Tropical Asia is a region comprising South and Southeast Asia and under strong influence of the Asianmonsoon climate. It is characterized by an extremely high population density and by high land use intensity.Paddy ri...Tropical Asia is a region comprising South and Southeast Asia and under strong influence of the Asianmonsoon climate. It is characterized by an extremely high population density and by high land use intensity.Paddy rice cultivation is the most important form of agriculture in the greater part of the region. Soilresources of tropical Asia have a specific feature in comparison with tropical Africa and America. Ultisolsdominate in uplands, and lowland soils like Inceptisols and Histosols are relatively abundant. The latterpoint is made clearer if we take the landforms of the region with a vast extent of lowlands into consideration.Geologically, tropical Asia with the Himalayan orogeny and active volcanism exhibits a conspicuous contrastto tropical Africa and America with the dominance of the shield structure. This along with the monsoonclimate should have determined the basic features of landforms and soil, and accordingly all the agriculturaland social characteristics of tropical Asia today. Although paddy rice cultivation in the lowland is highlysustainable, upland cultivation in extensive Ultisol areas tends to be handicapped by low fertility and higherodibility of the soil, resulting in low sustainability. Land shortage is compelling people to exploit slopelandsin hills and mountains, on the one hand, and thus far unutilized coastal lowlands, on the other. Both ofthese new reclamations are facing to serious land degradation problems today. Tropical Asia will continueto be the most densely populated region of the world with ever-increasing population. In order to meet theincreasing food demand lowland rice cultivation should be intensified by the infrastructure development toease the stresses on slopelands and vulnerable coastal lowlands. At the same time, upland crop productionin Ultisol areas should be stabilized and enhanced, providing integrated nutrient management and measuresfor soil conservation.展开更多
Soil erosion in hilly areas of the Sichuan Basin is a serious concern over sustainable crop production and sound ecosystem. A 3-year experiment was conducted using the method of runoff plots to examine the effects of ...Soil erosion in hilly areas of the Sichuan Basin is a serious concern over sustainable crop production and sound ecosystem. A 3-year experiment was conducted using the method of runoff plots to examine the effects of terracing and agroforestry in farmland systems on soil and water conservation of slope fields in the hilly areas in Jianyang County, Sichuan Province, Southwestern China. A power function (Y = aXb) can statistically describe the relationship between water runoff (Y) and rainfall (X). The regression equation for the treatment of sloping terraces with crops (Plot 2) is remarkably different from that for the treatment of sloping terraces with grasses and trees (Plot 1) and the conventional up- and down-slope crop system (Plot 3) regarding equation coefficients, while regression equations are similar between Plot 1 and Plot 3. Water runoff amount and runoff coefficient of slope fields increased by 21.5～41.0 % and 27.5～69.7 % respectively, compared to those of sloping terraces, suggesting that terracing notably reduced the water runoff in the field. In the case of sloping terraces, lower amount of water runoff was observed on sloping terraces with crops than on sloping terraces with grasses and trees. Sediment yields on the slope fields in the normal year of rainfall distribution were notably higher (34.41～331.67 % and 37.06～403.44 % for Plot 1 and Plot 2, respectively) than those on sloping terraces, implying that terracing also plays a significant role in the reduction in soil erosion. It is suggested that terracing with crops is significantly effective for soil and water conservation in cultivatedfarmland, while the conventional practice of up- and down- slope cultivation creates high rates of water runoff and soil sediment transport. Terracing with grasses and fruit trees shows a less reduction in water runoff than terracing with crops, which was observed in the 3-year experiments.展开更多
As an important measure of eco-environmental construction, the process ofde-farming in slope farmland is being undertakengradually in the whole China. Meanwhile, theproblem of reducing in food yield in de-farming area...As an important measure of eco-environmental construction, the process ofde-farming in slope farmland is being undertakengradually in the whole China. Meanwhile, theproblem of reducing in food yield in de-farming areas can not be neglected any more. It is especially the case in areas with concentrated slope farmland andinconvenient transportation. In this paper, we analyze the causes of hidden troubles in food security, and the spatial relationship between farmland and slopefarmland in the reservoir area of Three Gorges, and unveil the spatial disparity of contradictions between food supply and demand. Finally, combining the accessibility of areas, three different spatial types offood security, food security area, food alert area, and food crisis area, are divided.展开更多
