Table of Content

18 September 2014, Volume 25 Issue 9

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Simulating climate change effect on aboveground carbon sequestration rates of main broadleaved trees in the Xiaoxing’an Mountains area, Northeast China.

MA Jun1,2, BU Ren-cang1, DENG Hua-wei3, HU Yuan-man1, QIN Qin1,2, HAN Feng-lin1,2

2014, 25(9):  2449-2459. 

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LANDIS Pro 7.0 model was used to simulate the dynamics of aboveground biomass of ten broadleaved tree species in the Xiao Xing’an Mountains area under current and various climate change scenarios from 2000 to 2200, and carbon content coefficients (CCCs) were coupled to calculate the aboveground carbon sequestration rates (ACSRs) of these species. The results showed that in the initial year of simulation, the biomasses and their proportions of Fraxinus mandshurica, Phellodendron amurense, Quercus mongolica, Ulmus propinqua, and Acer mono were relatively low, while those of Betula costata, Betula platyphylla, and Populus davidiana were higher. A trend of rise after decline occurred in ACSR for pioneer species in the mid and late periods of simulation years, but ACSRs for the other broadleaved tree species were considerably complex. The ACSRs of Q. mongolica and Tilla amurensis fluctuated in the ranges of -0.05-0.25 t·hm^-2·10 a^-1 and 0.16-1.29 t·hm^-2·10 a^-1 in simulation years, respectively. The ACSRs of F. mandshurica, U. propinqua, A. mono, and B. costata showed a trend of decline after rise in late simulation years. There were significant differences in ACSR for P. amurense and B. davurica among various climate change scenarios in the periods of 2050-2100 and 2150-2200, while no significant difference in ACSR for the other species would be detected. Difference of sensitivity of various species in ACSR for future climate scenarios in the Small Khingan Mountains area existed. However, the uncertainty of future climates would not yield significant difference in ACSR for most broadleaved tree species. Moreover, a time lag would exist in the process of climate change effects on temperate forest’s ACSR.

Spatial heterogeneity of soil organic carbon and nutrients in low mountain area of Changbai Mountains.

LIU Ling, WANG Hai-yan, DAI Wei, YANG Xiao-juan, LI Xu

2014, 25(9):  2460-2468. 

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Soil samples were collected in Jincang Forest Farm, Wangqing Forestry Bureau to study spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrients. Geostatistics was used to predict their spatial distribution in the study area, and the prediction results were interpolated using regressionkriging and ordinary kriging. Multiple linear regression was used to study the relationship between SOC and spatial factors. The results showed the SOC density (SOCD) at 0-60 cm was (16.14±4.58) kg·m^-2. Soil organic carbon decreased significantly with the soil depth. With the increasing soil depth, total N, total P, total K, available P and readily available K concentrations decreased. Stepwise regression analysis showed that SOC had good correlation with elevation and cosine of aspect, with the determination coefficient of 0.34 and 0.39, respectively (P<0.01). Soil organic carbon at 0-20 cm and 0-60 cm soil layers conformed to Gaussian model and exponential model. Compared with ordinary kriging, the prediction accuracy was improved by 18%-58% using regressionkriging. Regressionkriging interpolation was also applied to study spatial heterogeneity of soil total N.

Effects of forest gap on seasonal dynamics of soil organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon in Picea asperata  forest in Miyaluo of Western Sichuan, Southwest China.

ZHOU Yi-gui1, HAO Kai-jie1,2, LI Xian-wei1, FAN Chuan1, CHEN Yue-lin1, LIU Yun-ke1, WANG Xie1

2014, 25(9):  2469-2476. 

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Effects of gap sizes (50, 100 and 150 m²) on seasonal dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) in soil surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) were investigated in a 50-year old Picea asperata plantation in Miyaluo forest, Western Sichuan, China. In the four seasons, the SOC and MBC contents were higher in the soil surface than in soil subsurface in the four treatments, and varied insignificantly in different seasons. Compared with the control, the SOC content increased by 35.4%, 21.2% and 10.3% in soil surface,  and by 45.5%, 25.0% and 12.1% in soil subsurface with the forest gaps of 50, 100 and 150 m², respectively. The MBC content increased by 26.7%, 16.7%, 11.3% and 24.4%, 12.6%, 7.3% in soil surface and subsurface, respectively. There were significant negative relationship between soil SOC content and the soil pH and moisture, and significant positive relationship between soil SOC content and soil temperature. Significant effects of SOC content, soil pH, soil temperature, soil moisture on MBC content were observed, suggesting that forest gaps could significantly affect environmental conditions, and increasing gaps could reduce microbial activity and decomposition rate and decrease soil SOC and MBC contents.

 

Altitudinal patterns of species richness and species range size of vascular plants in Xiaolongshan Reserve of Qinling Mountain: A test of Rapoport’s rule.

ZHENG Zhi, GONG Da-jie, SUN Cheng-xiang, LI Xiao-jun, LI Wan-jiang

2014, 25(9):  2477-2485. 

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Altitudinal patterns of species richness and species range size and their underlying mechanisms have long been a key topic in biogeography and biodiversity research. Rapoport’s rule stated that the species richness gradually declined with the increasing altitude, while the species ranges became larger. Using altitudedistribution database from Xiaolongshan Reverse, this study explored the altitudinal patterns of vascular plant species richness and species range in Qinling Xiaolongshan Reserve, and examined the relationships between species richness and their distributional middle points in altitudinal bands for different fauna, taxonomic units and growth forms and tested the Rapo
port’s rule by using Stevens’ method, Pagel’s method, midpoint method and crossspecies method. The results showed that the species richness of vascular plants except smallrange species showed a unimodal pattern along the altitude in Qinling Xiaolongshan Reserve and the highest proportion of smallrange species was found at the lower altitudinal bands and at the higher altitudinal bands. Due to different assemblages and examining methods, the relationships between species distributing range sizes and the altitudes were different. Increasing taxonomic units was easier to support Rapoport’s rule, which was related to niche differences that the different taxonomic units occupied. The mean species range size of angiosperms showed a unimodal pattern along the altitude, while those of the gymnosperms and pteridophytes were unclearly regular. The mean species range size of the climbers was wider with the increasing altitude, while that of the shrubs which could adapt  to different environmental situations was not sensitive to the change of altitude. Pagel’s method was easier to support the Rapoport’s rule, and then was Steven’s method. On the contrary, due to the middomain effect, the results of the test by using the midpoint method showed that the mean species range size varied in a unimodal pattern along the altitude, which didn’t support the Rapoport’s rule, and because of the scatterspot impact, the explanatory power of the crossspecies method was much lower.

Changes in soil organic carbon and soil microbial functional diversity of Carya cathayensis plantations under intensive managements.

WU Jia-sen1,2, QIAN Jin-fang3, TONG Zhi-peng4, HUANG Jian-qin2, ZHAO Ke-li1

2014, 25(9):  2486-2492. 

