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    18 January 2014, Volume 25 Issue 1
    What is sustainability science?
    WU Jian-guo1,2,3, GUO Xiao-chuan1, YANG Jie1, QIAN Gui-xia1, NIU Jian-ming1, LIANG Cun-zhu1, ZHANG Qing1, LI Ang4
    2014, 25(1):  1-11. 
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    Sustainability is the theme of our time and also the grandest challenge to humanity. Since the 1970s, the term, sustainable development, has frequently appeared in the scientific literature, governmental documents, media promotions for public goods, and commercial advertisements. However, the science that provides the theoretical foundation and practical guidance for sustainable development-sustainability science-only began to emerge in the beginning of the 21st century. Nevertheless, the field has rapidly developed in depth and expanded in scope during the past decade, with its core concepts and research methods coalescing. China, as the most populous country in the world and home to the philosophical root of sustainability science-the unity of man and nature, is obligated to take upon the challenge of our time, to facilitate global sustainability while pursuing the Chinese Dream, and to play a leading role in the development of sustainability science. Toward this grandiose goal, this paper presents the first Chinese introduction to sustainability science, which discusses its basic concepts, research questions, and future directions. Sustainability science is the study of the dynamic relationship between humans and the environment, particularly focusing on the vulnerability, robustness, resilience, and stability of the coupled humanenvironment system. It is a transdisciplinary science that integrates natural sciences with humanities and social sciences. It hinges on the environmenteconomysociety nexus, and merges basic and applied research. The key components of sustainability often change with time, place, and culture, and thus sustainability science needs to emphasize multiscale studies in space and time, with emphasis on landscapes and regions over a horizon of 50 to 100 years. It needs to focus on the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being, as influenced by biodiversity and ecosystem processes as well as climate change, land use change, and other socioeconomic drivers. Landscape sustainability is at the core of sustainability science, and is expected to be a hot research topic in the next few decades.
    Effects of tree species transfer on soil dissolved organic matter pools in a reforested Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) woodland.
    WAN Xiao-hua1,2, HUANG Zhi-qun1,2, HE Zong-ming3, HU Zhen-hong1,2, YU Zai-peng1,2, WANG Min-huang1,2, YANG Yu-sheng1,2, FAN Shao-hui4
    2014, 25(1):  12-18. 
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    Based on the comparison between reforested 19-year-old Mytilaria laosensis and Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations on cutover land of C. lanceolata, effects of tree species transfer on soil dissolved organic matter were investigated. Cold water, hot water and 2 mol·L-1 KCl solution were used to extract soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) from 0-5, 5-10 and 10-20 cm soil layers. In M. laosensis plantaion, the concentrations of soil DOC extracted by cold water, hot water and 2 mol·L-1 KCl solutions were significantly higher than that in C. lanceolata plantation. In the 0-5 and 5-10 cm layers, the concentrations of soil DON extracted by cold water and hot water in M. laosensis plantation were significantly higher than that in C. lanceolata plantation. The extracted efficiencies for DOC and DON were both in order of KCl solution>hot water>cold water. In the 0-5 cm layers, soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) under M. laosensis was averagely 76.3% greater than under C. lanceolata. Correlation analysis showed that there were significant positive relationships between hot water extractable organic matter and soil MBC. Differences in the sizes of soil DOC and DON pools between the M. laosensis and C. lanceolata forests might be attributed to the quality and quantity of organic matter input. The transfer from C. lanceolata to M. laosensis could improve soil fertility in the plantation.
    Spatial heterogeneity of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in a monsoon evergreen broadleaf forest in Dinghushan, Guangdong, China.
    ZHANG Ya-ru1,2, OUYANG Xu1,2, CHU Guo-wei1, ZHANG Qian-mei1, LIU Shi-zhong1, ZHANG De-qiang1, LI Yue-lin1
    2014, 25(1):  19-23. 
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    Geostatistical techniques were used to quantify the spatial heterogeneity of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen of one monsoon evergreen broadleaf forest area in Dinghushan, Guangdong, China. The results demonstrated that a significant spatial autocorrelation existed between soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents in the Dinghushan monsoon evergreen broadleaf forest, such that 93.6% and 53.7% of their total spatial heterogeneity originated from their spatial autocorrelation. This observation agreed with a traditional statistics analysis showing a significant linear correlation between soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, and also their spatial autocorrelation existed at a landscape level. The best fit from an exponential model showed that soil organic carbon had high degree of spatial heterogeneity at a scale of 17.4 m.
    Eco-physiological response of Quercus variabilis seedlings to increased atmospheric CO2 and N supply.
    DU Qi-ran1, LEI Jing-pin2, LIU Jian-feng2, WANG Peng-cheng1, XIAO Wen-fa3, PAN Lei4
    2014, 25(1):  24-30. 
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    The effect of CO2 enhancement, nitrogen deposition and their interaction on the northern boundary (Zhuanghe in Liaoning Province) of Quercus variabilis seedlings was studied by controlling the CO2 concentration (700 μmol·mol-1; 400 μmol·mol-1) and nitrogen level (non nitrogen fertilizer: CK; nitrogen fertilizer: 120 kg N·hm-2). The results showed that under elevated CO2, the Q. variabilis seedlings’ leaf morphology, photosynthetic pigments and leaf nitrogen content tended to decrease, and the dark respiration rate decreased 63.3% and soluble sugar increased 2.6%. Nitrogen deposition significantly promoted the Q. variabilis seedlings’ leaf morphology and photosynthetic pigments, leading to increased leaf nitrogen content, decreased potassium content, and 26.7% of increase in nitrogen to potassium ratio. CO2 and N interaction played a significant role on promoting the Q. variabilis seedlings’ leaf morphology and photosynthetic. The maximum net photosynthetic and light saturation point were 1.4 and 2.6 times of the control, while dark respiration and light compensation point decreased 65.9% and 50.0%, respectively. Elevated CO2 and nitrogen deposition had a positive effect on Q. variabilis seedlings to some degree, which might result in the movement of distribution boundary of Q. variabilis to north.
    Germination and seedling growth of Artemisia halodendron under different incubation environments.
    LUO Yong-qing1, ZHAO Xue-yong1, ZHU Yang-chun1, LI Yu-qiang1, CHEN Yin-ping2
    2014, 25(1):  31-36. 
