Optimization of Green Space Plant Configuration in Residential Areas of Chongqing Central Business District Based on Green Plot Ratio—A Case Study of Xuhui City Residential Community

The current urban green space construction was guided by a two-dimensional index evaluation system, resulting in weak ecological benefits of green space. Green plot ratio (GPR), as a three-dimensional indicator, can characterize the ecological benefits of green areas and the ability of green areas to participate in the operation and regulation of urban ecosystems. As an important component of urban green space, the GPR index was added to the two-dimensional index evaluation system to optimize the green space, which can promote the development of low-carbon, healthy and ecological green space. Based on the research of 22 residential districts in the central city of Chongqing, the Leaf area index (LAI) index of common native garden plants in Chongqing was formed to improve the accuracy of green capacity index measurement in Chongqing. The study also took the residential community of Sunrise City in Banan District of Chongqing as an example, and carried out the optimization design practice from four types of residential community green areas: green areas next to houses, road green areas, concentrated green areas, and green areas attached to public service facilities.

Quantity of plant leaf area on three major public squares in Kunming City, China

Regressive formulae to calculate the quantity of plant leaf area for 13 species of ornamental plants were set up based on investigation data of 30 species on 3 major public squares (Dongfeng square, Shengli square and Guandu square) in Kun-ming City, China, which were applied to calculate quantities of plant leaf area of these 13 species. The quantities of plant leaf area for the other 17 ornamental plant species on these squares were directly measured, and the total quantity of plant leaf area of each studied square was obtained individually. The results showed that the quantity of plant leaf area on Shengli square with ornamental plants structure composed of arbor tree species, shrub tree species and turf grass was highest among the three squares. It is believed that the design model of multi-storied vertical structure and proper tending of plant community could not only increase the quantity of plant leaf area, but also play an important role in generating ecological and landscaping benefits. Some corresponding suggestions were put forward on the basis of comprehensive analyses on the plant leaf area quantity of the three representative squares in Kunming urban area.

Landscape Design and Application of Plants in Modern Residential Area

Based on the present situation of plant landscape in residential areas, this study aimed to analyze the development trend, deficiencies in constructing landscape environment and the basic designing principles, and put forward corresponding countermeasures.

Nitrate Nitrogen Content Characteristics in Groundwater of Typical Planting Areas in Liao River Basin

The contents of nitrate nitrogen（NO-3-N） in underground water from typical planting areas in Liao river basin were analyzed, so as to provide theoretical basis for rational fertilization and effectively prevent the NO-3-N content from exceeding standard. The results showed that difference of the contents of NO-3-N in groundwater from different typical planting areas was significant. The highest content of NO-3-N in underground water was 37.4 mg/L from flower-growing region, then 22. 3 mg/L from maize-growing region, 21.9 mg/L from vegetable-growing region, and the lowest content of NO-3-N in underground water was 19.2 mg/L from rice-growing region. Except rice-growing region, the contents of NO-3-N in underground water of the samples in all planting areas were exceeding standard limit; potential health risk still existed in rice-growing region. Accordingly 12.5%-87.5%, 9.4%-75.5%, 17.9%-58.9% and 21.4%-96.0% of the samples were exceeding standard limit in maize growing region, rice-growing region, vegetable-growing region and flower-growing region. The contents of NO-3-N in under-groundwater before the rainy season was higher than that of NO-3-N in under-groundwater after the rainy season at the same depth of the well.

On the Cultivation & Maintenance of Gardening Plants in Residential Areas of Liuzhou City

According to the analysis of the specific condition of green space of residential area in Liuzhou,effective suggestions to the design,cultivation and maintenance were put forward.

Investigation of Plant Species and Their Application in Residential Area of Chongqing City

The paper had investigated major plant species in residential areas from 2000 to 2010,and analyzed different plants' allocation modes in different places of residential area like the entrance,waterscape space,pavilion and green belt,so as to provide reference for the future planting design in residential areas of Chongqing City.

Study on Application of Landscape Plants in Residential Area—A Case Study of "Senqiao Yinxiang" Residential Area in Chizhou City

With ecological theory followed during disposition and application of landscape plants in residential area as the guidance,ecological landscape concept was established.It emphasized that landscape plants disposition should aim at making the nature reappear,ameliorating and maintaining ecological balance in residential area,with harmonious coexistence between human and nature as the goal,and with systematicness of landscape greening,diversity of biological development and sustainability of plant landscaping as the mission,so as to achieve plane systematicness,spatial hierarchy and temporal relevance.