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The change characteristics of soil organic carbon and microbial function diversity in Chinese hickory Carya cathayensis stands with different intensivemanagement durations (5, 10, 15 and 20 years) were studied. The results showed that soil total organic carbon (TOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), watersoluble organic carbon (WSOC) decreased significantly, while the stability of soil C pool increased significantly after the conversion from evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forest to intensivelymanaged forest (IMF)．TOC, MBC and WSOC in the hickory forest soil decreased by 28.4%, 34.1% and 53.3% with 5-year intensive management, and by 38.6%, 48.9% and 64.1% with 20year intensive management, respectively. The proportions of carboxyl C, phenolic C and aromatic C in the hickory forest soil all increased significantly, and the aromaticity of soil organic C increased by 23.0%. Soil microbial functional diversity decreased greatly after intensive management of Chinese hickory forest. Significant differences in average well color development (AWCD) were found between the 0- and 5-year treatments and the 10-, 15- and 20-year treatments. The microbial diversity indexes (H) and evenness indexes (E) in the 0- and 5-year treatments were much greater than in the 10- and 20-year treatments. Correlation analysis showed that there were significant correlations among soil TOC, WSOC, MBC, AWCD, H and E.

 

Multiple-scale analysis on spatial distribution changes of forest carbon storage in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China based on local statistics.

LIU Chang, LI Feng-ri, JIA Wei-wei, ZHEN Zhen

2014, 25(9):  2493-2500. 

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Taking 4163 permanent sample plots from Chinese National Forest Inventory (CNFI) and key ecological benefit forest monitoring plots in Heilongjiang Province as basic data, and by using local Moran I and local statistics (local mean and local standard deviation), the spatial pattern, spatial variation and spatial autocorrelation of forest carbon storage in Heilongjiang Province with four bandwidths of 25, 50, 100 and 150 km were investigated, and the change in forest carbon storage across 2005 to 2010 was studied. The results showed that the spatial distribution of forest carbon storage in Heilongjiang Province had significantly positive spatial correlation, which indicated that the changes of carbon storage tended to be similar with their neighbors without a non-random manner. Forest carbon storage was affected by environmental factors, and the spatial heterogeneity strongly existed with a large variation in the study area. The spatial distribution of forest carbon storage was significantly different between 2005 and 2010 with an increasing trend. Local statistics are useful tools for characterizing forest carbon storage change across time and space, which are visualized by ArcGIS.

Radial variation and time lag of sap flow of Populus gansuensis in Minqin Oasis, Northwest China.

DANG Hong-zhong1, YANG Wen-bin1, LI Wei1, ZHANG You-yan1, LI Chang-long2

2014, 25(9):  2501-2510. 

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Sap flow of tree trunk is very important to reflect the dynamics of physiological activities, as well as to estimate the water consumption of individual plant. In the present study, we used the thermal dissipation technique to monitor the sap flow velocity (J ) at four depth loci (i.e. 2 cm, 3 cm, 5 cm, 8 cm) of three Populus gansuensis trees (30 yearold) in Minqin Oasis for two consecutive growing seasons. The results showed that there were significant differences among J values at four depth loci under tree trunk cambium. J value at the 3 cm depth locus (J₃) of the tree trunk was the highest, and then in sequences, were 2 cm, 5 cm and 8 cm depth loci (J₂,J₅ and J₈). J value (J₃) on typical sunny days in June with the highest atmospheric potential evapotranspiration (ET₀) was up to 28.53 g·cm^-2·h^-1, which was 1.42, 2.74 and 4.4 times of J₂, J₅ and J₈, respectively. In the process of diurnal variation of sap flow velocity, the peak value time of J at the four depth loci of the tree trunk was different, but the differences among them were within 20 min. Furthermore, the peak value time of sap flow velocity was very different to that of solar radiation (R_s) and air vapour pressure deficit (VPD). The time lag between J and R_s was from 55 to 88 min on typical sunny days during the main growing seasons (from June to August), and, positively related to the depth of the locus under tree trunk cambium, while the time lag between J and VPD reached 60-96 min, and was negatively related to the depth of the locus. The seasonal variation patterns of J were consistent with ET₀. With the increase of tree physiological activities, there was a trend that the major water transportation layer extended to the interior sapwood. The most important meteorological factor was the solar radiation, which primarily drove sap flow at different depths of tree trunk. However, the secondary factor changed along with the depth, and VPD became increasingly important with increasing the depth.

Climatic effects on radial growth of Korean pines with different bark forms in Liangshui Natural Reserve, Northeast China.

LIU Min1,2, MAO Zi-jun1, LI Yue2, LI Xing-huan1, LIU Rui-peng1, HUANG Wei1, SUN Tao1, ZHAO Jing2

2014, 25(9):  2511-2520. 

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Dendrochronological techniques including correlation functions and singleyears analysis were used to study the relationship between the two kinds of Korean pine radial growth in Liangshui Natural Reserve and climatic variables, and to assess the similarities and differences between Korean pine with coarse bark (Pinus koraiensis forma pachidermis) and fine bark (Pinus koraiensis forma leptodermis) in response to climate factors, the main affecting factors and whether the response relationship could be of longterm stability. The results showed that the Korean pine with fine bark was more suitable for dendrochronological study. The radial growth of the two kinds of Korean pine was very sensitive to environmental variables and their climate responses had no significant differences. From 1902 to 2009, meteorological factors in the growing season, especially in June were the primary factors affecting the radial growth of the two kinds of Korean pine in the study area. The temperature showed a significant negative correlation and the precipitation showed a significant positive correlation. The Korean pine growing in different periods had a significantly different response to meteorological factors. With the rapid rise of temperature and drought after 1970, the radial growth of the two kinds of Korean pine was more sensitive to the meteorological factors than before, which was especially more sensitive to temperature in growing season and PDSI in many seasons.

 

Monitoring on spatial and temporal changes of snow cover in the Heilongjiang Basin based on remote sensing.

YU Ling-xue1,2, ZHANG Shu-wen1, GUAN Cong1,3, YAN Feng-qin1,2, YANG Chao-bin1,2, BU Kun1, YANG Jiu-chun1, CHANG Li-ping1

2014, 25(9):  2521-2528. 

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This paper extracted and verified the snow cover extent in Heilongjiang Basin from 2003 to 2012 based on MODIS Aqua and Terra data, and the seasonal and interannual variations of snow cover extent were analyzed. The result showed that the doublestar composite data reduced the effects of clouds and the overall accuracy was more than 91%, which could meet the research requirements. There existed significant seasonal variation of snow cover extent. The snow cover area was almost zero in July and August while in January it expanded to the maximum, which accounted for more than 80% of the basin. According to the analysis on the interannual variability of snow cover, the maximum winter snow cover areas in 2003-2004 and 2009-2010 (>180×10⁴ km²) were higher than that of 2011(150×10⁴ km²). Meanwhile, there were certain correlations between the interannual fluctuations of snow cover and the changes of average annual temperature and precipitation. The year with the low snow cover was corresponding to less annual rainfall and higher average temperature, and vice versa. The spring snow cover showed a decreasing trend from 2003 to 2012, which was closely linked with decreasing precipitation and increasing temperature.

Ecological characteristics of preferred habitat of reindeer of Daxing’an Mountain forest area, Northeast China in summer.