The construction of stone terraces to minimise soil erosion is common throughout Guizhou. This technique, however, has high inherent risk. Stone terraces are usually much higher than those with earth risers. While th...The construction of stone terraces to minimise soil erosion is common throughout Guizhou. This technique, however, has high inherent risk. Stone terraces are usually much higher than those with earth risers. While they trap a greater thickness of soil on the slope they increase the risk of slope failures, reduce moisture and nutrient availability to plants, and thin more soil up slope. The stone risers also threaten long-term productivity. When a riser collapses debris is deposited over the terrace below making farming difficult. These breaches in the terrace focus surface runoff leading to gully formation and increased sediment transport down slope. Artificial drainage systems, often used in conjunction with terracing, compound the risk. These channels prevent precipitation from soaking into the soil. This limits groundwater and soil moisture recharge which reduces the availability of water for crops and the length of the growing season. The rapid drainage of water from the slope reduces the time of concentration of the catchment resulting in an increase in flood activity. Floods are caused by smaller rainstorm events. They arrive faster and peak quicker and higher than before the channels were constructed. Engineering solutions to soil erosion must therefore be used in conjunction with, and are not as a substitute for, good land management strategies. Furthermore, despite changes in land use practices, and the application of new technologies, there is a maximum amount of production that can be obtained from this land on a sustainable basis.展开更多
Soil-erosion-induced land degradation is a great challenge in the Ethiopian highlands. Consequently, the government has invested in soil and water conservation measures to tackle the problem where farmland terracing i...Soil-erosion-induced land degradation is a great challenge in the Ethiopian highlands. Consequently, the government has invested in soil and water conservation measures to tackle the problem where farmland terracing is one of the commonly implemented measures in the country. The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of farmland terracing in maintaining soil fertility and to evaluate its performance within a terrace, across terrace age and slope of terrain. The study was conducted in the Lake Maybar watershed in Wello, northern Ethiopia. Composite topsoil samples were collected from plots representing four slope categories across the terrain and three positions within a terrace. The samples were analyzed for selected soil physico-chemical properties and statistically tested using ANOVA （analysis of variance）. The study revealed that soil pH （△pH [H2O] = 0.6）, exchangeable K＋ （△K＋ = 0.33 cmol（＋）/kg） and clay （9%） content significantly increased towards the lower terrain position. Unlike other studies, all soil properties except bulk density （△ 0.40 g/cm3） showed non-significant differences within a terrace. Bench terrace formation reduced soil fertility gradients within a terrace for which it has been commented. Soil fertility also showed very slight change across terrace age, which indicates terracing reduced erosion-induced soil and nutrient loss. However, in order to optimize impact of farmland terracing on soil fertility maintenance, terracing should be complemented by fertility amendment considering site-specific conditions.展开更多
For fully understanding the hydrological dynamics of an infinite terraced slope, the infiltration process was studied by employing the Green and Ampt infiltration model. The limit equilibrium method and the Mohr-Coulo...For fully understanding the hydrological dynamics of an infinite terraced slope, the infiltration process was studied by employing the Green and Ampt infiltration model. The limit equilibrium method and the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion were adopted to derive a stability model for the infinite terraced slope subjected to an intense rainfall. Numerical simulation was performed for verifying its applicability. The results of numerical simulation indicate that a set of stepped wetting fronts are found during infiltration, and the infiltration of terraced slope covered by coarse-textured soils can be approximated as one-dimensional infiltration. The potential sliding surfaces from the numerical method are all parallel to the slope line, and the proposed model and framework can provide an approximate method of estimating how the infiltration affects the stability of an infinite terraced slope.展开更多