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    Artemisia halodendron is a dominant species in mobile and semi-mobile dunes of Horqin Sand Land. To investigate the germination character and seedling growth under different temperature and light conditions, the germination rate, germination index and growth of radicle and plumule were measured after treatments in laboratory and heating cabinet incubations. In the laboratory the light and temperature were near to nature condition, while in the heating cabinet it was kept at 25 ℃ with varying durations of light supply, including 24-, 12- and 0-hour light per day. Germination rate (66.6%) and germination index (19.1%) under laboratory condition were both significantly lower than in the heating cabinet (P<0.05). In the heating cabinet, the germination rate under 0-hour- light was 70.2%, which was insignificantly lower (P>0.05) than under 12- and 24-hour light conditions (both 73.4%), and the germination index under 24-hour light was 28.2%, which was significantly (P<0.05) lower than under 0-  and 12- hour light conditions (31.3% and 30.8%, respectively). Radicle and plumule growth responded to light more readily than the seed germination rate and germination index during the process of germination, and the radicle growth was inhibited by darkness while promoted by light, and the plumule lengths under 0- and 12-hour light conditions were 2.81 cm and 1.51 cm, respectively, significantly higher than under 24-hour light (1.21 cm) and natural condition (1.27 cm). It was concluded that temperature was a main factor in seed germination, and seedling growth was mainly influenced by light regime.
    Dynamics of unprotected soil organic carbon with the restoration process of Pinus massoniana plantation in red soil erosion area.
    LU Mao-kui1,2, XIE Jin-sheng1,2, ZHOU Yan-xiang1,2, ZENG Hong-da1,2, JIANG Jun1,2, CHEN Xi-xiang1,2, XU Chao1,2, CHEN Tan1,2, FU Lin-chi1,2
    2014, 25(1):  37-44. 
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    By the method of spatiotemporal substitution and taking the bare land and secondary forest as the control, we measured light fraction and particulate organic carbon in the topsoil under the Pinus massoniana woodlands of different ages with similar management histories in a red soil erosion area, to determine their dynamics and evaluate the conversion processes from unprotected to protected organic carbon. The results showed that the content and storage of soil organic carbon increased significantly along with ages in the process of vegetation restoration (P<0.01). The unprotected soil organic carbon content and distribution proportion to the total soil organic carbon increased significantly (P<0.05) after 7-11 years’ restoration but stabilized after 27 and 30 years of restoration. It suggested that soil organic carbon mostly accumulated in the form of unprotected soil organic carbon during the initial restoration period, and reached a stable level after longterm vegetation restoration. Positive correlations were found between restoration years and the rate constant for C transferring from the unprotected to the protected soil pool (k) in 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm soil layers, which demonstrated that the unprotected soil organic carbon gradually transferred to the protected soil organic carbon in the process of vegetation restoration.
    Soil respiration dynamics and its controlling factors of typical vegetation communities on meadow steppes in the western Songnen Plain.
    WANG Ming1,2, LIU Xing-tu1, LI Xiu-jun1, ZHANG Ji-tao1, WANG Guo-dong1,2, LU Xin-rui1, LI Xiao-yu1
    2014, 25(1):  45-52. 
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    In order to accurately explore the soil respiration dynamics and its controlling factors of typical vegetation types in the western Songnen Plain, soil respiration rates of Chloris virgata, Puccinellia distans, Phragmites australis and Leymus chinensis communities were measured. The results showed that the diurnal curves of soil respiration rates of the four vegetation communities had simple peak values, which appeared at 11:00-15:00, and the valley values occurred at 21:00-1:00 or 3:00-5:00. The seasonal dynamic patterns of their soil respiration rates were similar, with the maximum (3.21-4.84 μmol CO2· m-2· s-1) occurring in July and August and the minimum (0.46-1.51 μmol CO2· m-2· s-1) in October. The soil respiration rates of the four vegetation communities had significant exponential correlations with ambient air temperature and soil temperature. Soil moisture, however, only played an important role in affecting the soil respiration rate of C. virgata community while air humidity near the soil surface was significantly correlated with the soil respiration rates of P. australis and L. chinensis communities. The soil salt contents seriously constrained the CO2 dioxide emission, and the soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) could explain 87%-91% spatial variations of the soil respiration rate.
    Effects of coat and sowing depth on seed germination and early seedling growth of Quercus wutaishanica.
    YAN Xing-fu1, QIU Zhi-hu2, ZHANG Qiang1, ZHANG Kao-wen1, ZHOU Yun-feng1
    2014, 25(1):  53-60. 
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    Under shade environment in glasshouse, the effects of seed coat and sowing depth (0, 2, 5, 10 or 15 cm) on seed germination and early seedling growth of Quercus wutaishanica were studied. Seed coat had obvious inhibiting effects on the germination of Q. wutaishanica seeds. The germination percentage of uncoated seeds increased significantly, averagely by 19.4% at different sowing depths. The germination index and vigor index were increased significantly and the germination was speeded in the peeling treatment. The germination percentages of uncoated and coated seeds were the highest at the sowing depth of 2 cm with 78.9% and 62.2%, respectively. The germination index and vigor index were the highest at the sowing depth of 2 cm, while the coefficient of rate of germination were the highest at the sowing depth of 5 cm. Leaf area per seedling and dry mass of seedlings increased significantly in the peeling treatment compared with those in the unpeeling treatment, but specific root length decreased significantly. The shoot height in the peeling and unpeeling treatments were the highest at the sowing depth of 5 cm with 13.8 and 14.2 cm, respectively. With the increasing of sowing depth, the basal stem diameter of seedlings increased, but taproot length, number of lateral root and maximum of lateral root all decreased. Sowing depth had little influence on dry mass of seedlings.
    Greenhouse gases fluxes of biological soil crusts and soil ecosystem in the artificial sand-fixing vegetation region in Shapotou area.
    HU Yi-gang1, FENG Yu-lan2, ZHANG Zhi-shan1, HUANG Lei1, ZHANG Peng1, XU Bing-xin1,3
    2014, 25(1):  61-68. 
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    Uncertainties still existed for evaluating greenhouse gases fluxes (GHGs), including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) at the regional scale for desert ecosystem because available GHGs data about biological soil crusts (BSCs) was very scarce. In 2011 and 2012, soil ecosystem covered by various types of BSCs and BSCs at different succession stages in an artificial sandfixing vegetation region established in various periods at southeast of the Shapotou area in Tengger Desert was selected to measure fluxes of CO2, CH4 and N2O using static chamber and gas chromatography. The results showed that curst type, recovery time and their interactions with sampling date significantly affected CO2 flux. Recovery time and interaction of crust type and sampling date significantly affected CH4 flux. Sampling date significantly affected the fluxes of CO2, CH4 and N2O. The mean annual flux of CO2 for moss crust (105.1 mg·m-2·h-1) was significantly higher than that of algae crust (37.7 mg·m-2·h-1) at the same succession stage. Annual mean CH4 and N2O consumption was 19.9 and 3.4 μg·m-2·h-1, respectively. Mean annual consumption of CH4 and N2O for algae crust was slightly higher than that of moss crust, however, significant difference was not found. Ecosystem respiration (Re) of desert soil covered by BSCs increased with the recovery process of desert ecosystem, in contrast, consumption of CH4 and N2O decreased. Re of moss crust was more sensitive to temperature and moisture variation than algae crust and Re sensitivity of temperature and moisture gradually increased with the development and succession of BSCs. Both soil temperature and moisture were not the main factor to determine CH4 and N2O fluxes of BSCssoil in desert ecosystem.