WANG Peng1, MENG Fan-lu1, ZENG Zhi1, WANG Wei-ping1, SHENG Yan2, FENG Jin-chao1, ZHOU Yi-jun1, XUE Da-yuan1, MENG Xiu-xiang2

2014, 25(9):  2529-2535. 

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In July and August of 2012 and 2013, habitat selection and use patterns of reindeer were studied using both line and striptransect surveys. Twentythree habitat factors were measured and compared in known reindeer range areas in northwestern China. A total of 72 sampling sites were designated as being used by reindeer, and 162 sites were designated as unused control plots. The results indicated that, compared to the nonused habitat plots, reindeer selected summer habitats with higher values in altitude (26.9±0.8 m), arbor canopy (17.9%±2.4%), arbor DBH (35.5±2.1 cm), arbor height (8.2±0.5 m), arbor density (6.9±0.5 ind·400 m^-2) and stump quantity (1.3±0.2 ind·400 m^-2), and with a lower shrub height (54.2±2.0 cm). Moreover, reindeer also selected habitats at intermediate positions of intermediate slope gradient, which provided good water accessibility, more distance from human disturbance and herder influence, but bad concealment and lee condition. Results of the principal component analysis showed that the disturbance intensity (i.e. residential dispersion, anthropogenicdisturbance dispersion), arbor characteristics (arbor height and arbor density, arbor DBH and arbor canopy), geography characteristics (i.e. slope position, slope aspect and soil moisture), food abundance (groundplant cover and shrub cover), openness (concealment and lee condition) and slope gradient were the most important factors influencing the habitat selection of reindeer in summer. In summary, the summer habitat selection of reindeer is a multidimensional process, through which reindeer adapt according to their ecological needs of food resources, safety and antipredation. Furthermore, the pattern of habitat selection of reindeer showed that reindeer in China has not yet been domesticated, and reindeer populations and their core habitats should be conserved from intensive disturbance.

Effects of shade and competition of Chenopodium album on photosynthesis, fluorescence and growth characteristics of Flaveria bidentis.

YANG Qing1, LI Jing-shi1, GUO Ai-ying1, QI Yan-ling1, LI Yan-sheng1, ZHANG Feng-juan2

2014, 25(9):  2536-2542. 

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It is necessary to elucidate its growth mechanism in order to prevent and control the further spread of Flaveria bidentis, an invasive plant in China. The effects of shading (shading rate of 0, 50% and 80%, respectively) and planting pattern (single cropping of F. bidentis, single cropping of Chenopodium album and their intercropping) on germination rate, fluorescence characteristics and growth characteristics of the two plants were investigated. The results showed that moderate shading contributed to emergence rate, but emergence rate of F. bidentis was not uniform, which was one of important factors as a stronger invader. With the increasing light intensity, net photosynthetic rate (P_n), photochemical quenching (q_P), electron transport rate of PSⅡ(ETR), quantum yield of PSⅡ(Y), nonphotochemical quenching (q_N), water use efficiency (WUE), shoot biomass rate (SMR), crown width (CW) and dry biomass (DM) increased, specific leaf area (SLA) decreased, LMR of F. bidentis significantly increased, LMR of C. album changed insignificantly, and the increment of DM of F. bidentis was higher than that of C. album. In 80% shade treatment, P_n and DM of F. bidentis were lower than those of C. album. In natural light treatment, P_n, q_N, WUE and relative competitive index (RCI) were the highest, CW and DM of intercropped F. bidentis and P_n, Y of C. album were significantly lower than that of the respective single treatment. F. bidentis had higher light saturation point (LSP) and light compensation point (LCP). In conclusion, the shadetolerant ability of F. bidentis was weaker than that of C. album, but it was reversed in natural light treatment. The two plants adapted to the weak light in 80% shade treatment by
 increasing SLA and decreasing LMR. F. bidentis improved competition under natural light by increasing SMR and decreasing CW.

Soil microbial community structure of monoculture and mixed plantation stands of native tree species in south subtropical China.

LUO Da1, SHI Zuo-min1, TANG Jing-chao1, LIU Shi-rong1, LU Li-hua2

2014, 25(9):  2543-2550. 

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The effects of three plantation stands, Erythrophleum fordii (EF), Pinus massoniana (PM), and their mixed plantation (MP), on soil microbial biomass and microbial community structure in south subtropical China were studied by the method of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) analy
sis. The results showed that the amounts of microbial total PLFAs and PLFAs of each microbial group in these three plantation stand soils were significantly higher in dry season than in rainy season. In dry season, the amounts of microbial total PLFAs, bacteria PLFAs, fungi PLFAs, and actinomycetes PLFAs were the highest in the PM soil, moderate in the MP soil, and the lowest in the EF soil. But in rainy season, the amounts of microbial total PLFAs, bacteria PLFAs, fungi PLFAs, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) PLFAs in the EF soil were higher than in the MP soil, and were significantly higher than in the PM soil. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the variations in soil microbial community structure composition were affected by both plantation types and seasons. Redundancy analysis (RDA) of soil microbial community structure and environmental factors showed that soil temperature and moisture, pH, total nitrogen content, and ammonium nitrogen content had significant correlations with PLFA signatures. In addition, the ratio of fungi PLFAs to bacteria PLFAs in the MP soil was the highest among the three stand soils within the whole year, indicating that mixed plantation stands could facilitate the stability of the soil ecosystem.

Effects of different organic matter mulching on water content, temperature, and available nutrients of apple orchard soil in a cold region. 

ZHOU Jiang-tao, LU De-guo, QIN Si-jun

2014, 25(9):  2551-2556. 

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The effects of different organic matter covers on soil physicalchemical properties were investigated in a ‘Hanfu’ apple orchard located in a cold region. Four treatments were applied (weed mulching, rice straw mulching, corn straw mulching, and crushed branches mulching), and physicalchemical properties, including orchard soil moisture and nutrient contents, were compared among treatment groups and between organic mattertreated and untreated plots. The results showed that soil water content increased in the plots treated with organic matter mulching, especially in the arid season. Cover with organic matter mulch slowed  the rate of soil temperature increase in spring, which was harmful to the early growth of fruit trees. Organic matter mulching treatments decreased the peak temperature of orchard soil in the summer and increased the minimum soil temperature in the fall. pH was increased in soils treated with organic matter mulching, especially in the corn straw mulching treatment, which occurred as a response to alleviating soil acidification to achieve nearneutral soil conditions. The soil organic matter increased to varying extents among treatment groups, with the highest increase observed in the weed mulching treatment. Overall, mulching increased alkalihydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium in the soil, but the alkalihydrolyzable nitrogen content in the rice straw mulching treatment was lower than that of the control.

Effects of rodents and litter coverage on the seed fate of wild Prunus divaricata in wild fruit forest of Tianshan Mountain, Northwest China.

ZHAO Yu1,2, LIU Ying1, WANG Jian-ming1, ZHANG Yong-heng1, YANG Yun-fei2

2014, 25(9):  2557-2562. 