According to the data of preliminary survey, the authors established a landslide geological model,on the basis of analyses on the sensitivity of landslide, tried to simulate and calculate the landslide stability of Sh...According to the data of preliminary survey, the authors established a landslide geological model,on the basis of analyses on the sensitivity of landslide, tried to simulate and calculate the landslide stability of Shuitianba with the method of transfer coefficient when it is under different strength parameters, and study the landslide mechanism. The results show that it is sensitive to the effects of shear strength parameters of sliding zone and groundwater level on landslide stability safety coefficient, which provides reliable basis for calculation of landslide stability.展开更多
Male copulatory patterns, female multiple copulation and male post-copulatory guarding were studied in Eld＇s deer Cervus eldi in Datian National Nature Reserve, China. Mating behavior in 18 females and 11 males from ...Male copulatory patterns, female multiple copulation and male post-copulatory guarding were studied in Eld＇s deer Cervus eldi in Datian National Nature Reserve, China. Mating behavior in 18 females and 11 males from a group of 61 semi-captive Eld＇s deer were observed. The majority （55.8%） of copulations occurred between 15：00-19：00 h. The ejaculatory mount was preceded by an average of 5.1 prior mounts. Successful copulation consisted of a single thrust with ejaculation during one intromission, with no lock. This copulatory pattern is classified as pattern No. 15 （no lock, no intravaginal thrusting, single intromission, and multiple ejaculation） and No. 16 （no lock, no intravaginal thrusting, single intromission, and single ejaculation） under Dewsbury＇s scheme （1972） and as No. 16 （no lock, no thrusting, single and brief intromission） under Dixson＇s classification （1998）. Copulation frequency was 1.5 ± 0.9 times for males/females with the same female/male per day. The duration of the final mount, which included ejaculation, was brief （3.4±1.3 s）, and ejaculation usually terminated copulation. Eleven females copulated more than once in this study： three of them copulated with several males （multi-male copulations） and the remainder copulated with a single male （repeated copulations）. Our results indicate that some female Eld＇s deer may seek multiple copulations to be a strategy to improve the genetic quality of their offspring or to avoid harassment. Post-copulatory guarding of females by males followed all copulations, with dominant males guarding for significantly longer than subordinate males. Dominant males appear to be more effective at post-copulatory guarding than subordinate males. Subordinate males engaged in a quicker pre-copulatory phase to improve their chances of finishing copulation before being forced to accede to dominant males [Current Zoology 57 （3）： 284-292, 2011].展开更多
文摘Tropical Asia is a region comprising South and Southeast Asia and under strong influence of the Asianmonsoon climate. It is characterized by an extremely high population density and by high land use intensity.Paddy rice cultivation is the most important form of agriculture in the greater part of the region. Soilresources of tropical Asia have a specific feature in comparison with tropical Africa and America. Ultisolsdominate in uplands, and lowland soils like Inceptisols and Histosols are relatively abundant. The latterpoint is made clearer if we take the landforms of the region with a vast extent of lowlands into consideration.Geologically, tropical Asia with the Himalayan orogeny and active volcanism exhibits a conspicuous contrastto tropical Africa and America with the dominance of the shield structure. This along with the monsoonclimate should have determined the basic features of landforms and soil, and accordingly all the agriculturaland social characteristics of tropical Asia today. Although paddy rice cultivation in the lowland is highlysustainable, upland cultivation in extensive Ultisol areas tends to be handicapped by low fertility and higherodibility of the soil, resulting in low sustainability. Land shortage is compelling people to exploit slopelandsin hills and mountains, on the one hand, and thus far unutilized coastal lowlands, on the other. Both ofthese new reclamations are facing to serious land degradation problems today. Tropical Asia will continueto be the most densely populated region of the world with ever-increasing population. In order to meet theincreasing food demand lowland rice cultivation should be intensified by the infrastructure development toease the stresses on slopelands and vulnerable coastal lowlands. At the same time, upland crop productionin Ultisol areas should be stabilized and enhanced, providing integrated nutrient management and measuresfor soil conservation.