    Diurnal and seasonal variations of energy balance over Horqin meadow.
    LI Hui-dong1,2, GUAN De-xin1, YUAN Feng-hui1, REN Yan3, WANG An-zhi1, JIN Chang-jie1, WU Jia-bing1
    2014, 25(1):  69-76. 
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    Based on the measurements of eddy flux and micrometeorological factors, this paper analyzed the diurnal and seasonal variations of energy balance over Horqin meadow. The results showed that annual energy balance ratio (EBR) of the eddy covariance system was 0.77, and EBR was biggest in growing season, middle in bare soil period and smallest in snow-covered period. Diurnal variations of energy components all presented bell-shaped curves. The peak of net radiation appeared around 12:00 and peaks of other components slightly lagged. Seasonal variation of net radiation presented a single-peak curve, and the annual average was 5.71 MJ·m-2·d-1. Seasonal variation of latent heat flux was similar to that of net radiation, and the annual average was 2.84 MJ·m-2·d-1. Seasonal variation of sensible heat flux presented a doublepeak curve, and the peaks appeared in April and September, respectively. Annual averaged sensible heat flux was 1.87 MJ·m-2·d-1. Maximum soil heat flux (3.47 MJ·m-2·d-1) appeared in April, and the soil heat flux became negative after September. Annual budget ratios of energy components presented a decreasing order of latent heat flux, sensible heat flux and soil heat flux, which accounted for 49.8%, 35.8% and 3.1% of net radiation, respectively. Seasonal variation of Bowen ratio (β) presented a ‘U’ shape, and the annual average was 1.61. β was small (0.18) and relatively stable in growing season, while it was large (2.39) and fluctuated severely in non-growing season.
    Edge effect of the plant community structure on land-bridge islands in the Thousand Island Lake.
    SU Xiao-fei1, YUAN Jin-feng1, HU Guang1, XU Gao-fu2, YU Ming-jian1
    2014, 25(1):  77-84. 
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    The research was conducted on 29 land-bridge islands in the Thousand Island Lake (TIL), where long-term monitoring plots were set up during 2009-2010. The community attributes including species richness, Shannon index, plant mean height, plant mean diameter at breast height (DBH) and plant density along the edgeinterior gradient from edge to interior forest were calculated to investigate the edge effect. The results showed that the species richness and Shannon index were affected through the whole gradient (larger than 50 m), while the range of edge effect was 20-30 m on mean plant height, and 10 m on plant density and mean DBH. Community attributes differed significantly among the edge gradients. The species richness and Shannon index peaked at the intermediate edge gradient. Plant density decreased and plant mean height increased along the edge to interior gradient. All five community attributes were significantly associated with the edge gradient, also different functional groups, evergreen or deciduous species, trees or shrubs, shade tolerant or shade intolerant species, were differentially influenced by the edge effect. It was demonstrated the influence of edge effect on the fragmented forest community varied with community attributes and functional groups.
    Distribution of soil carbon storage in different saltmarsh plant communities in Chongming Dongtan wetland.
    YAN Ge, GE Zhen-ming, ZHANG Li-quan
    2014, 25(1):  85-91. 
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    The high productivity of saltmarsh vegetation in coastal wetlands plays an important role on the formation of soil carbon pool. This paper studied the biomass difference, the spatiotemporal dynamics and vertical distribution of soil carbon storage in three dominant saltmarsh plant communities, i.e., Phragmites australis, Spartina alterniflora and Scirpus mariqueter in the Chongming Dongtan wetland, in the Yangtze Estuary. The results indicated that the gross biomass in the three saltmarsh plant communities was in the order of S. alterniflora (5750.7 g·m-2) > P. australis (4655.1 g·m-2) > S. mariqueter (812.7 g·m-2). The aboveground biomass was the highest in summer and autumn, and the underground biomass was the highest in winter. The soil carbon storage (0-50 cm) was the lowest in spring, gradually increased, and was the highest in winter. The annual increment of soil carbon storage decreased from the high tidal zone to the low tidal zone, and was in the order of P. australis community (711.8 g·m-2) > S. alterniflora community (646.2 g·m-2) > S. mariqueter community (185.3 g·m-2) > bare mudflat (65.6 g·m-2). The highest value was in the 25-30 cm, 10-15 cm, 30-35 cm and 30-40 cm soil layers for bare mudflat and the S. mariqueter, S. alterniflora and P. australis communities, respectively. There was a significant linear relationship between the soil carbon storage and the underground biomass in the different saltmarsh communities.
    Characteristics of spatial variation of soil nutrients in sloping field in a gorge karst region, southwest China.
    FAN Fu-jing1,2,3, SONG Tong-qing1,3, HUANG Guo-qin2, ZENG Fu-ping1,3, PENG Wan-xia1,3, DU Hu1,3, LU Shi-yang1,3, SHI Wei-wei1,2,3, TAN Qiu-jin1,3,4
    2014, 25(1):  92-98. 
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    Based on a grid (20 m × 20 m) sampling, spatial heterogeneity and pattern of soil nutrients in sloping field in the gorge karst region, southwestern China, were explored by using classical statistics and geostatistics methods. The results showed that soil nutrient contents in slope field in the canyon karst region were more abundant, where pH value had a weak variation and the soil organic matter (SOM) had a moderate degree of variation. All the soil nutrients had moderate or strong variation with an order of available phosphorus (AP) > total potassium (TK) > SOM > alkaline nitrogen (AN) > total nitrogen (TN) > total phosphorus (TP) > available potassium (AK). All of the soil nutrients had a good spatial autocorrelation and the autocorrelation function performed in the same law of developing from positive to negative direction with the inflection point ranged from 80 to 100 m. In addition, the Moran’s I was small for TK and AP while large for other nutrients. Characteristics of spatial variation differed among soil nutrients. Exponential model fitted best for TK and AP, in which the ratio of nugget to sill (C0/(C0+C)) and the range (A) were small and the fractal dimension (D) was high, showed a strong spatial correlation. Spherical model fitted best for other soil nutrients, with C0/(C0+C), the range (A) and D showing a moderate autocorrelation. Kriging analysis clearly indicated that pH, SOM, TN, TP and AN were distributed in a concave pattern, while AP and AK had fragmented patch distribution. Therefore, vegetation, topography, human disturbance and strong heterogeneity of microhabitats are main factors leading to the differences in patterns of soil nutrients on the sloping land in the gorge karst region.
    Remote sensing analysis of forest resources characteristics in main ecological restoration counties in the Three-Gorge Area based on the 2nd-class inventory  data.