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The dynamic variation characteristics of seed bank and the main factors influencing the fate of Prunus divaricata seeds under the pressure of rodent predation and litter coverage were investigated with artificial soil seed banks from September, 2010 to April, 2013. It was found that there was about 48.3% of seeds germinated under the rodent predation disturbance conditions, 50% of the seeds was predated in situ or removed, and only about 4% decayed. The artificial seed bank formed a shortterm persistent soil seed bank without any rodent predation disturbance, and the seeds could germinate even though they had been stored in the seed bank for three years. Soil burial provided a lower predation pressure and promoted the recruitment of wild P. divaricata seedlings, removal and predation in situ by animals was an important factor affecting the fate of seeds.  At the same time, seeds removed and foraged in situ in the control and litter coverage samples were significantly less than that in the bare soil samples. Ground coverage reduced the removal and predation of seeds by rodents, but the effect was not enough to result in more seedlings. Rodent predation and removal were the main factors that could affect the seed fate and dynamics of seed bank.


 

Periodic characteristics of soil CO₂ flux in mangrove wetland of Quanzhou Bay, China.

WANG Zong-lin1, WU Yan-you1,2, XING De-ke1, LIU Rong-cheng1, ZHOU Gui-yao1, ZHAO Kuan1

2014, 25(9):  2563-2568. 

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Mangrove wetland ecosystem in Quanzhou Bay in Fujian Province  is newly restored with a regular semidiurnal tide. Soil CO₂ concentration in the mangrove soil was determined by Li-840 portable gas analyzer, and periodic characteristics of soil CO₂ emission was investigated. The soil CO₂ flux in the wetland soil was relatively small because the mangrove was young. The change trends of soil CO₂ concentration and flux with time were consistent in Kandelia obovate and Aegiceras corniculatum communities in the intertidal periods. The CO₂ concentration and flux in the wetland soil were 557.08-2211.50 μmol·mol^-1 and -0.21-0.40 μmol·m^-2·s^-1, respectively. The average CO₂ flux in the wetland soil was 0.26 μmol·mol^-1·s^-1 in the intertidal of morning and evening tides (early intertidal) and -0.01 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 in the intertidal of evening and morning tides (late intertidal), respectively. At the same time after the tide, the concentration and flux of CO₂ in the mangrove soil in early intertidal was higher than that in late intertidal. In early intertidal, the relationship between the flux and instantaneous concentration of CO₂ in the wetland soil was expressed as a bellshaped curve, and CO_2 flux increased first and then decreased with the increasing CO₂ concentration, which was in conformity with Gaussian distribution.

 

Characteristics of soil moisture in artificial impermeable layers.

SUO Gai-di1, XIE Yong-sheng1,2, TIAN Fei1, CHUAI Jun-feng1, JING Min-xiao1

2014, 25(9):  2569-2575. 

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For the problem of low water and fertilizer use efficiency caused by nitrate nitrogen leaching into deep soil layer and soil desiccation in dryland apple orchard, characteristics of soil moisture were investigated by means of hand tamping in order to find a new approach in improving the water and fertilizer use efficiency in the apple orchard. Two artificial impermeable layers of red clay and dark loessial soil were built in soil, with a thickness of 3 or 5 cm. Results showed that artificial impermeable layers with the two different thicknesses were effective in reducing or blocking water infiltration into soil and had higher seepage controlling efficiency. Seepage controlling efficiency for the red clay impermeable layer was better than that for the dark loessial soil impermeable layer. Among all the treatments, the red clay impermeable layer of 5 cm thickness had the highest bulk density, the lowest initial infiltration rate (0.033 mm·min^-1) and stable infiltration rate (0.018 mm·min^-1) among all treatments. After drywet alternation in summer and freezingthawing cycle in winter, its physiochemical properties changed little. Increase in years did not affect stable infiltration rate of soil water. The red clay impermeable layer of 5 cm thickness could effectively increase soil moisture content in upper soil layer which was conducive to raise the water and nutrient use efficiency. The approach could be applied to the apple production of dryland orchard.

 

Effects of sewage sludge compost on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of turfgrass.

WANG Jie1,3, TANG Feng-de2, YI Yan-li3

2014, 25(9):  2576-2582. 

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The effects of different dosages (0, 0.8%, 2%, 6% and 10%) of sewage sludge compost on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of three turfgrass, i.e., Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne and Poa pratensis were studied. The results showed that the dosage of 6% had the optimal effects. The plant height, leaf area and dry biomass of three turfgrass increased significantly with the increasing sewage sludge compost dosage, while the root/shoot ratio decreased obviously. Compared with the control, the plant height of F. arundinacea, L. perenne and P. pratensis increased by 64.9%-180.8%, 97.3%-200.9% and 39.1%-156.5%, the leaf area per plant increased by 91.3%-417.4%, 186.4%-394.9% and 164.6%-508.3% and the dry biomass per plant increased by 333.4%-867.6%, 138.4%-445.1% and 316.3%-669.2%, respectively. With the increasing dosage of sewage sludge compost, the net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i) and water use efficiency (WUE) of F. arundinacea increased first and decreased then, the P_n, T_r and WUE of P. pratensis showed a significantly increasing trend, while the C_i decreased after an initial increase, and the P_n and WUE of L. perenne increased gradually, while the C_i and T_r decreased after a gradual increase. With the increasing sewage sludge dosage, the contents of chlorophyll a and b of the three turfgrass species increased markedly, and then decreased when the dosage was more than 6%, but  the ratio of chlorophyll a/b was little changed.

Effects of different irrigation methods on grain quality of japonica rice in Huanghuai District of China.

LIU Qi-hua, WU Xiu, CHEN Bo-cong, XIN Cai-yun, CHEN Feng, WANG Yu, SUN Zhao-wen, MA Jia-qing

2014, 25(9):  2583-2590. 

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To clarify the effects of different irrigation treatments in paddy field on rice gain quality, three irrigation methods, moistening irrigation (0 cm water depth), shallow water irrigation (1-2 cm water depth) and deep water irrigation (5-6 cm water depth), were established under field condition. In the experiment, rice gain physiochemical parameters including grain length, width, area and perimeter, amylose and protein contents and RVA profile characteristics of 3 rice cultivars (Shengdao 14, Shengdao 2572, Shengdao 18) with excellent quality were evaluated. Results showed that grain length, area and perimeter were significantly enhanced under shallow water irrigation when compared with the other two irrigation methods, while chalky rice rate and chalkiness performed conversely. Of all irrigation methods, moistening irrigation produced the highest peak viscosity and hot viscosity values, but deep irrigation produced the lowest peak viscosity, hot viscosity and final viscosity values. The breakdown, setback, consistence values and amylose content of rice grains of 3 varieties displayed disparate responses to the 3 irrigation treatments, largely due to the difference of genotypes. Shengdao 14 had the best eating quality under moistening irrigation and Shengdao 18 under deep irrigation. Correlation analysis indicated that RVA profile parameters were significantly related with apparent and physiochemical parameters. The relationship between apparent and eating quality was quantified by regression and pathway analyses, suggesting that grain area, perimeter and the ratio of grain length to width were the main factors controlling breakdown, the ratio of grain length to width was for setback, and grain protein and amylose contents for consistence.

 

Effects of poplar-amaranth intercropping system on the soil nitrogen loss under different nitrogen applying levels.

CHU Jun1, XUE Jian-hui1, WU Dian-ming2, JIN Mei-juan1, WU Yong-bo1

2014, 25(9):  2591-2597. 