基金the research funding provided by the National Basic Research Program (973 Program No. 2007CB407206) of Chinathe National Natural Science Foundation of China (40771027)the National Supporting Plan of Science and Technology of China (2008BAD98B04)
文摘Soil erosion in hilly areas of the Sichuan Basin is a serious concern over sustainable crop production and sound ecosystem. A 3-year experiment was conducted using the method of runoff plots to examine the effects of terracing and agroforestry in farmland systems on soil and water conservation of slope fields in the hilly areas in Jianyang County, Sichuan Province, Southwestern China. A power function (Y = aXb) can statistically describe the relationship between water runoff (Y) and rainfall (X). The regression equation for the treatment of sloping terraces with crops (Plot 2) is remarkably different from that for the treatment of sloping terraces with grasses and trees (Plot 1) and the conventional up- and down-slope crop system (Plot 3) regarding equation coefficients, while regression equations are similar between Plot 1 and Plot 3. Water runoff amount and runoff coefficient of slope fields increased by 21.5～41.0 % and 27.5～69.7 % respectively, compared to those of sloping terraces, suggesting that terracing notably reduced the water runoff in the field. In the case of sloping terraces, lower amount of water runoff was observed on sloping terraces with crops than on sloping terraces with grasses and trees. Sediment yields on the slope fields in the normal year of rainfall distribution were notably higher (34.41～331.67 % and 37.06～403.44 % for Plot 1 and Plot 2, respectively) than those on sloping terraces, implying that terracing also plays a significant role in the reduction in soil erosion. It is suggested that terracing with crops is significantly effective for soil and water conservation in cultivatedfarmland, while the conventional practice of up- and down- slope cultivation creates high rates of water runoff and soil sediment transport. Terracing with grasses and fruit trees shows a less reduction in water runoff than terracing with crops, which was observed in the 3-year experiments.
基金the Knowledge-Innovation Project of Institute of Geographical Science and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Science(No.CXIOG-Boo-04)for financial support.
文摘As an important measure of eco-environmental construction, the process ofde-farming in slope farmland is being undertakengradually in the whole China. Meanwhile, theproblem of reducing in food yield in de-farming areas can not be neglected any more. It is especially the case in areas with concentrated slope farmland andinconvenient transportation. In this paper, we analyze the causes of hidden troubles in food security, and the spatial relationship between farmland and slopefarmland in the reservoir area of Three Gorges, and unveil the spatial disparity of contradictions between food supply and demand. Finally, combining the accessibility of areas, three different spatial types offood security, food security area, food alert area, and food crisis area, are divided.
文摘The construction of stone terraces to minimise soil erosion is common throughout Guizhou. This technique, however, has high inherent risk. Stone terraces are usually much higher than those with earth risers. While they trap a greater thickness of soil on the slope they increase the risk of slope failures, reduce moisture and nutrient availability to plants, and thin more soil up slope. The stone risers also threaten long-term productivity. When a riser collapses debris is deposited over the terrace below making farming difficult. These breaches in the terrace focus surface runoff leading to gully formation and increased sediment transport down slope. Artificial drainage systems, often used in conjunction with terracing, compound the risk. These channels prevent precipitation from soaking into the soil. This limits groundwater and soil moisture recharge which reduces the availability of water for crops and the length of the growing season. The rapid drainage of water from the slope reduces the time of concentration of the catchment resulting in an increase in flood activity. Floods are caused by smaller rainstorm events. They arrive faster and peak quicker and higher than before the channels were constructed. Engineering solutions to soil erosion must therefore be used in conjunction with, and are not as a substitute for, good land management strategies. Furthermore, despite changes in land use practices, and the application of new technologies, there is a maximum amount of production that can be obtained from this land on a sustainable basis.