    WU Zhao-ping1, SHAO Jing-an1, HUANG Zhi-lin2, SU Wei-ci1, LIAO Ming-rong1
    2014, 25(1):  99-110. 
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    Based on high-resolution SPOT-5 images, combined with topographic(1:10000) calculating terrain-bit index, the distribution characteristics of woodlands in different terrain niches, and the buffer radii of different roads, water bodies and settlements were identified by using ArcGIS space overlay and buffer analysis function. Results showed that woodland resources were abundant, and arbor woodland and shrub land were the main species, which mainly distributed in two mountain areas (Fangdou Mountain, Qiyao Mountain) affected by topographic restriction and woodland natural basis. The woodland terrain niche distribution index showed an overall upward trend with increasing terrain niche gradient, especially for the arbor woodland and shrub land, while the other woodland types presented an opposite trend. The percentage of woodland area occupying the corresponding buffer radius around the roads, waterbodies and settlements had a strong similarity with the woodland terrain niche distribution index. Only around the settlements, bamboo forest, sparse woodland and immature woodland occupied higher percentages of the woodland area of the corresponding buffer radius than that of arbor woodland and shrub land. Woodland distribution was mainly controlled by large landform patterns of mountain features, while the distribution of woodlands in the different terrain niches and the different buffer radii of roads, waterbodies and settlements were driven mainly by duress of human activities under the auspices of the large landform patterns.
    Models for biomass estimation of four shrub species planted in urban area of Xi’an City, Northwest China.
    YAO Zheng-yang, LIU Jian-jun
    2014, 25(1):  111-116. 
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    Four common greening shrub species (i.e. Ligustrum quihoui, Buxus bodinieri, Berberis xinganensis and Buxus megistophylla) in Xi’an City were selected to develop the highest correlation and bestfit estimation models for the organ (branch, leaf and root) and total biomass against different independent variables. The results indicated that the organ and total biomass optimal models of the four shrubs were power functional model (CAR model) except for the leaf biomass model of B. megistophylla which was logarithmic functional model (VAR model). The independent variables included basal diameter, crown diameter, crown diameter multiplied by height, canopy area and canopy volume. B. megistophylla significantly differed from the other three shrub species in the independent variable selection, which were basal diameter and crownrelated factors, respectively.
    Assessment for spatial uncertainty of daily minimum temperature by using sequential Gaussian simulation.
    ZHANG Guo-feng1, QU Ming-kai2, CHENG Zhao-jin3, CHEN Hui-lin1
    2014, 25(1):  117-124. 
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    Understanding daily minimum temperature is of great importance for assessing low temperature damages to crops and guiding people to take timely remedial measures to ensure food security. Kriging is a widely used technology for mapping the spatial distribution of the nearsurface temperature. However, the smoothing effect, commonly found in the Kriging maps, leads to low values to be overestimated and high values to be underestimated. For daily minimum temperature on Hainan Island which was affected by cold air on December 12, 2011, crossvalidation was adopted to evaluate the prediction accuracy of ordinary Kriging (OK) and Kriging with external drift (KED). The spatial distribution maps of daily minimum temperature on Hainan Island on December 12, 2011 produced by OK and sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) were compared. Results showed that the prediction accuracy of KED (r=0.86) was not superior to OK (r=0.86) significantly. SGS could generate multiple equiprobable simulation realizations, and the distribution and variance function of the original data could be reproduced in the realizations. The simulation realizations generated by SGS overcame the smoothing effect of Kriging and could more truly reflect the spatial distribution of minimum temperature on the day on Hainan Island. In the region where daily minimum temperature was low, and the temperature change was small, the conditional variance of the SGS results was less than the ordinary Kriging variance. Spatial uncertainty of a potential chilling damage area could be quantified by multiple simulation realizations generated by SGS. SGS was a valuable tool for assessing agrometeorological disasters caused by low temperature.
    Characteristics of soil ammonia-oxidation microbial communities in different subtropical forests, China.
    LI Yong-chun1, LIU Bu-rong1,2, GUO Shuai1, WU Qi-feng3, QIN Hua1, WU Jia-sen1, XU Qiu-fang1
    2014, 25(1):  125-131. 
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    To investigate the effects of different forest stands in subtropical China on the communities of soil ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms, we characterized the abundance of ammoniaoxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB), and the community structure of AOA in soils under stands of broad-leaved (BF), Chinese fir (CF), Pinus massoniana (PF) and moso bamboo (MB) forests using real-time quantitative PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The results showed that the AOA gene copy numbers (1.62×106-1.88×107 per gram of dry soil) were significantly higher than those of  AOB genes (2.41×105-4.36×105 per gram of dry soil). Significantly higher soil AOA abundance was detected in the MB than that in the CF (P<0.05), and the latter was significantly higher than that in the BF and PF soils (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the soil AOB abundance among the four forest stands. As indicated by DGGE pattern, soil AOA species varied among the four forest stands. There was a difference in the soil AOA communities between the CF and MB stands. The AOA demonstrated a competitive advantage over the AOB in the soils under these major subtropical forests. Soil pH, concentrations of soil available potassium and organic carbon as well as the forest type were the main factors that influence the variation of AOA community structure and diversity.
    Effects of deep plowing and mulch in fallow period on soil water and yield of wheat in dryland.
    DENG Yan, GAO Zhi-qiang, SUN Min, ZHAO Wei-feng, ZHAO Hong-mei, LI Qing
    2014, 25(1):  132-138. 
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    A field test was carried out in Qiujialing Village, Wenxi, Shanxi from 2009 to 2011 to study the soil water movement of 0-300 cm layer, yield formation and water use efficiency (WUE) of wheat with deep plowing and mulching the whole ground immediately (no mulch as control) 15 days and 45 days after harvest. The results indicated that deep plowing and mulch in fallow period could improve soil water storage of the 100-180 cm layer before sowing, the soil water storage efficiency in fallow period, and soil water storage from prewintering stage to booting stage. Compared with deep plowing 15 days after wheat harvest, deep plowing 45 days after wheat harvest did better in improving soil water storage and water use efficiency, as well as ear number and yield, which was more conducive in the year with more precipitation. Generally, deep plowing and mulching after raining during fallow period could benefit the soil water storage and conservation, thus would be helpful to improve wheat yield in dryland.
    Resource competition in maize/soybean intercropping system.
    LU Yue1,2,3, WU Pu-te1,2,3,4, CHEN Xiao-li2,3,4, WANG Yu-bao1,2,3,4, ZHAO Xi-ning1,2,3,4
    2014, 25(1):  139-146. 