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Characteristics of soil nitrogen  loss were investigated based on field experiments in two types of poplaramaranth intercropping systems (spacing: L₁ 2 m×5 m, L₂ 2 m×15 m) with four N application rates, i.e., 0 (N₁), 91 (N₂), 137 (N₃) and 183 (N₄) kg·hm^-2. The regulation effects on the soil surface runoff, leaching loss and soil erosion were different among the different types of intercropping systems: L₁＞L₂＞L₃ (amaranth monocropping). Compared with the amaranth monocropping, the soil surface runoff rates of L₁ and L₂ decreased by 65.1% and 55.9%, the soil leaching rates of L₁ and L₂ with a distance of 0.5 m from the poplar tree row decreased by 30.0% and 28.9%, the rates with a distance of 1.5 m decreased by 25.6% and 21.9%, and the soil erosion rates decreased by 65.0% and 55.1%, respectively. The control effects of two intercropping systems on TN, NO₃^--N and NH₄⁺-N in soil runoff and leaching loss were in the order of L₁＞L₂＞L₃. Compared with the amaranth monocropping, TN, NO₃^--N and NH₄⁺-N loss rates in soil runoff of L₁ decreased by 62.9%, 45.1% and 69.2%, while the loss rates of L₂ decreased by 23.4%, 6.9% and 46.2% under N₁ (91 kg·hm^-2), respectively. Higher treeplanting density and closer positions to the polar tree row were more effective on controlling the loss rates of NO₃^--N and NH₄⁺-N caused by soil leaching. The loss proportion of NO₃^--N in soil runoff decreased with the increasing nitrogen rate under the same treeplanting density, while that of NH₄⁺-N increased. Leaching loss of NO₃^--N had a similar trend with that of NH₄⁺-N, i.e., N₃＞N₂＞N₁＞N₀.

Effect of ridge & terraced ecological rice farming on rice photosynthetic characteristics and yield.

ZHENG Hua-bin1,2, LIU Jian-xia2,3, YAO Lin2,3, HE Hui2,3, HUANG Huang1,2

2014, 25(9):  2598-2604. 

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Taking super hybrid rice Y-liangyou 1, and hybrid rice Xianyou  63 and conventional rice Huanghuazhan as test materials, a field experiment was conducted in Changsha City of Hunan Province in 2011 and 2012 to investigate the effects of ridge & terraced ecological rice farming (RT) and bed ecological rice farming (B) on rice grain yield and photosynthetic characteristics. Compared with conventional rice farming (CK), yield of Y-liangyou 1 in the RT was increased significantly by 28.7%, the effective panicles per unit area and spikelets per panicle were increased by 16.1% and 6.8%, respectively. Yields of Xianyou 63 and Huanghuazhan in the RT and B were 24.3% and 19.7%, 12.0% and 16.2% higher than those of CK, respectively. Leaf area index, dry matter accumulation before and after fullheading, total dry matter accumulation of Y-liangyou 1 in the RT was higher than that of CK. Number of spikelets/leaf area, number of filled grains/leaf area, grain mass/leaf area of Y-liangyou 1 in the RT were 8.1%, 14.8% and 15.8% higher than those of CK, respectively, the photosynthetic potential was increased by 32.2% while the net assimilation rate was declined by 9.3%.

 

Effects of drought stress, high temperature and elevated CO₂ concentration on the growth of winter wheat.

SI Fu-yan1,2, QIAO Yun-zhou1, JIANG Jing-wei3, DONG Bao-di1, SHI Chang-hai1, LIU Meng-yu1

2014, 25(9):  2605-2612. 

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The impacts of climate change on the grain yield, photosynthesis, and water conditions of winter wheat were assessed based on an experiment, in which wheat plants were subjected to ambient and elevated CO₂ concentrations, ambient and elevated temperatures, and low and high water conditions independently and in combination. The CO₂ enrichment alone had no effect on the photosynthesis of winter wheat, whereas higher temperature and drought significantly decreased the photosynthetic rate. Water conditions in flag leaves were not significantly changed at the elevated CO₂ concentration or elevated temperature. However, drought stress decreased the relative water content in flag leaves, and the combination of elevated temperature and drought reduced the water potential in flag leaves. The combination of elevated CO₂ concentration, elevated temperature, and drought significantly reduced the photosynthetic rate and water conditions, and led to a 41.4% decrease in grain yield. The elevated CO₂ concentration alone increased the grain yield by 21.2%, whereas the elevated temperature decreased the grain yield by 12.3%. The grain yield was not affected by the combination of elevated CO₂ concentration and temperature, but the grain yield was significantly decreased by the drought stress if combined with any of the climate scenarios applied in this study. These findings suggested that maintaining high soil water content might be a vital means of reducing the potential harm caused by the climate change.

 

Effects of high temperature on Bt proteins expression and nitrogen metabolic physiology in square of Bt cotton at the peak squaring stage.

CHEN Yuan1, HAN Yong1, WANG Jun1, HUA Ming-ming1, GU Chao1, LI Guo-sheng2, ZHANG Xiang1, CHEN De-hua1

2014, 25(9):  2623-2628. 

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Taking Bt cotton Sikang 1 (a conventional cultivar), Sikang 3 (a hybrid cultivar) from China and 99B (a conventional cultivar), Daiza 1 (a hybrid cultivar) from USA as test materials, the effects of different high temperatures on the square Bt proteins expression and nitrogen metabolic physiology were investigated. The results showed that the square Bt protein contents of the four cultivars decreased significantly above 38 ℃ compared with that at 32 ℃. The higher the temperature was above 38 ℃, the greater the reduction extent of the Bt protein content was. The square Bt protein contents of the hybrid cultivars were higher than that of the conventional cultivars, and were less reduced under the high temperature stress. The cultivars with bigger reductions in Bt protein content also showed greater reductions in the square soluble protein contents, pyruvic transaminase activities and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activities, while larger increments were detected for the square free amino acid contents, proteinsase activities and peptidase activities.

Exogenous NO mediated GSH-PCs synthesis pathway in tomato under copper stress.

WANG Jian, YU Shi-xin, ZHANG Min, CUI Xiu-min

2014, 25(9):  2629-2636. 

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Nitric oxide (NO), as a biologically active molecule, widely involved in the biotic and abiotic stresses. By using solution culture, this paper reported the dynamic changes in enzyme activity and metabolites related to GSH-PCs synthesis way mediated by exogenous NO in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). The results showed that exogenous NO could affect the metabolic pathway of GSH-PCs in tomato seedlings under copper stress. Compared with CK, the activity of γ-ECS and GS was significantly activated, consequently resulting in a sharp rise in GSH and PCs contents in tomato root. Moreover, γECS and GS activity, GSH and PCs contents constantly rise with the extension of processing time under copper stress. Adding exogenous SNP could further improve γ-ECS and GS activity in tomato, and promote the production of GSH and PCs, which contributed to enhancing the ability of removing superoxide and chelating excess Cu²⁺ to reduce its biological toxicity. To a certain extent, GSH-PCs metabolic changes in leaf lagged behind that in roots. Exogenous BSO could significantly inhibit γ-ECS activity, and applying SNP could significantly reverse the inhibition on GSH and PCs synthesis by BSO. BSO had little effects on PCs content in leaf. Under copper stress, exogenous NO may initiate a signal mechanism and reduce the biotoxicity and oxidative damage caused by excessive Cu²⁺ by activating or enhancing the enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems in the GSH-PCs synthesis path.