Spatio-Temporal Changes in the Rice Planting Area and Their Relationship to Climate Change in Northeast China: A Model-Based Analysis

Rice is one of the most important grain crops in Northeast China （NEC） and its cultivation is sensitive to climate change. This study aimed to explore the spatio-temporal changes in the NEC rice planting area over the period of 1980-2010 and to analyze their relationship to climate change. To do so, the CLUE-S （conversion of land use and its effects at small region extent） model was ifrst updated and used to simulate dynamic changes in the rice planting area in NEC to understand spatio-temporal change trends during three periods： 1980-1990, 1990-2000 and 2000-2010. The changing results in individual periods were then linked to climatic variables to investigate the climatic drivers of these changes. Results showed that the NEC rice planting area expanded quickly and increased by nearly 4.5 times during 1980-2010. The concentration of newly planted rice areas in NEC constantly moved northward and the changes were strongly dependent on latitude. This conifrmed that climate change, increases in temperature in particular, greatly inlfuenced the shift in the rice planting area. The shift in the north limit of the NEC rice planting area generally followed a 1＆#176;C isoline migration pattern, but with an obvious time-lag effect. These ifndings can help policy makers and crop producers take proper adaptation measures even when exposed to the global warming situation in NEC.

Use of Linear Spectral Mixture Model to Estimate Rice Planted Area Based on MODIS Data

MODIS （Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer） is a key instrument aboard the Terra （EOS AM） and Aqua （EOS PM） satellites. Linear spectral mixture models are applied to MOIDS data for the sub-pixel classification of land covers. Shaoxing county of Zhejiang Province in China was chosen to be the study site and early rice was selected as the study crop. The derived proportions of land covers from MODIS pixel using linear spectral mixture models were compared with unsupervised classification derived from TM data acquired on the same day, which implies that MODIS data could be used as satellite data source for rice cultivation area estimation, possibly rice growth monitoring and yield forecasting on the regional scale.

Estimation of effective plant area index for South Korean forests using LiDAR system

Light Detection and Ranging(LiDAR) systems can be used to estimate both vertical and horizontal forest structure.Woody components,the leaves of trees and the understory can be described with high precision,using geo-registered 3D-points.Based on this concept,the Effective Plant Area Indices(PAIe) for areas of Korean Pine(Pinus koraiensis),Japanese Larch(Larix leptolepis) and Oak(Quercus spp.) were estimated by calculating the ratio of intercepted and incident LIDAR laser rays for the canopies of the three forest types.Initially,the canopy gap fraction(GLiDAR) was generated by extracting the LiDAR data reflected from the canopy surface,or inner canopy area,using k-means statistics.The LiDAR-derived PAIe was then estimated by using GLIDAR with the Beer-Lambert law.A comparison of the LiDAR-derived and field-derived PAIe revealed the coefficients of determination for Korean Pine,Japanese Larch and Oak to be 0.82,0.64 and 0.59,respectively.These differences between field-based and LIDAR-based PAIe for the different forest types were attributed to the amount of leaves and branches in the forest stands.The absence of leaves,in the case of both Larch and Oak,meant that the LiDAR pulses were only reflected from branches.The probability that the LiDAR pulses are reflected from bare branches is low as compared to the reflection from branches with a high leaf density.This is because the size of the branch is smaller than the resolution across and along the 1 meter LIDAR laser track.Therefore,a better predictive accuracy would be expected for the model if the study would be repeated in late spring when the shoots and leaves of the deciduous trees begin to appear.

Plant Landscape in Residential Area and Geomantic Omen

This study introduces the application of geomantic omen theory in ancient plant landscape,including planting place,symbolic meaning of plant,equilibrium of plant collocation and seasonal appearance of plant,and the theory is used for plant landscape in modern residential area.

Plant Type and Its Effects on Canopy Structure at Heading Stage in Various Ecological Areas for a Two-line Hybrid Rice Combination,Liangyoupeijiu

A two-line hybrid rice combination, Liangyoupeijiu, was used to estimate several factors of plant type, and environmental models for these factors at the heading stage were established using the data of eight ecological experimental sites in 2006 and 2007. According to climatic data from 1951 to 2005, the differences in those factors and their effects on plant canopy were analyzed for four rice cropping areas in China, including South China, the middle-lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Sichuan Basin, and river valley in Yunnan, China. The thickness of leaf layer （the distance from pulvinus of the third leaf from the top to the tip of flag leaf） and distribution of leaf area could be used as candidate indices for the plant type of a rice canopy.

Impacts of the Minimum Purchase Price Policy for Grain on the Planting Area of Rice in Hubei Province Based on a Mixed Linear Model

Impacts of the minimum purchase price policy for grain on the planting area of rice in Hubei Province were analyzed based on a mixed linear model.After the indicator system containing the minimum purchase price policy and other factors influencing the planting area of rice was constructed,principal component analysis of the system was conducted,and then a mixed linear model where the planting area of rice was as the dependent variable was established.The results show that after the exclusion of the interference from other factors,the minimum purchase price policy for grain had a positive impact on the planting area of rice in Hubei Province.That is,the minimum purchase price policy significantly stimulated the growth of rice planting area in Hubei Province.

