Physicochemical composition and climate response of surface sediments at different altitudes in Motuo on the southern slope of the Himalayas

Background,aim,and scope Certain physicochemical indexes of topsoil are closely related to climatic factors including temperature,and precipitation.Understanding the relationship between modern topsoil properties and climatic factors is essential for quantitative paleoclimate reconstruction.Motuo located in the eastern Himalayas,exhibits a significant elevation gradient of over 7000 m from Nnamjagbarwa Peak(7782 m a.s.l.)to the Baxika(150 m a.s.l.).This region features a complete vertical zonation of vegetation,from alpine meadow to tropical forest,presenting an ideal place to investigate the relationships among vegetation,soil and climate conditions across altitudinal gradients.This study aims to explore the vertical variations in the physicochemical composition of topsoil and its relationship with temperature and precipitation.Materials and methods Twenty-seven topsoil samples were collected at 100 m intervals from 800 m to 3600 m a.s.l.along the southern slope of the Himalayas.Grain size,magnetic susceptibility and geochemical elements were measured to discuss the vertical variation characteristics of topsoil composition and their correlation with climatic factors.Results(1)The grain size of topsoil at different altitudes in Motuo is mainly composed of sand accounting for an averaged 53.2%,followed by silt and clay.(2)In the mixed forest zone,frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility(χfd%)shows a clear relationship with altitude,and clay is positively correlated with both altitude and climatic factors.(3)The oxides of topsoil in this area mainly consist of SiO_(2),Al_(2)O_(3) and Fe_(2)O_(3),followed by MgO,CaO,Na_(2)O and K_(2)O,with slight variations in the primary components at different altitudes.The sensitivity of elements to climate varies across different altitudes and vegetation zone,likely due to the region’s complex topography and vegetation.(4)Physical and biological weathering dominates in the broad-leaved forest zone of Motuo,while chemical weathering is more prominent in the coniferous forest zone,with the mixed forest zone falling in between.Discussion The formation of topsoil across the three vegetation zones is influenced by various factors,including parent material,vegetation,and climate.In the broad-leaved forest zone,physical weathering(precipitation,root wedging etc.)and pedogenesis dominate,resulting in finer grain size.The χ_(fd)% increases with altitude likely due to the high temperature and abundant precipitation in this zone,which facilitate the transformation of strong magnetic miners into weaker ones,particularly when the soil is oversaturated.Zirconium(Zr),primarily found in zircon,is depleted at lower altitudes by strong current erosion.Barium(Ba)is similarly reduced at low altitudes in this zone.In mixed forest zone,clay content is the lowest,indicating weaker physical weathering conditions than broad-leaved forest zone.The coarser grain size may result from the combined effects of topography and vegetation coverage.Magnetic susceptibility and organic matter show a positive correlation with altitude.Zr concentration is higher than that in the broad-leaved forest zone,likely resulting from decreased precipitation.In the coniferous zone,the clay content shows considerable fluctuations,with grain size generally becoming finer as altitude increases.This trend may be explained by intensified soil disintegration from seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.The χ_(fd)% values lack a clear trend or pattern,possibly due to soil erosion causing the migration of magnetic minerals or insufficient iron precipitation,which reduces the concentration of magnetic minerals in the soil.Additionally,a positive correlation is observed between altitude and organic matter content,with higher altitudes associated with greater organic matter accumulation.This may be attributed to lower microbial activity in colder conditions,which slows the decomposition and transformation of organic matter.Conclusions The variations in grain size,magnetic susceptibility,and geochemical elements differ across altitudes and vegetation zones,closely connected to the complex interplay of terrain,vegetation,and climate in Motuo.In the mixed forest,altitude has a significant impact onχfd%,and the clay component is particularly sensitive to changes in altitude,mean annual temperature,and precipitation.Zr shows a strong correlation with altitude and climate factors,making it a valuable indicator for assessing changes in atmospheric precipitation within specific altitude ranges.Recommendations and perspectives This study enhances our understanding of the relationships between the physicochemical properties of topsoil and climate conditions,offering valuable insights for paleoclimate reconstruction in Motuo.

Comparison of New Maize Cultivars at Different Altitudes

[Objective] This study aimed to meet the demand of farmers for highyielding, high-quality, wide-adaptability and multi-resistant new maize cultivars, and to make food production grow continuously. [Method] Comparative test of new maize cultivars was conducted at different altitudes in 2015, and the yield, main economic characters, agronomic traits, growth period and resistance of maize cultivars were analyzed. [Result] Ruidan 26 and Yongrui 16 can be cultivated in the areas below the altitude of 2 200 m; Huaxingdan 88 can be cultivated in the areas below the altitude of 1 750 m; the other new maize cultivars still need to be tested further. [Cenclusion] The research results can be applied in this area and other similar areas, which will effectively promote the upgrading of maize cultivars and improve the yield per unit area.

Preliminary Study on Planting Direction of Flood Land at Different Altitudes——a Case Study in Xiaojiang Valley, Yunnan

Flood land, with abundant light, heat, and water resource, is an important potential land resource to resolve the situation of the limited arable land in mountain areas in Xiaojiang Valley, Dongchuan, Yunnan. It will have a great significance on the development of local characteristic agriculture and the settlement of poor moun- tain immigrants that how to develop and protect the flood land in a scientific, effec- tive and sustainable way. In this paper, flood land of Xiaojiang Valley is divided into three zones （higher zone is 1 600-1 300 m, medium zone is 1 300-1 000 m, low- er zone is 1 000-700 m） according to different elevations. Through field survey, in situ measurement, sampling analysis and ＂3S＂ technology, the area and soil nutri- ent characteristics of flood land at different altitudes are tested and analyzed sys- tematically. And also according to the climatic characteristics in different elevations of flood land, the research analyzed and investigated the growing conditions of flood land in different elevations in Xiaojiang Valley, and then discussed how to develop and cultivate reasonably and effectively in flood land. All the work is intended to provide beneficial reference for the development and cultivation of flood land in mountain areas.