Effects of exogenous GSH on photosynthetic characteristics and expression of key enzyme genes of CO₂ assimilation in leaves of tomato seedlings under NaCl stress.

LIU Hui-fang, HE Xiao-ling, XIAO Chun-yan, CUI Jin-xia, XU Wei, LIU Hui-ying

2014, 25(9):  2637-2644. 

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By spraying tomato leaves with reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and glutathione synthesis inhibitor (BSO), respectively, the effects of glutathionmediated redox state on leaf photosynthesis in tomato under NaCl stress were investigated. The results showed that the application of exogenous GSH significantly induced an increase in  reducing power level, increased the net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (g_s), transpiration rate (T_r), as well as the maximum quantum yield of PSⅡ (F_v/F_m), actual photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ (Ф_PSⅡ), photochemical quenching coefficient (q_P) and nonphotochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ), and enhanced the Rubisco activity and expression levels of RbcL, RbcS and RCA genes in leaves of tomato seedlings under NaCl stress. These results suggested that GSH alleviated saltinduced oxidative stress by protecting PSⅡ from damage caused by excess energy, and improving the photochemical efficiency of PSⅡ and dark reaction activity of photosynthesis. Although spraying GSSG decreased the level of reducing power and further aggravated the damage and photoinhibition of the leaf photosynthetic apparatus, P_n was not affected in combined stressed (NaCl and GSSG) plants, which might be due to the upregulation of expression levels of RbcL and RbcS genes. The application of BSO had no significant effects on redox state, CO₂ conductivity capacity and PSⅡ photochemical efficiency in tomato leaves under NaCl stress. However, compared to salt singly stressed plants, BSO application increased P_n, likely due to the upregulation of Rubisco initial activity and RCA and RbcS expression levels.

UV-B radiation sensitivity of Salvia miltiorrhiza in different growth periods.

LIU Jing-ling1, QI Zhi-hong2, HUANG Xiao1, LIU Feng-hua2, LIU Yan2, LIANG Zong-suo1

2014, 25(9):  2645-2650. 

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A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of UV-B radiation on sensitive index (SI) synthetically formed by the height, leaf area and biomass, and on the accumulation of rosmarinic acid (RA) and salvianolic acid B (SAB) of Salvia miltiorrhiza in two growth periods. The results showed the SI in the shoot vigorous growth and harvesting periods both decreased with the increasing UV-B radiation, but the SI in the latter period was even less. The RA and SAB contents in the leaves increased with the increasing UV-B radiation, and the increment was greater in the harvesting period than in the shoot vigorous growth period. The RA and SAB contents decreased in the roots, and decreased with the increasing UV-B intensity and duration. Total contents of RA and SAB in roots decreased to 10.0% and 6.3% of the control under the high UV-B intensity in the harvesting period.

Effects of biochar and nitrification inhibitor incorporation on global warming potential of a vegetable field in Nanjing, China.

LI Bo, LI Qiao-ling, FAN Chang-hua, SUN Li-ying, XIONG Zheng-qin

2014, 25(9):  2651-2657. 

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The influences of biochar and nitrification inhibitor incorporation on global warming potential (GWP) of a vegetable field were studied using the static chamber and gas chromatography method. Compared with the treatments without biochar addition, the annual GWP of N₂O and CH₄ and vegetable yield were increased by 8.7%-12.4% and 16.1%-52.5%, respectively, whereas the greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) were decreased by 5.4%-28.7% following biochar amendment. Nitrification inhibitor significantly reduced the N₂O emission while had  little influence on CH₄ emission, decreased GWP by 17.5%-20.6%, increased vegetable yield by 21.2%-40.1%, and decreased the GHGI significantly. The combined application of biochar and nitrification inhibitor significantly increased both vegetable yield and GWP, but to a greater extent for vegetable yield. Therefore, nitrification inhibitor incorporation could be served as an appropriate practice for increasing vegetable yield and mitigating GHG emissions in vegetable field.

 

Bahaviour of Solenopsis invicta workers to protect pupae from infection by Metarhizium anisopliae.

2014, 25(9):  2658-2664. 

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Previous studies have focused on how ants deal with workers infected by pathogens but how pupae are protected from infection by fungi is not well understood. The behavioral mechanisms adopted by Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ants, RIFA) adult workers to protect pupae against Metarhizium anisopliae infection were studied. We observed the behavioral changes of M. anisopliae infected adult workers in the brood chamber as well as the behavioral changes of healthy workers to fungus exposed pupae. The time of fungus infected workers spent in the pupal chamber reduced significantly from 103.4 s on the first day to 38.5 s on the third day. Moreover, the percentage of time spending on brood care in the pupal chamber reduced significantly from 13.6% on the first day to 3.5% on the third day. When pupae were infected by M. anisopliae, workers performed 5.3 times more grooming to fungus exposed pupae than controls, and the duration of each grooming bout to fungus exposed pupae was 5.2 times longer than controls. Grooming did remove many conidia on the surface of fungus exposed pupae. The mean numbers of conidia on the surface of pupae were 103.1, 51.6 and 31.3 when no workers, two workers and ten workers accompanied a pupa, respectively. The presence of workers resulted in a lower germination rate of conidia on the surface of pupae. The mean germination rates of conidia after 20 h of inoculation on the surface of pupae were 95.1%, 80.4% and 59.9%, in the treatments with no worker, two workers and ten workers respectively. There was a positive correlation between the emergence rate of pupae and the number of accompanying workers. RIFA protect their pupae from infection by M. anisopliae through social behaviors which enable the sustainable development of their population.

Ovipositional preference of Grapholitha molesta.

GONG Qing-tao1, LI Su-hong1,2, ZHANG Kun-peng1, WU Hai-bin1, LIU Wei1, ZHANG Xue-ping1, SUN Rui-hong1

2014, 25(9):  2665-2670. 

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In order to gain better understanding of the oviposition preference of Grapholitha molesta, we studied the ovipositional preference on different host fruit leaves, different parts of peach branches and different varieties of peach in simulated outdoor conditions.
  The adult ovipositional preference on the host fruit leaves was in descending order, i.e. peach＞cherry＞apple＞plum＞pear＞crabapple＞apricot, and 33.5% of eggs were laid on the peach leaves with the average number of egg on one peach leaf being 8.3.  There were differences in egg distribution on both sides of the leaves in different hosts. The number of egg laid on the positive surface was more than on the reverse surface of apple and crabapple leaves, and vice versus for peach, plum, pear and apricot leaves, and 3.3 times more eggs were laid on the reverse surface of peach leaves than on the positive surface. The egg distribution had no significant difference on both sides of cherry leaves.  The adult ovipositional preference on peach branches was in descending order of leaf＞stipule＞petiole＞branch. The leaves were the major ovipositonal places with 88.7% of total eggs on.  72.5% of eggs were laid on the 10 leaves near the top unexpanded leaflets, and the maximum number was on the 3^rd leaf accounting for 9.3%, while only 1.1% of eggs were laid on the peach leaves after 25^th.  The ovipositional preference on different peach fruits was in descending order of nectarine＞flat peach＞prunus persica.  The density and characteristics of the hair on host fruits and leaves were the primary factors affecting the ovipositional preference.