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    The soil water storage, growth development, biomass and yield in maize/soybean intercropping system under different separation methods were measured to analyze the resource competition of the intercropping crops. The treatments included no shoot or root separation (T1), shoot and root separation (T2), only root separation (T3), and only shoot separation (T4). Results indicated that compared to others, the average soil moisture content in the 0-120 cm soil layer decreased by 3.1%-12.9% in maize line, and by 2.8%-12.5% in soybean line for T1. Compared to T1, maize growth stage in T2, T3 and T4 came late, and the plant height, leaf area and cumulative total biomass, yield and yield components all decreased, while the trends found for soybean were the opposite. In summary, the changes of crop growth and yield in the maize/soybean intercropping system were driven by the interactions of above and belowground parts, and the belowground part played a more important role.
     
    Relationship between drought resistance and endogenous hormone content in different citrus species.
    MA Wen-tao1,2, FAN Wei-guo1,2
    2014, 25(1):  147-154. 
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    Eight plant seedlings of citrus species, Citrus tangerina, C. erythrosa, C. chuana, Poncirus trifoliate, C. sinensis×P. trifoliate, C. grandis, C. sinensis and C. vessucosa were used to investigate the effects of drought stress on plant biomass, drought resistance coefficient and leaf hormone (ABA, GA1+3, ZR, IAA) changes. The results showed that, on the condition of precipitation less than 1200 mm, the biomass of different citrus species reduced obviously, and droughtresistance index and drought resistance showed in order of C. erythrosa > C. tangerina > P. trifoliate > C. chuana > C. sinensis ×P. trifoliate > C. grandis > C. sinensis > C. vessucosa. The leaf ABA contents of the eight species increased whereas GA1+3, ZR and IAA decreased, under the condition of drought stress. The ratios of ABA/GA1+3 and ABA/ZR in the species of C. erythrosa and C. tangerina increased drastically, yet there was no significant correlation between the ratio of ABA/IAA and the drought tolerance. The droughtresistance index was significantly positively related to the relative content of ABA (P<0.01), while significantly negatively related to the relative content of GA1+3. The function to enhance drought resistance by those endogenous hormones in the citrus species showed in order of ABA > GA1+3, ZR > IAA.
    Impacts of climate change on summer maize production and adaptive selection of varieties in Xingtai County, Hebei, China.
    WANG Hong-fei, CHEN Xin-ping, CUI Zhen-ling, MENG Qing-feng
    2014, 25(1):  155-161. 
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    Understanding the impacts of climate change on agriculture production and the underlying mechanism in North China Plain is important to take effective adaptations for national food security. Using HybridMaize model, this paper investigated the impacts of climate change on summer maize yield potential and famers’ adaptation by changing varieties with longer growth periods from 1981 to 2010 in Xingtai County, Hebei Province. Results showed a significant warming trend with the average temperature increasing by 0.49 ℃·10 a-1 since the 1980s. Both solar radiation and sunshine hours decreased significantly since the 1980s. The sunshine hours decreased by 0.56 h·d-1·10 a-1 and the solar radiation decreased by 265.1 MJ·m-2·10 a-1, while the precipitation kept constant with large variation among years since 1981. Yield potentials of both irrigated and rainfed maize were simulated to decrease by 0.63-0.64 Mg·hm-2·10 a-1 since 1981 if varieties were assumed fixed with the 1980s. This was mainly due to the decrease of solar radiation during the maize growth season and the shortened growth stage by warming, and around 60% of grain yield decrease was attributed to the decreased solar radiation. In practice, by changing varieties with longer growth periods, the growing degree days of varieties adopted by local farmers since the 2000s increased by 19% (280 ℃) compared to the 1980s, and consequently the yield potential was simulated to increase by 34%-40% (2.73-3.40 Mg·hm-2) for both irrigated and rainfed maize.
     
    Compensation effect of cotton growth and development after soil salt content reduction at bud stage.
    GUO Wen-qi, ZHANG Pei-tong, LI Chun-hong, YIN Jian-mei, HAN Xiao-yong
    2014, 25(1):  162-168. 
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    To elucidate the dynamic characteristics of cotton growth and development after soil salt content reduction (SD) at bud stage and its effect on yield formation, a pot experiment was conducted in which soil salt content was declined from 5‰ level to 2‰ level at cotton bud stage. The results showed that the plant height, biomass, total fruit branch and fruit node number, boll number, boll mass of cotton plants increased after soil salt content reduction at bud stage. The distribution proportions of biomass in root and boll decreased after soil salt content reduction, however, the distribution proportions of biomass in leaf, main stem and fruit branch were on the rise. The growth rate of cotton plant increased after soil salt content reduction. Plant dry matter accumulation rate of SD cotton exceeded CK cotton at 22 days after soil salt content reduction. The response of different organs of cotton plant were different to soil salt content reduction, the plant height was the earliest, followed by the fruit branch and fruit node formation, and the bud and boll were the latest, which indicated  that the compensation effect of cotton growth and development after soil salt content reduction at bud stage firstly appeared on the formation and growth of new leaf, fruit branch and fruit node, and on this basis, gradually brought out yield compensation.
    Effects of girdling on growth, yield and water use efficiency of cotton.
    QIANG Xiao-man, SUN Jing-sheng, LIU Zu-gui, SONG Ni, WANG Feng
    2014, 25(1):  169-174. 
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    An experiment with girdling applied on the main stem and fruit branch during the early or flourishing stage of flowering and boll-setting was conducted to investigate the effects of different girdling treatments on the growth, yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of cotton. The results showed that compared with the control (CK), leaf area index (LAI) of girdling treatments reduced significantly and the maximum LAI of girdled cotton occurred 5-15 days in advance. Girdling reduced the shedding rate of squares and bolls significantly, and the shedding rate of squares and bolls with girdling applied on the main stem at the flourishing stage was 15.8% lower than that of CK. In contrast with CK, the seedcotton yield and WUE increased by 24.4% and 26.7% with girdling applied on the main stem at the flourishing stage, and increased by 13.9% and 16.7% with girdling applied on the fruit branch at the early stage, respectively. However, the girdling on the fruit branch at the flourishing stage improved the seedcotton yield and WUE insignificantly. The seedcotton yield with girdling on the main stem at the early stage had not significant difference and its WUE reduced slightly compared with CK. It has been concluded that the girdling applied on the main stem at the flourishing stage of flowering and bollsetting could effectively reduce the abscission rate of squares and bolls, improve yield and WUE significantly, and realize the effective unity of high production and watersaving.
    Role of water-water circulation in excessive light energy dissipation of ginger leaves.
    ZHANG Yong-zheng, LI Hai-dong, LI Xiu, XU Kun
    2014, 25(1):  175-180. 
