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Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control
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Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecology and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2023) | Viewed by 22987

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Kangning Xiong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Engineering Technology Institute for Karst Desertification Control, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
Interests: karst geomorphology and speleology; ecosystem function and service; natural world heritage conservation and desertification control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Mingsheng Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
2. Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
Interests: karst plant physiology and molecules
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Junbing Pu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 541000, China
Interests: karst hydrological process; carbon cycle
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the past 20 years, karst desertification control has achieved remarkable results, and South China Karst has been a global hotspot of greening. These improvements are closely related to large-scale afforestation and protection projects (the Grain for Green Project, Shelterbelt Development Project, Soil and Water Conservation Project, Natural Forest Conservation Project, Karst Desertification Treatment Project, etc.). On the one hand, ecological forests and agroforestry have been developed on a large scale in karst desertification control, which has improved the ecosystem’s function and the supply capacity of ecosystem services. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the vulnerability and resilience, structure and stability, ecological asset and service, carrying capacity and ecological security, and service tradeoff/synergy and optimization in the controlled ecosystem. On the other hand, there is a lack of research on the ecological processes of newly established forests in improving ecosystem functions and services, for example, how the functional traits (morphology and physiology) of newly established forests contribute to the maintenance of ecosystem functions and services compared with primary forests. Therefore, this Special Issue will publish articles that provide new perspectives and discoveries on the above issues.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Improvement mechanism of ecosystem structure, function, and service.
  • The mechanism of ecosystem service tradeoff/synergy and function optimization.
  • Optimization model of ecosystem function and improvement path of eco-product supply.
  • The role of functional traits in the maintenance of ecological function and service.
  • Social–ecological response for afforestation in the karst desertification control.

Prof. Dr. Kangning Xiong
Prof. Dr. Mingsheng Zhang
Prof. Dr. Junbing Pu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ecosystem vulnerability
  • ecosystem structure
  • ecosystem function
  • ecosystem service
  • ecosystem service tradeoff
  • functional trait
  • carbon sequestration
  • karst desertification

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Published Papers (17 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

