be increased by 10.1%-17.2%, 9.3%-46.6%, and 48.2%-91.1%, respectively. Future research should focus on innovations in salt-alkali tolerant rice germplasm resources and variety breeding, rhizosphere microbial remediation strategies for salt-alkali tolerant rice, carbon sequestration potential assessment systems for saline-alkali paddy fields, and diversified development approaches. These efforts would provide a reference for deeply exploring the comprehensive utilization potential of saline-alkali land and advancing the sustainable use and efficient remediation. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Effect of meteorological droughts in different seasons on the radial growth of Abies recurvata ZHANG Xingzi, WANG Bingxin, GUO Mingming Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2025, 36 (11): 3237-3244.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202511.008 Abstract （257）      PDF（pc） （1666KB）（36）       Knowledge map    Save To investigate the impact of meteorological droughts in different seasons on tree radial growth, we analyzed the correlations between radial growth of Abies recurvata at three altitudes (3400, 3800, 4000 m) and clima-tic factors along with resistance, recovery, and resilience to different seasonal droughts (spring 1998, summer 2008, consecutive spring-summer 2003) in Miyaluo of Sichuan, utilizing tree-ring width index and standard chronology. The results showed that at low altitude (3400 m), chronologies showed significant positive correlation with Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) from previous September to current June, and significant negative correlation with current January monthly mean maximum temperature. At middle and high altitudes (3800, 4000 m), significant positive correlation occurred with current April PDSI and precipitation. The resistance of radial growth at three altitudes to consecutive spring-summer drought and spring drought was significantly lower than that to summer drought, while the resilience to consecutive spring-summer drought at middle and high altitudes (0.95, 0.94) was significantly lower than that to spring drought (1.13, 1.23) and that to summer drought (1.17, 0.99). Under consecutive spring-summer drought, the resistance at low altitude (0.57) was significantly lower than that at high altitude (0.78), the recovery and resilience were significantly higher than those at high altitude, and the resistance at middle altitude was significantly lower than at high altitude. Under spring drought, the resistance and resilience at low and middle altitudes were significantly lower than at high altitude. Under summer drought, the recovery and resilience at low and high altitudes were significantly lower than at middle altitude. In summary, the radial growth of A. recurvata was most severely impacted by consecutive spring-summer drought. Populations at low altitudes demonstrated significantly weaker resistance, while those at high altitudes were limited by reduced recovery capacity, leading to lower growth resilience compared to low-altitude populations. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Carbon sequestration efficiency of straw incorporation: Long-term dynamics, influencing factors and efficiency-enhancing approaches WANG Sichu, SUN Guofeng, SUN Renhua, XU Zhiyu, ZHOU Wei, SHENG Jing Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology    2026, 37 (2): 601-608.   DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202602.013 Abstract （257）      PDF（pc） （1117KB）（12）       Knowledge map    Save Straw returning is a key measure to increase soil carbon sequestration. We reviewed the critical processes of straw carbon sequestration, the long-term dynamics of carbon sequestration efficiency, influencing factors, and enhancement pathways. The short-term effects of straw returning include the increase in active organic carbon components such as dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, and microbial biomass carbon. The long-term effect is the accumulation of total organic carbon reserves. Soil carbon storage after straw returning follows a progressive saturation pattern, with lower initial soil organic carbon content allowing greater carbon storage potential and requiring more time to reach saturation. The efficiency of straw carbon sequestration is constrained by straw returning methods, straw characteristics (crop type, lignin content, straw size, and return quantity), as well as soil and climatic conditions. Enhancement pathways for straw carbon sequestration include optimizing straw return methods, water-saving irrigation, balanced fertilization, microbial inoculation, and diversified cropping systems. Future research should focus on long-term dynamic monitoring of straw carbon sequestration, coordinated optimization of agronomic measures, and adaptive management to climate change. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）