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    To investigate the photoprotection of waterwater circulation in ginger leaves, the effects of different treatments such as natural light + water control (T1), shading 50% + water control (T2), natural light + 10 mmol·L-1 IA (T3), shading 50% + 10 mmol·L-1 IA (T4) on leaf chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, Mehler reaction and the activities of SOD, APX of potted ginger were studied. The results showed that the Pn and Fv/Fm of ginger leaves in T3 and T4 reduced constantly, but that of T1 and T2 had no significant change during treatment. For example, at the ninth day after treatment, the Pn of T3 and T4 decreased by 64% and 33.2% respectively, and the Fv/Fm decreased by 16.5% and 10.9% respectively, while Mehler reaction of T3 and T4 increased by 139.4% and 72.6% respectively, the activity of SOD and APX were significantly higher than those of the controls. At the sixth day after treatment, the leaf Pn and Fv/Fm in all treatments reduced significantly at noon, but Mehler reaction and the activities of SOD and APX increased markedly, and the largest amplitude was observed in T3, followed by T4, and then T1 and T2. So, it was clear that Mehler reaction and the activity of reactiveoxygen scavenging enzymes increased when leaf Pn was inhibited by exogenous IA. The results suggested that waterwater circulation played an essential role in dissipating excessive light energy of ginger leaves.
    Situation of distribution and utilization of crop straw resources in seven western provinces, China.
    BAO Jian-cai, YU Ji-hua, FENG Zhi, CHEN Bai-hong, LEI Cheng, YANG Juan
    2014, 25(1):  181-187. 
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    Based on agricultural statistical and investigating data on farmers, amount, distribution density and amount per capita of crop straw resources of seven western provinces of China were estimated, the trends of amount dynamics from 1997 to 2011 and distribution and utilization of crop straw resources were analyzed, and the constraints of comprehensive utilizing straw resources and possible ways to improve straw utilization were discussed. Results showed that theoretical amount of crop straw resources in seven western provinces was 8.82 × 107 t in 2009, in which straw of cereals accounted for 63.1% of the total, and straw nutrients returned back to fields was 1.20 × 106 t, accounting for 50.5 % of the total. The distribution density of straw resources of the seven western provinces was less than the national mean, while the amount per capita of straw resources was higher. According to the survey, the straw was mainly used as fuel, feed, industrial materials, matrix and returned field directly, accounting for  33.8 %, 29.3 %, 5.2 %, 1.8 % and 13.5 % of the total amount, respectively. In addition, the amounts of straw burned and abandoned were 11.1 % and 5.3 % of the total, respectively.
    Assessment of eco-economic system sustainable development of Liaoning Province based on emergy analysis.
    SUN Yue, CHENG Quan-guo, LI Ye, FU Jia
    2014, 25(1):  188-194. 
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    By constructing an evaluation system based on emergy analysis which included emergy flow, source of emergy index, social subsystem evaluation index, economic subsystem evaluation index, natural subsystem evaluation index and composite index, the development and sustainability of the ecoeconomic system of Liaoning Province between 2000 and 2010 were evaluated. The result showed that from 2000 to 2010, the total used emergy increased from 3440.12×1020 sej to 7636.33×1020 sej, among which the proportion of the nonrenewable emergy in 2010 occupied the most in the total by 68.6%, and the emergy per capita increased from 8.32×1015 sej to 17.96×1015 sej. The emergy selfsupport ratio in the system was generally higher, while it dropped from 91.1% in 2000 to 79.9% in 2010. The emergy loading ratio increased from 3.22 to 7.80, the emergy sustainable index dropped from 3.47 to 0.64, and the emergy index for sustainable development decreased from 6.73 to 1.56. It suggested the ecoeconomic system of Liaoning Province presented an unsustainable development trend. The development level of Liaoning in 2010 merely equaled to the level of Japan and America in the 1980s.
    Energy flow characteristics of the compound agriculturefruit farming system in Xipo Village, Shaanxi, Northwest China.
    WU Fa-qi, ZHU Li, WANG Hong-hong
    2014, 25(1):  195-200. 
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    Taking the crop-fruit farming system in Xipo Village in Chunhua, Shaanxi Province as a case, the energy flow path, input and output structure, and the indices of energy cycle for the agriculture, fruit, stockbreeding and human subsystems were compared between 2008 and 2010. Results showed that during the study period the total investment to the agriculture-fruit farming system (CAF) decreased by 1.6%, while the total output increased by 56.7%, which led to a 59.4% increase of the output/input ratio. Energy output/input ratio of the agriculture, fruit, stockbreeding, human subsystems increased by 36.6%, 21.0%, 10.0% and 3.8%, respectively. The Xipo Village still needed to stabilize the agriculture, develop stockbreeding and strengthen fruit to upgrade the compound agriculture-fruit farming system.
    Dynamics and combined injuries of main pest species in rice cropping zones of Yunnan, Southwest China.
    DONG Kun1,2, DONG Yan3, WANG Hai-long4, ZHANG Li-min1,5, ZAN Qing-an1, CHEN Bin1, LI Zheng-yue1
    2014, 25(1):  201-210. 
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    A series of rice pest injuries (due to pathogens, insects, and weeds) were surveyed in 286 farmers’ fields for major rice varieties of three rice cropping zones of Yunnan Province, Southwest China. The composition and dynamics of main pest species were analyzed, and the trend of rice pest succession in Yunnan was discussed based upon landmark publications. The results showed that the three rice cropping zones had different pest characteristics as regard to main species, dynamics and combined injuries. Sheath rot, bacterial leaf blight, rice stripe, leaf hoppers, armyworms and stem borers were serious in the japonica rice zone. Sheath blight and rice stripe were serious in the japonicaindica interlacing zone. Leaf blast, sheath blight, leaf folders and weeds above rice crop canopy were serious in the indica rice zone. False smut, plant hoppers and weeds below rice crop canopy were ubiquitous and serious in the three kinds of rice cropping zones. Many kinds of weed infestation emerged in the whole rice cropping seasons. Echinochloa crusgalli, Sagittaria pygmaea, Potamogeton distinctus and Spirodela polyrhiza were the main species of weeds in the rice cropping zones of Yunnan. Overall, levels of combined injuries due to pests in the japonica rice zone and the indica rice zone were higher than that in the japonicaindica interlacing zone. In terms of the trend of rice pest succession in Yunnan, injuries due to false smut, sheath blight and plant hoppers seemed to be in a worse tendency in all rice cropping zones of Yunnan, while dominants species of weeds in the paddy fields are shifting from the annual weeds to the perennial malignant weeds.
    Sustainability of  ecological water transfer and rehabilitation project based on participatory survey.
    WANG Yu1,2, FENG Qi2, CHEN Li-juan2, YU Teng-fei2
    2014, 25(1):  211-218. 