Study on the Resistance Indexes of Four Kinds of Desert Plants in Qinghai Lake Area

[Objective] The research aimed to study the resistance of four kinds of desert plants in Qinhai Lake area.[Method] By contrasting the resistance indexes of four kinds of plants which included Ephedra intermedia,Stellera chamaejasme,Achnatherum splendens and Xanthopappus subacaulis,the resistance of four kinds of plants in Qinghai Lake area was analyzed.The resistance indexes included the soluble protein,MDA,free Pro content and the activities of SOD,POD,CAT.Moreover,the resistance of four kinds of plants was evaluated comprehensively by using Fuzzy membership function method.[Result] Under the low-temperature and arid adversity in Qinghai Lake area,SOD activity presented as Stellera chamaejasme>Xanthopappus subacaulis>Ephedra intermedia>Achnatherum splendens,and CAT activity presented as Stellera chamaejasme>Xanthopappus subacaulis>Achnatherum splendens>Ephedra intermedia.Under the same high-salt environment,CAT activity of Stellera chamaejasme was eight times higher than that of Ephedra intermedia.It illustrated that the salt resistance of Stellera chamaejasme was stronger than that of Ephedra intermedia.The free Pro content showed as Xanthopappus subacaulis>Ephedra intermedia>Stellera chamaejasme>Achnatherum splendens.Under the same adversity,Pro content of Ephedra intermedia was 2.83 times of Stellera chamaejasme.It was because that MDA content in Stellera chamaejasme was the lowest,and the membranous peroxide harm was the smallest.It caused that Pro content (stress penetration material) was low.It also illustrated that the resistance of Stellera chamaejasme was stronger than that of Ephedra intermedia.The comprehensive evaluation of Fuzzy membership function showed that the resistance presented as Xanthopappus subacaulis>Stellera chamaejasme>Ephedra intermedia>Achnatherum splendens.[Conclusion] The research provided the theory basis for the breeding of drought-resistance new variety and the development of good germ plasm resource in Qinghai Lake area.

Conserving plants within and beyond protected areas-still problematic and future uncertain

Against a background of continuing loss of biodiversity, it is argued that for the successful conservation of threatened plant species we need to ensure the more effective integration of the various conservation actions employed, clarify the wording of the CBD targets and provide clearer operational guidance as to how they are to be implemented and their implementation monitored. The role and effectiveness of protected areas in conserving biodiversity and in particular plant species in situ are discussed as are recent proposals for a massive increase of their extent. The need for much greater effort and investment in the conservation or protection of threatened species outside protected areas where most plant diversity occurs is highlighted. The difficulties involved in implementing effective in situ conservation of plant diversity both at an area-and species/population-based level are discussed. The widespread neglect of species recovery for plants is noted and the desirability of making a clearer distinction between species recovery and reintroduction is emphasized. Key messages from a global overview of species recovery are outlined and recommendations made, including the desirability of each country preparing a national species recovery strategy. The projected impacts of global change on protected areas and on species conservation and recovery, and ways of addressing them are discussed.

Demarcation of Seabuckthorn Plantations in Three Northern Areas of China

Seabuckthorn （Hippophae rhamnoides） planting areas in the three northern areas （north, northeast and northwest） of China are divided into five planting zones： the semi-humid forest prairie climate zone for ecological and economic types of seabuckthorn plantations in the southern part of the Loess Plateau; the semi-arid steppe climate zone for similar types of plantations in the central part of the Loess Plateau; the arid desert steppe climate zone for ecological type of seabuckthorn plantations in the northern part of the Loess Plateau; the semi-arid and semi-humid steppe climate zone again for ecological and economic types of plantations in northern Hebei and western Liaoning and the cold humid steppe climate zone for economic types of plantations in the northern part of northeast China. The aim of this demarcation is to avoid a random introduction of seabuckthorn. In each of the five zones, objectives should be set and suitable seabuckthorn species, subspecies and varieties should be planted according to site conditions, seed sources and methods of tree breeding. The cultivation centers, bases, stations, or units should be established and successful models of seedling and planting methods should be encouraged. The principle of matching trees with suitable site conditions and adjusting measures to local conditions should be practiced. From a strategic viewpoint of solving ecological and economic problems of seabuckthorn development in the three northern areas, every seabuckthorn center must have its own germplasm nursery, standard plantation for popularizing, excellent seed and seedling nurseries and sufficient afforestation areas for demonstration and propaganda purposes. These measures would improve the ecological environment and promote economic and social development in the three northern areas of China.