Simulation of urban expansion based on SLEUTH model in Fuxin City, Northeast China.

WU Chun-hua1,2, HU Yuan-man1, HUANG Pei-quan3

2014, 25(9):  2671-2676. 

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Urban expansion was simulated by SLEUTH model based on the data of Fuxin City, Northeast China in 1997-2013. The optimal parameters of urban expansion were obtained from SLEUTH model calibration, with the diffusion coefficient as 6, breed coefficient as 64, spread coefficient as 44, slope resistance as 52 and road gravity as 90. Urban growth types in Fuxin mainly belonged to new center growth and edge growth, i.e., the further expansion of new and old urban centers. Urban expansion was greatly influenced by roads. Fuxin, as a resourceexhausted city, suffered from the natural disasters, such as landslides, subsidence, and so on. The slope resistance of urban expansion was large in the development of urban land. From the perspective of urban scale, road gravity in smaller city was greater than in larger city. The urban expansion in smaller city was more inclined to the new center growth. The locations of enterprises and new development zones were more interested in the area of good transport facilities. Meanwhile, they were inclined to new center growth. Urban expansions were simulated based on optimal parameters of SLEUTH model. The simulated result of edge growth was better than the simulated result of new spreading center growth, because new spreading center growth was susceptible to policymaking, and cellular influence was little. The simulated accuracy of urban land in 2001, 2006, 2010 and 2013 was high.

Population dynamics of ground carabid beetles and spiders in a wheat field along the wheat-alfalfa interface and their response to alfalfa mowing.

LIU Wen-hui1, HU Yi-jun1, HU Wen-chao1, HONG Bo1, GUAN Xiao-qing1, MA Shi-yu2, HE Da-han1,3

2014, 25(9):  2677-2682. 

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Taking the wheatalfalfa and wheatwheat interfaces as  model systems, sampling points were set by the method of pitfall trapping in the wheat field at the distances of 3 m, 6 m, 9 m, 12 m,15 m, 18 m, 21 m, 24 m, and 27 m from the interface. The species composition and abundance of ground carabid beetles and spiders captured in pitfalls were investigated. The results showed that, to some extent there was an edge effect on species diversity and abundance of ground carabid beetles and spiders along the two interfaces. A marked edge effect was observed between 15 m and 18 m along the alfalfa-wheat interface, while no edge effect was found at a distance over 20 m.  The edge effect along the wheat-wheat interface was weaker in comparison to the alfalfa-wheat interface.  Alfalfa mowing resulted in the migration of a large number of ground carabid beetles and spiders to the adjacent wheat filed. During ten days since mowing, both species and abundance of ground carabid beetles and spiders increased in wheat filed within the distance of 20 m along the alfalfa-wheat interface.  The spatial distribution of species diversity of ground beetles and spiders, together with the population abundance of the dominant Chlaenius pallipes and Pardosa astrigera, were depicted, which could directly indicate the migrating process of natural enemy from alfalfa to wheat field.

Influences of petroleum hydrocarbons on accumulation of cadmium and induction of metallothionein in the polychaete Perinereis aibuhitensis.

ZHANG Qian-ru1, MU Wen-yan1,2, ZHANG Jing-yi1,3, LIU Li1, WEI Shu-he1

2014, 25(9):  2683-2694. 

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Ragworm (Polychaeta) is an ecologically important species in intertidal mudflats and estuaries and is recognized as a sentinel species for environmental monitoring. In the intertidal belt of China, the ragworm Perinereis aibuhitensis is frequently exposed to various toxicants including cadmium (Cd) and petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs). The present study investigated the influence of PHCs on accumulation of Cd and the induction of metallothionein (MT) in P. aibuhitensis by means of chronic microcosm experiment in which the ragworms were exposed to Cd or combinations of Cd and PHCs. The accumulation of Cd in P. aibuhitensis increased significantly with the Cd exposure concentration when exposed to Cd alone. Further, the bioconcentration factors (BCFs) for Cd in P. aibuhitensis increased with the duration of exposure. The addition of PHCs in Cd exposure solutions significantly increased the accumulation of Cd in P. aibuhitensis, compared with the control. Exposure to Cd induced the expression of MT, and the expression increased with the concentration up to 180 mg·kg^-1DM Cd at which point the level of induction did not increase. PHCs without Cd did not significantly induce MT in P. aibuhitensis, but the addition of PHCs with Cd did influence the induction of MT compared to Cd without PHCs. Results indicated that PHCs could modulate the expression of MT during coexposure with Cd. The potential substances other than metals influencing the interpretation of MT expression in wild P. aibuhitensis must be recognized when MT is used as a monitoring index.

Correlation between atmospheric PM_2.5 concentration and meteorological factors during summer and autumn in Beijing, China.
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ZENG Jing1,2, WANG Mei-e2, ZHANG Hong-xing2

2014, 25(9):  2695-2699. 

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Based on the monitoring data from 1st July to 31th October, 2008 and 2009 at the Beijing urban ecosystem research station, correlations between PM_2.5 concentration and 6 meteorological factors were analyzed, including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, vapour pressure, atmospheric pressure and wind direction. Main results showed that the dynamics of PM_2.5 concentration displayed an obvious fluctuation cycle every 6 weeks, while few changes happened within one week. The highest variation in weekly average of PM_2.5 concentration happened during the third 6 weeks, followed by the first 6 weeks, and the lowest variation occurred in the second 6 weeks. Correlation analysis suggested that the weekly average of PM_2.5 concentration was significantly correlated with all the 6 meteorological factors, and its correlation with the vapour pressure was the greatest. Results presented in this study confirmed that the weekly average of PM_2.5 concentration between July and August in Beijing could be estimated by the vapour pressure. The research would benefit the analysis and regulation of the pollution source of PM_2.5 in Beijing.

Evaluation of urban human settlement quality in Ningxia based on AHP and the entropy method.

LI Shuai1, WEI Hong1, NI Xi-lu2, GU Yan-wen1, LI Chang-xiao1

2014, 25(9):  2700-2708. 

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As one of the key indicators of the urbanization and the sustainable development of cities, urban human settlement quality has been a hot issue. In this paper, an evaluation system containing indicators related to four aspects (ecological, social, humanities and economic environments) was established to assess the urban human settlement quality in five main cities in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Northwest China. After calculating each indicator’s weight in the evaluation system through AHP and the entropy method, the quality of urban human settlement was analyzed. Results showed that Yinchuan had a score of 0.85 for the quality of human settlement, Shizuishan 0.62, Wuzhong 0.43, Zhongwei 0.33, and Guyuan 0.32, respectively. Shizuishan  got the highest score in the ecoenvironment aspect, and Yinchuan had the highest scores for social, humanities and economic environments. Zhongwei and Guyuan had relatively low scores in all the four urban human settlement aspects. Coordination analysis showed that internal coordination was moderate for Yinchuan (0.79) and Shizuishan (0.72) , and relatively good for the other cities. However,  coordination was relatively poor among the five cities, especially in social environment (0.48). These results suggested that an unsatisfied situation existed in terms of the urban human settlement quality in Ningxia, and that corresponding measures should be taken to accelerate the development of vulnerable indicators, so as to coordinate all the urban human settlement aspects within and among cities.