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    In the arid inland area of Northwest China, the ecological water transfer and rehabilitation project (EWTRP) is an important measure to restore the deteriorated ecosystem. However, the sustainability of the project is affected by many socio-economic factors. This research was based on results of the questionnaire from Ejina County’s farmer households, which included the farmer households’ attitude, livelihood and the efficiency of the water resource usage. The results showed that although the EWTRP had made great achievements in vegetation restoration, but the sustainability of the project was affected by the following factors: the ecologically-motivated relocated/resettled herdsmen mainly relied on the compensation from the project, causing them a hard living, and increasing the risk of maintaining the current achievement; the project didn’t have a positive impact on watersaving agriculture, the efficiency of water usage was relatively low and had not yet reached the final goal; the compensation of the project only considered the loss of agriculture, but neglected the externality and publicity of eco-water.  We suggest that developing education, offering job opportunity and training programs, improving the efficiency of water usage and establishing reasonable water resources compensation mechanisms are needed to be considered as main domain of environmental recovery as well as ecological water transfer and rehabilitation.
    Intensive utilization of land in Tiexi old industrial district, Shenyang, Northeast China.
    BING Long-fei1, XI Feng-ming1,2, WANG Mei-ling1, LIU Zhe1,3, WANG Zhi-gang4
    2014, 25(1):  219-227. 
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    Land use types of the Tiexi old industrial district, Shenyang, Northeast China were derived from QUICKBIRD and IKONOS satellite image interpretation to analyze its dynamics and intensive use by geostatistics and convention statistical methods which could reveal regional environment and socioeconomic services. The results showed the main land use types were industrial land and residential land in Tiexi old industrial district. Land use changed significantly from 2000-2010, i.e., the industrial land area decreased rapidly and the housing land area, park land, commercial service land, and grassland increased simultaneously. The district environment was improved and the comprehensive livable level was increasing. Also, the regional functional orientation was becoming clear, the living and business function verged to maturity, and the land use efficiency was increasing. From 2002, the intensive land use level in Tiexi old industrial district was evidently improved, however, the potential of intensive land use could still be further exploited.
    Assemblage effect of ground arthropod community in desert steppe shrubs with different ages.
    LIU Ren-tao, ZHU Fan, CHAI Yong-qing
    2014, 25(1):  228-236. 
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    Taking the 6-, 15-, 24- and 36-year-old Caragana intermedia shrubs in desert steppe as a subject, an investigation on soil properties and ground arthropod community was carried out under the shrub and in the open to probe into the assemblage effect of ground arthropod community in desert steppe shrubs with different ages. The results were as follows: 1) In the 6yearold shrubland, significant differences were only found in soil physical properties (soil texture, soil moisture and electrical conductivity) between the microhabitats under shrub and in the open. Beginning from the 15-year-old shrubland, however, soil organic matter and nutrition (N, P) increased significantly. 2) A total of 27 groups were captured in the studied sites which dominated by Carabidae, Tenebrionidae and Formicidae. From 6- to 15-year-old shrubland, the number of dominant groups decreased while that of common groups increased for the ground arthropod community under the shrub. From 15- to 24- and 36-year-old shrubland, the difference between the microhabitats under the shrub and in the open decreased firstly, and then increased. Some special groups appeared under the shrub in the 36-year-old shrubland, and dung beetles became dominant. 3) In the 6- and 24-yearold shrublands, there were no significant differences in group richness, abundance, and diversity index between the microhabitats under the shrub and in the open. As for the 15- and 36-yearold shrublands, however, significant differences were observed. 4) The shrub age had a stronger effect on the distribution of ground arthropods living under the shrubs compared to that in the open. The changes in soil texture, pH and electrical conductivity could significantly influence on the distribution of ground arthropods under the shrub, also in the open to some degree. It was suggested that the development of shrubland had strong impact on assemblage effect of ground arthropods, which was closely correlated with the stand age and would affect the recovery of sandy grassland ecosystems.
    Effect of light intensity on the growth and digestive enzyme activity of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicas under two kinds of culture methods.
    WEI Zi-zhong, ZHAO Wen
    2014, 25(1):  237-242. 
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    The effects of light intensity(0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 lx) on the growth and digestive enzyme activity of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus under two kinds of culture methods (compound Chinese medicine preparation and microbial preparation) were studied. Results showed that the relative mass gain rate (WGR) and the specific growth rate (SGR) of juvenile sea cucumber were significantly affected by light intensity (P<0.05), and the orders of WGR and SGR (form high to low) of juvenile sea cucumber under different light intensities were 2000 lx > 1000 lx > 3000 lx > 0 lx. Under the same light intensity, the growth of juvenile sea cucumber under the two kinds of culture methods were significantly different (P<0.05), with the WGR and SGR of the Chinese medicine treatment being greater than those of the microbial treatment. The light intensity also significantly affected the digestive enzyme activity of juvenile sea cucumber. The order of amylase and lipase activity was 2000 lx > 1000 lx > 3000 lx > 0 lx, while that of protease activity was 1000 lx > 2000 lx > 0 lx > 3000 lx. Under the same light intensity, the digestive enzyme activities of the Chinese medicine treatment were generally higher than those of the microbial treatment.
    Fish assembles in the coastal water of Lüsi fishing ground during spring and summer. 
    XU Jie1,2, SUN Yue3, XU Zhao-li1
    2014, 25(1):  243-250. 
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    Based on data from bottom trawl surveys during spring and summer of 2010, the species composition and community structure of fish community in Lüsi fishing ground were investigated and compared with those at different latitudes. A total of 21 were identified in spring and 28 identified in summer. In spring, it was mainly composed of warmtemperate fish (9 species), accounting for 45.2% and 72.9% in the individual density and biomass density, respectively. Warmtemperate species Larimichthys polyactis, Cynoglossus joyneri and Cynoglossus semilaevis were dominant in spring. In summer, warm water species appeared in large numbers by 21, accounting for 75.2% and 71.7% in the individual density and biomass density, respectively. Collichthys lucidus and Coilia mystus were the predominant species in summer. One wayANOVA indicated that the temperature and salinity between spring and summer in Lüsi fishing ground were significantly different, which resulted in the succession of fish community, i.e. the gradual decrease of the warmtemperate, neritic and nearshore species and the concomitant gradual increase of warm-water and estuarine species.
    Reasons of drifting floating objects aggregating rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata).
    WANG Xue-fang1,2,3,4, ZHOU Cheng1, ZHU Guo-ping1,2,3,4, TANG Hao1, XU Liu-xiong1,2,3,4
    2014, 25(1):  251-256. 