Patterns and determinants of plant richness by elevation in a mountain ecosystem in South Korea: area, mid-domain effect,climate and productivity

We examined patterns of plant species richness on an elevation gradient and evaluated the effects of cli- matic variables including mean annual temperature and precipitation, area, the mid-domain effect and productivity on species richness along two transects on Mt. Seorak, South Korea. A total of 235 plant species of 72 families and 161 genera were recorded from 130 plots along the two transects. Two different patterns, monotonic decline and a unimodal shape, were observed for woody plants with the change in elevation along the two transects, whereas multimodal patterns were observed for all plant species considered together and for herbaceous plants. Area and productivity showed significant relationships with total plant richness. Climatic variables were better predictors than other variables for variation by elevation in woody plant richness, whereas productivity was a more important variable for herbaceous plant richness. Although area was an important variable for predicting species richness pat- terns, the effects differed by transect and plant group. No empirical evidence was linked to the mid-domain effect.Different elevational patterns may characterize different groups in the same taxon and there might be fundamental differences in the mechanisms underlying these richness patterns.

Risk Regionalization of Low-temperature Disasters for Flue-cured Tobacco Planting in Qujing Area Based on GIS

There is a prominent,complex and diverse three-dimensional climate and a variety of meteorological disasters in Qujing area. The risk zoning of low-temperature disasters for flue-cured tobacco planting in Qujing area was studied to provide reference for drawing on advantages and avoiding disadvantages in flue-cured tobacco planting,disaster reduction,and disaster relief services. According to the production practice of fluecured tobacco and local climate analysis,it was determined that flue-cured tobacco in Qujing area was very vulnerable to low temperature during the seedling stage（ from early February to middle April） and in the mature period（ from early July to early September）. Based on the quantitative analysis and evaluation of risk of disaster-causing factors,sensitivity of disaster-breeding environment,vulnerability of carriers,and disaster prevention and reduction capability,a risk assessment model of meteorological disasters was established to precisely evaluate and zone the risk of low-temperature disasters for flue-cured tobacco planting in allusion to the seedling and mature stage in Qujing area by using GIS technology. The risk of lowtemperature disasters for flue-cured tobacco planting during the two periods was divided into four grades,namely low,medium,high and very high risk.

Identification of Paddy Planted Area Using ALOS PALSAR Data

Agricultural land has a strategic function as the primary food provider for the people of Indonesia. Various methods of agricultural production estimation, particularly food crops, provide different information. It can be a source of error in decision making. Satellite data, provides information periodically, wide coverage area, can be used as a source of information on the condition of agricultural lands and even remote areas. The advantages of SAR data that does not depend on sunlight and can penetrate of clouds and fog can fill the lack of optical data. ALOS PALSAR data has been used for analysis and ALOS AVNIR-2 is for checking of land cover visually, with acquisition date on 10 May 2007. Sampling of each rice crop growth period used several of rice field conditions in each period, on one scene data. Results showed a possibility to use soil moisture conditions derived from ALOS PALSAR for estimating rice planting area. On a scatter diagram between backscatter of ALOS PALSAR and near infrared of ALOS AVNIR-2 showed a specific pattern for each growing period of paddy. The results of the analysis produce distribution maps of the rice planting area Subang area, West Java Province. However, validation of the method used remains to be done. Remote sensing results of this study are expected to provide better information and can contribute in the planning of higher quality agricultural land.

Influence of tourist disturbance on soil properties, plant communities, and surface water quality in the Tianchi scenic area of Xinjiang, China

The impact of tourist disturbance on the environment has become a focal issue of environmental science, ecology, and travel management studies. To assess the influence of tourist disturbance on soils and plants in the Tianchi scenic area of Xinjiang, China, we compared soil properties and plant community characteristics at 0, 5, 10, and 20 m from the tourist trail within areas at three different altitudes, where the intensities of tourist disturbance are distinct. Surface water quality was also studied at three different levels relative to the Tianchi Lake. The results showed that tourist disturbance significantly increased soil pH within 10 m from the trail and soil bulk density on the edge of the trail, but significantly reduced soil organic matter and total nitrogen contents within 5 m from the trail. The number of tree seedlings on the edge of the trail and the shrub coverage and height of herbaceous plants within 5 m from the trail significantly decreased due to tourist disturbance. Changes in herbaceous plant diversity differed by soil zones. In the high altitude region, tourist disturbance led to a remarkable increase in the herbaceous plant diversity on the edge of the trail, while in the low altitude region, tourist disturbance had a low impact on the diversity of herbaceous plants. In addition, tourist activities polluted the surface water, significantly reducing water quality. Thus, current tourist activities have a significant negative impact on the ecological environment in the Tianchi scenic area.