WTP guidance technology: A comparison of payment card, singlebounded and doublebounded dichotomous formats for evaluating nonuse values of Sanjiang Plain ecotourism water resources.

2014, 25(9):  2709-2715. 

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Contingent valuation method (CVM) is the most widespread method to assess resources and value of environmental goods and services. The guidance technology of willingness to pay (WTP) is an important means of CVM. Therefore, the study on the WTP guidance technology is an important approach to improve the reliability and validity of CVM. This article conducted comprehensive evaluation on nonuse value of ecotourism water resources in Sanjiang Plain by using payment card, singlebound dichotomous choice and doublebound dichotomous choice. Results showed that the socioeconomic attributes were consistent with the willingness to pay in the three formats, and the tender value, age, educational level, annual income and the concern level had significant effect on the willingness to pay, while gender and job did not have significant influence. The WTP value was 112.46 yuan per capita with the payment card, 136.15 with the singlebound dichotomous choice, and 168.74 with the doublebound dichotomous choice. Comprehensive consideration of the nature of the investigation, investigation costs and statistical techniques, the result of doublebound dichotomous choice (47.86×10⁸ yuan·a^-1) was best in accordance with the reality, and could be used as nonuse value of ecotourism water resources in Sanjiang Plain. The format of questionnaire was very important to improve its validity, and made a great influence on the WTP.

Progress and prospects on evaluation of ecological restoration: A review of the 5th World Conference on Ecological Restoration.

DING Jing-yi1,2, ZHAO Wen-wu1

2014, 25(9):  2716-2722. 

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The 5th World Conference on Ecological Restoration was held in Madison, Wisconsin, USA on October 6-11, 2013. About 1200 delegates from more than 50 countries attended the conference, and discussed the latest developments in different thematic areas of ecological restoration. Discussions on evaluation of ecological restoration were mainly from three aspects: The construction for evaluation indicator system of ecological restoration; the evaluation methods of ecological restoration; monitoring and dynamic evaluation of ecological restoration. The meeting stressed the importance of evaluation in the process of ecological restoration and concerned the challenges in evaluation of ecological restoration. The conference had the following enlightenments for China’s research on evaluation of ecological restoration: 1) Strengthening the construction of comprehensive evaluation indicators system and focusing on the multiparticipation in the evaluation process. 2) Paying more attentions on scale effect and scale transformation in the evaluation process of ecological restoration. 3) Expanding the application of 3S technology in assessing the success of ecological restoration and promoting the dynamic monitoring of ecological restoration. 4) Carrying out international exchanges and cooperation actively, and promoting China’s international influence in ecological restoration research.

 

Environmental behavior of graphene and its effect on the transport and fate of pollutants in environment.

REN Wen-jie, TENG Ying

2014, 25(9):  2723-2732. 

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Graphene is one of the most popular research topics in carbon nanomaterials. Because of its special physical and chemical properties, graphene will have wide applications. As the production and application amount is increasing, graphene will be inevitably released to the environment, resulting in risks of ecological environment and human health. It is of very vital significance for evaluating environmental risks of graphene scientifically and objectively to understand its environmental behavior and fate and explore its effect on the environmental behaviors of pollutants. This paper reviewed the environmental behavior of graphene, such as colloid properties and its stability in the aqueous environment and its transport through porous media. Additionally, the paper reviewed the effect of graphene on the transport and fate of pollutants. The interactions between graphene and heavy metals or organic compounds were especially discussed. Important topics should be explored including sorption mechanisms, interactions between graphene and soil components, influence of graphene on the transport and bioavailability of pollutants in environment, as well as approaches to quantifying graphene. The review might identify potential new ideas for further research in  applications of graphene.

 

Research advances in eco-toxicological diagnosis of soil pollution.

LIU Feng1, TENG Hong-hui1, REN Bai-xiang1, SHI Shu-yun2

2014, 25(9):  2733-2744. 

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Soil eco-toxicology provides a theoretical basis for ecological risk assessment of contaminated soils and soil pollution control. Research on ecotoxicological effects and molecular mechanisms of toxic substances in soil environment is the central content of the soil ecotoxicology. Ecotoxicological diagnosis not only gathers all the information of soil pollution, but also provides the overall toxic effects of soil. Therefore, research on the ecotoxicological diagnosis of soil pollution has important theoretical and practical significance. Based on the
 research of ecotoxicological diagnosis of soil pollution, this paper introduced some common toxicological methods and indicators, with the advantages and disadvantages of various methods discussed. However, conventional biomarkers can only indicate the class of stress, but fail to explain the molecular mechanism of damage or response happened. Biomarkers and molecular diagnostic techniques, which are used to evaluate toxicity of contaminated soil, can explore deeply detoxification mechanisms of organisms under exogenous stress. In this paper, these biomarkers and techniques were introduced systematically, and the future research trends were prospected.

 

Effects of agricultural activities and transgenic crops on agricultural biodiversity.

ZHANG Xi-tao1,2, LUO Hong-bing1, LI Jun-sheng2, HUANG Hai2, LIU Yong-bo2

2014, 25(9):  2745-2755. 

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Agricultural biodiversity is a key part of the ecosystem biodiversity, but it receives little concern. The monoculture, environmental pollution and habitat fragmentation caused by agricultural activities have threatened agricultural biodiversity over the past 50 years. To optimize agricultural management measures for crop production and environmental protection, we reviewed the effects of agricultural activities, including cultivation patterns, plastic mulching, chemical additions and the cultivation of transgenic crops, on agricultural biodiversity. The results showed that chemical pesticides and fertilizers had the most serious influence and the effects of transgenic crops varied with other factors like the specific transgene inserted in crops. The environmental risk of transgenic crops should be assessed widely through casebycase methods, particularly its potential impacts on agricultural biodiversity. It is important to consider the protection of agricultural biodiversity before taking certain agricultural practices, which could improve agricultural production and simultaneously reduce the environmental impacts.

Review on the feeding ecology and migration patterns of sharks using stable isotopes.

LI Yun-kai1,2,3

2014, 25(9):  2756-2764. 

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With the rapidly increasing use of stable isotope analysis (SIA) in ecology, it becomes a powerful tool and complement to traditional methods for investigating the trophic ecology of animals. Sharks play a keystone role in marine food webs as the apex predators and are recently becoming the frontier topic of food web studies and marine conservation because of their unique characteristics of evolution. Recently, SIA has recently been applied to trophic ecology studies of shark species. Here, we reviewed the current applications of SIA in shark species, focusing on available tissues for analyzing, standardized analytical approaches, diettissue discrimination factors, diet shift investigation, migration patterns predictions and nichewidth analyses, with the aim of getting better understanding of stableisotope dynamics in shark biology and ecology research.