文摘Soil-erosion-induced land degradation is a great challenge in the Ethiopian highlands. Consequently, the government has invested in soil and water conservation measures to tackle the problem where farmland terracing is one of the commonly implemented measures in the country. The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of farmland terracing in maintaining soil fertility and to evaluate its performance within a terrace, across terrace age and slope of terrain. The study was conducted in the Lake Maybar watershed in Wello, northern Ethiopia. Composite topsoil samples were collected from plots representing four slope categories across the terrain and three positions within a terrace. The samples were analyzed for selected soil physico-chemical properties and statistically tested using ANOVA （analysis of variance）. The study revealed that soil pH （△pH [H2O] = 0.6）, exchangeable K＋ （△K＋ = 0.33 cmol（＋）/kg） and clay （9%） content significantly increased towards the lower terrain position. Unlike other studies, all soil properties except bulk density （△ 0.40 g/cm3） showed non-significant differences within a terrace. Bench terrace formation reduced soil fertility gradients within a terrace for which it has been commented. Soil fertility also showed very slight change across terrace age, which indicates terracing reduced erosion-induced soil and nutrient loss. However, in order to optimize impact of farmland terracing on soil fertility maintenance, terracing should be complemented by fertility amendment considering site-specific conditions.
基金Project(51178423)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘For fully understanding the hydrological dynamics of an infinite terraced slope, the infiltration process was studied by employing the Green and Ampt infiltration model. The limit equilibrium method and the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion were adopted to derive a stability model for the infinite terraced slope subjected to an intense rainfall. Numerical simulation was performed for verifying its applicability. The results of numerical simulation indicate that a set of stepped wetting fronts are found during infiltration, and the infiltration of terraced slope covered by coarse-textured soils can be approximated as one-dimensional infiltration. The potential sliding surfaces from the numerical method are all parallel to the slope line, and the proposed model and framework can provide an approximate method of estimating how the infiltration affects the stability of an infinite terraced slope.
文摘According to the data of preliminary survey, the authors established a landslide geological model,on the basis of analyses on the sensitivity of landslide, tried to simulate and calculate the landslide stability of Shuitianba with the method of transfer coefficient when it is under different strength parameters, and study the landslide mechanism. The results show that it is sensitive to the effects of shear strength parameters of sliding zone and groundwater level on landslide stability safety coefficient, which provides reliable basis for calculation of landslide stability.
基金This research was supported by the Key Project in the National Science and Technology Pillar Program in the Eleventh Five-year Plan Period of China （Grant No. 2008BADBOB01）, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China （Grant No. 30770320）. We thank B. D. Bravery and Z.-Y. Jia for English editing and helpful comments on the manuscript, and we thank S.-Y. Li, Y.-Q. Wu, B. Long, E.-B. Zhang, H. Zhang and X. Wen of Datian National Nature Reserve for their assistance when we conducted fieldwork.
文摘Male copulatory patterns, female multiple copulation and male post-copulatory guarding were studied in Eld＇s deer Cervus eldi in Datian National Nature Reserve, China. Mating behavior in 18 females and 11 males from a group of 61 semi-captive Eld＇s deer were observed. The majority （55.8%） of copulations occurred between 15：00-19：00 h. The ejaculatory mount was preceded by an average of 5.1 prior mounts. Successful copulation consisted of a single thrust with ejaculation during one intromission, with no lock. This copulatory pattern is classified as pattern No. 15 （no lock, no intravaginal thrusting, single intromission, and multiple ejaculation） and No. 16 （no lock, no intravaginal thrusting, single intromission, and single ejaculation） under Dewsbury＇s scheme （1972） and as No. 16 （no lock, no thrusting, single and brief intromission） under Dixson＇s classification （1998）. Copulation frequency was 1.5 ± 0.9 times for males/females with the same female/male per day. The duration of the final mount, which included ejaculation, was brief （3.4±1.3 s）, and ejaculation usually terminated copulation. Eleven females copulated more than once in this study： three of them copulated with several males （multi-male copulations） and the remainder copulated with a single male （repeated copulations）. Our results indicate that some female Eld＇s deer may seek multiple copulations to be a strategy to improve the genetic quality of their offspring or to avoid harassment. Post-copulatory guarding of females by males followed all copulations, with dominant males guarding for significantly longer than subordinate males. Dominant males appear to be more effective at post-copulatory guarding than subordinate males. Subordinate males engaged in a quicker pre-copulatory phase to improve their chances of finishing copulation before being forced to accede to dominant males [Current Zoology 57 （3）： 284-292, 2011].