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    Many pelagic species tend to aggregate under drifting floating objects. This has led to the development of drifting fish aggregation devices (FADs) to attract the tropical tunas for the tuna purse seine fishery. However, FADs can also attract other nontargeting small pelagic species such as rainbow runner Elagatis bipinnulata, although it is still unclear why those species can be attracted and aggregated under an FAD. Using the fishery biological data collected in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean by the scientific observers on board Chinese tuna purse seine fishing vessels, we evaluated the potential motivations for rainbow runner to aggregate under drifting objects. This study indicated 1) Fork length of rainbow runner ranged from 30.0 to 90.6 cm, with the dominant fork lengths of 60.0 to 80.0 cm, accounting for 76.3% of the total sampled fish, suggesting large rainbow runner dominating around the drifting objects; 2) Size (fork length) of E. bipinnulata at 50% maturity was 65.7 cm, and mature individuals were dominant under the FADs; and 3) Some commonly observed small fish species, such as Decapterus macarellus, Kyphosus cinerascens, Caranx sexfasciatus, Katsuwonus pelamis and the juveniles of Thunnus obesus and Thunnus albacares, were found in the stomach of rainbow runner, which suggested that rainbow runner under FAD preyed on other associated small pelagic species. As an oceanic predator associated with drifting objects, feeding is perhaps one of the most possible motivations for adult E. bipinnulata to aggregate under the FAD. Both the “concentration of food supply” hypothesis and the “comfortability stipulation” hypothesis can be used to explain why E. bipinnulata aggregate under drifting floating objects.
    Spatial distribution patterns of adult population of Pseudorobitis gibbus  (Coleoptera: Apionidae) in Taixing Garden, Tai’an, Shandong, China.
    LI Yan1, ZHENG Fang-qiang1, YU Li-ying1, QIAO Lu-qin1, LU Xi-ping1,2
    2014, 25(1):  257-262. 
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    The vertical and horizontal distributions of Pseudorobitis gibbus adults on Lagerstroemia indica were analyzed by using the aggregation indices and geostatistics. The results from aggregation index methods indicated that its vertical distribution was an aggregated distribution, and the aggregation average (λ) was above two, showing that the aggregation resulted from its bionomics and behaviors, not from the environmental factors. The results of geostatistic analysis showed that the best fitting models for the five different sampling data in June 4, June 16, June 29, July 25 and August 22 were Gaussian, Gaussian, Linear, Gaussian and Linear models, respectively, but random models in July 12 and August 7. It was concluded that the horizontal distribution of the pest was aggregated on the whole, and there existed a spatial correlation ranging from 1.68 to 9.79 m on the different dates.
    Review of dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs).
    CHE Ming-liang1,2, CHEN Bao-zhang1, WANG Ying1,2, GUO Xiang-yun3
    2014, 25(1):  263-271. 
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    Dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM) is an important and efficient tool for study on the terrestrial carbon circle processes and vegetation dynamics. This paper reviewed the development history of DGVMs, introduced the basic structure of DGVMs, and the outlines of several world-widely used DGVMs, including CLM-DGVM, LPJ, IBIS and SEIB. The shortages of the description of dynamic vegetation mechanisms in the current DGVMs were proposed, including plant functional types (PFT) scheme, vegetation competition, disturbance, and phenology. Then the future research directions of DGVMs were pointed out, i.e. improving the PFT scheme, refining the vegetation dynamic mechanism, and implementing a model inter-comparison project.
    Responses of riverine nitrogen export to net anthropogenic nitrogen inputs: A review.
    ZHANG Wang-shou1,2, LI Xu-yong1, SU Jing-jun1
    2014, 25(1):  272-278. 
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    Nitrogen (N) inputs caused by human activities potentially influences the aquatic environment. However, researches on N pollution in China are mainly discussed from the microscopic point of view, i.e. field experiment. Watershedscale diagnosis of N pollution has just started, leading to ambiguous identification of ecological problems, pollution issues and pollution potential at watershed scale. In this paper, relationships between net anthropogenic N inputs (NANI) and riverine N flux (RNF) and factors influencing these relationships at watershed scale had been investigated. This would help diagnose ecological and environmental problems at watershed scale, understand the roles of natural climate and human activities  in affecting N fluxes, and ultimately provide both theoretical and practical insights into environmental management decisions.
    Effects and influence factors of dicyandiamide (DCD) application in agricultural ecosystem.
    DAI Yu1, 2, HE Ji-heng1, SHEN Ju-ei1
    2014, 25(1):  279-286. 
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    The low utilization efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer in agricultural ecosystem has caused serious economic and environmental issues. Dicyandiamide (DCD) is a widely used nitrification inhibitor, which can inhibit nitrification via affecting ammonia oxidizing microorganisms with minimal influence on other soil microorganisms, thereby reducing the leaching of nitrate and emission of greenhouse gases. The factors influencing the efficiency of DCD in soil include soil temperature, pH, texture, organic matter, moisture, etc. Recently, the application of molecular methods in agricultural systems has shed new light on the microbial mechanism underlying nitrification inhibition by DCD. In this review, the enzymatic inhibition mechanism, the application effects and their influence factors of DCD were summarized, and the prospects of its application were discussed as well.
    Research advances in uptake, translocation, accumulation and detoxification of Pb in plants.
    DUAN De-chao1, YU Ming-ge1,2, SHI Ji-yan1
    2014, 25(1):  287-296. 
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    Contamination of soils by lead (Pb) is of widespread occurrence because of the industrialization, urbanization, mining, and many other anthropogenic activities. It is urgent and necessary for scientists to uncover the mechanisms of uptake, translocation, accumulation and detoxification of Pb in plants for the following two reasons. First, it helps target and regulate the key process of Pb uptake by crops and vegetables and minimize the threat of Pb introduction to the food chain. Second, it helps cultivate Pb hyperaccumulating plants that can absorb and sequester excessive amounts  from contaminated soils in their biomass without incurring damage to basic metabolic functions. The purpose of this review was to summarize the research advances in uptake, translocation and accumulation of Pb in plants and address the mechanisms by which plants or plant systems detoxify Pb. The further researches on the foliar uptake, the interactions between soil components and plant cell wall, as well as the integrated technologies for phytoremediation of Pbcontaminated soils were prospected.
     
    Role of modern hunting in wildlife management.
    CAO Shi, ZHOU Xue-hong, ZHANG Wei
    2014, 25(1):  297-304. 
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    Although modern hunting is different from traditional hunting, it remains a controversial topic. A large number of scholars in the world have studied the effects of hunting on wild animals from an ecological, ethological, genetic and economic aspect. This paper reviewed the role of controlled hunting in wildlife production from population dynamics, behavior, genetic and a phenotypic level, and by integrating a large number of domestic and foreign literatures. Many studies have shown that regulated hunting is an efficient approach in managing wildlife populations, which could be beneficial to the recovery and possibly even growth of wildlife populations. Meanwhile, over-exploitation or inappropriate hunting could affect the sex, birth and mortality ratios of wildlife populations, change foraging behavior and socio-spatial behavior and generate artificial selection of their genotype and phenotype. To apply modern hunting properly to wildlife management, China could learn from successful hunting programs implemented in many other countries, which are based on ecological and economic principles to formulate scientifically determined hunting quotas and set up an effective system to regulate and manage the hunting of wildlife populations.