Conversion of cropland to forestry and grassland is an important method to reduce soil erosion and improve the biophysical environment in the Loess Plateau. The feasibility, methods, and environmental effects of cropl...Conversion of cropland to forestry and grassland is an important method to reduce soil erosion and improve the biophysical environment in the Loess Plateau. The feasibility, methods, and environmental effects of cropland conversion were studied based on 11 typical watersheds of national experimental bases instead of different geographic areas of the Loess Plateau. Between 1986 and 2000, cropland, sloping cropland and non-agricultural land decreased by 8%, 92.5% and 8% respectively, while forestry increased by 15.7%. The land use change not only decreased annual soil erosion by 74%, but also increased vegetation coverage by 100% and improved the soil condition and biodiversity. This can be achieved by building basic farmland, increasing capital and scientific input, and planting trees and grasses according to the natural biophysical restrictions.展开更多
Background:Andean montane forests(AMF)are biodiversity hotspots that provide fundamental hydrological services as well as carbon storage and sequestration.In recent decades,southern Ecuador AMFs have been seriously th...Background:Andean montane forests(AMF)are biodiversity hotspots that provide fundamental hydrological services as well as carbon storage and sequestration.In recent decades,southern Ecuador AMFs have been seriously threatened by increased logging and conversion to forest plantations with exotic species.In this context,our main objective was to evaluate the effects of AMF conversion to forest plantations on soil physicochemical properties in the buffer zone(Bz)of the Podocarpus National Park(PNP),in southern Ecuador.For this purpose,random samples were taken at a depth of 0-10 cm in four plots in each contrast zone and analyzed for bulk density,porosity,textural class,leaf litter depth,soil pH,as well as the contents of organic matter(SOM),soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen,and available phosphorus and potassium.Results:The results indicate that the conversion of AMFs produces an increase in bulk density and a decrease in SOM,SOC,and total nitrogen contents,thus modifying soil properties,which could result in a decrease in water regulation capacity and produce an increased risk of soil erosion.This accelerates degradation processes,as well as threatens shortages of the drinking water supply.Conclusions:This study can help decision-makers to implement soil management plans in the Bz of the PNP,based on the implementation of new regulations,where the conservation of AMF is promoted.In addition,it is recommended to apply environmental restoration strategies in the anthropized areas of the AMF,as well as in the areas with exotic eucalyptus and pine plantations.展开更多
基金Knowledge Innovation ProjectofCAS,No.KZCX3-SW -421NationalKey Task Research ofthe Ninth Five-YearPlan, No.96-004-05+1 种基金 Knowledge Innovation Project of CAS, No.KZCX1-06 Special Research Foundation ofISW C,CAS,No.ISW C-SP-C128
文摘Conversion of cropland to forestry and grassland is an important method to reduce soil erosion and improve the biophysical environment in the Loess Plateau. The feasibility, methods, and environmental effects of cropland conversion were studied based on 11 typical watersheds of national experimental bases instead of different geographic areas of the Loess Plateau. Between 1986 and 2000, cropland, sloping cropland and non-agricultural land decreased by 8%, 92.5% and 8% respectively, while forestry increased by 15.7%. The land use change not only decreased annual soil erosion by 74%, but also increased vegetation coverage by 100% and improved the soil condition and biodiversity. This can be achieved by building basic farmland, increasing capital and scientific input, and planting trees and grasses according to the natural biophysical restrictions.
基金funded by Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja(UTPL-PROY_INV_CCBIO_2020_2773 and research scholarshipⅠ-Ⅱ-ⅢCONV).
文摘Background:Andean montane forests(AMF)are biodiversity hotspots that provide fundamental hydrological services as well as carbon storage and sequestration.In recent decades,southern Ecuador AMFs have been seriously threatened by increased logging and conversion to forest plantations with exotic species.In this context,our main objective was to evaluate the effects of AMF conversion to forest plantations on soil physicochemical properties in the buffer zone(Bz)of the Podocarpus National Park(PNP),in southern Ecuador.For this purpose,random samples were taken at a depth of 0-10 cm in four plots in each contrast zone and analyzed for bulk density,porosity,textural class,leaf litter depth,soil pH,as well as the contents of organic matter(SOM),soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen,and available phosphorus and potassium.Results:The results indicate that the conversion of AMFs produces an increase in bulk density and a decrease in SOM,SOC,and total nitrogen contents,thus modifying soil properties,which could result in a decrease in water regulation capacity and produce an increased risk of soil erosion.This accelerates degradation processes,as well as threatens shortages of the drinking water supply.Conclusions:This study can help decision-makers to implement soil management plans in the Bz of the PNP,based on the implementation of new regulations,where the conservation of AMF is promoted.In addition,it is recommended to apply environmental restoration strategies in the anthropized areas of the AMF,as well as in the areas with exotic eucalyptus and pine plantations.