10 pages, 696 KiB  
Editorial
A New Advance on the Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in the Karst Desertification Control
by Kangning Xiong, Cheng He, Mingsheng Zhang and Junbing Pu
Forests 2023, 14(10), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14102115 - 23 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 967
Abstract
In recent years, after the implementation of large-scale ecological restoration projects, karst areas in the South China Karst have become global “greening” hot spots. However, the biodiversity, ecosystem quality, and security patterns in karst areas are still severely affected. The reason for this [...] Read more.
In recent years, after the implementation of large-scale ecological restoration projects, karst areas in the South China Karst have become global “greening” hot spots. However, the biodiversity, ecosystem quality, and security patterns in karst areas are still severely affected. The reason for this is that despite the execution of karst desertification control projects, the lag mechanism of forest ecosystem functions and services is still unclear. Therefore, we analyze the progress in the research related to desertification control and the improvement of regional forest ecosystem function through a systematic literature review approach. The results show that the major landmarks achieved so far include the following aspects: based on the karst desertification control area, we have elucidated the driving factors of forest ecosystem change, discovered the ecological security pattern of landscape optimization and reconstruction, revealed the internal mechanism of forest system structure optimization and stability enhancement, overcome the technical constraints of forest water–fertilizer coupling, introduced a strategy for regulating functional traits to improve the growth and development of vegetation, proposed strategies to enhance carbon sequestration in forests and the efficiency of microbial carbon use, and created models and paths to realize the value of forest products. The key scientific issues to be addressed in the future mainly comprise the following: the effects of spatial heterogeneity on forest ecosystems, disturbances in landscape reconfiguration caused by human activities, the work mechanisms of the combination and configuration of the niche in structural optimization, the response of species configuration to the water cycle, the coupled relationship between biodiversity and soil properties, the screening and construction of the plant germplasm resource base, the functional trade-offs/synergistic mechanisms of karst forest ecosystems, the creation of policies for forest product in terms of rights, trading, and compensation, and systematic research on the extended industrial chain of forest ecosystems, its service potential, and so on. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 8116 KiB  
Article
Multiple Factors Jointly Lead to the Lower Soil Microbial Carbon Use Efficiency of Abies fanjingshanensis in a Typical Subtropical Forest in Southwest China
by Xianliang Wu, Zhenming Zhang, Jiachun Zhang, Yingying Liu, Wenmin Luo, Guiting Mou and Xianfei Huang
Forests 2023, 14(9), 1716; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14091716 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 875
Abstract
Abies fanjingshanensis trees are the only remaining Abies species in a type of subtropical forest of southwest China and are in imminent danger. Previous studies suggested that the massive death of Abies was caused by the unbalanced chemometrics and nutrients in the soil. [...] Read more.
Abies fanjingshanensis trees are the only remaining Abies species in a type of subtropical forest of southwest China and are in imminent danger. Previous studies suggested that the massive death of Abies was caused by the unbalanced chemometrics and nutrients in the soil. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, we evaluated the microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in the rhizospheric topsoil and subsoil of A. fanjingshanensis, at high elevation, middle elevation, and low elevation as well as investigated their physicochemical indices, soil enzyme activities, bacteria, fungi, and microbial biomass. The results showed that the physicochemical parameters (TP, SOC, AK, AP, MC, TN, NO3-N, NH4-N and cation exchange capacity) of the topsoil were higher than those of the subsoil. Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla in the two soil layers. Candidatus_Koribacter was the main indicator species in the rhizospheric topsoil and subsoil. The positive correlation in the bacterial co-occurrence networks implied that cooperation was dominant between the bacteria in four soil types, and the same phenomenon was found in the co-occurrence networks of fungi. A structural equation model confirmed that pH was the most important factor affecting microbial CUE in the topsoil and subsoil. We inferred that the microorganisms in the acidic soil environment were forced to consume more energy to maintain cellular pH, while less energy was used for growth. The increased solubility of some toxic metals in the acidic soil affected the microbes, resulting in a lower microbial CUE in the A. fanjingshanensis rhizospheric soil. Our results highlight that pH values in soil mainly affected microbial CUE, and a lower microbial CUE may be another important factor in the death of large numbers of A. fanjingshanensis. Several measures must be carried out to improve the microbial CUE in the rhizospheric soil of A. fanjingshanensis by the department of forest management, such as adding the appropriate biochar and nitrogenous fertilizer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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13 pages, 2568 KiB  
Article
Intercropping Peanut under Forests Can Reduce Soil N2O Emissions in Karst Desertification Control
by Tinghui Hu, Kangning Xiong and Jun Wang
Forests 2023, 14(8), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081652 - 15 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 905
Abstract
In the process of vegetation restoration for karst desertification management, the lack of scientific and rational intercropping technology and the blind application of large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer have made the soil the main source of atmospheric N2O in this region. [...] Read more.
In the process of vegetation restoration for karst desertification management, the lack of scientific and rational intercropping technology and the blind application of large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer have made the soil the main source of atmospheric N2O in this region. How soil N2O emissions vary under different intercropping modes is a scientific question worthy of study. This study took a three-year-old loquat (Eribotrya japonica L.) artificial forest in the karst plateau canyon as the experimental site and designed loquat intercropping with peanut, corn, and sweet potato (Ipomoeabatatas (L.) Lam.) as well as non-intercropping to analyze the differences in soil physicochemical properties and greenhouse gas emissions under different intercropping patterns. The results showed that intercropping with peanut significantly increased loquat yield, soil moisture, temperature, SOC, MBC, TN, and MBN content. The emissions of N2O and CO2were mainly positively correlated with soil moisture and temperature, while CH4 showed a negative correlation with soil moisture and soil temperature. The soil absorbed CH4 in the control of karst desertification. Karst area soils exhibited higher N2O emissions. Intercropping patterns significantly influenced soil N2O emissions, with N2O-N cumulative emissions ranging from 5.28 to 8.13 kg·hm−2 under different intercropping conditions. The lowest N2O-N cumulative emissions were observed for peanut intercropped under the forest. The peak N2O emission occurred in April 2022, which may be attributed to the higher rainfall and soil moisture during that month. Intercropping peanut with loquat significantly reduced the global warming potential. Therefore, intercropping peanut in young forests can improve soil water and fertilizer conditions, reduce soil N2O emissions and global warming potential, and serve as a nitrogen fixation and emission reduction technique suitable for karst desertification areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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19 pages, 10277 KiB  
Article
Changes in Ecosystem Service Values of Forests in Southwest China’s Karst Regions from 2001–2020
by Zhongfa Zhou, Lu Zhang, Tangyin Wu, Dan Luo, Lan Wu, Quan Chen and Qing Feng
Forests 2023, 14(8), 1534; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081534 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 798
Abstract
Forests, serving as crucial custodians of our planet’s ecological balance, also constitute a significant source of livelihood for humanity. Karst regions, recognized as some of the world’s most susceptible landscapes, grapple with the dual predicaments of ecological restoration and resident impoverishment. To bridge [...] Read more.
Forests, serving as crucial custodians of our planet’s ecological balance, also constitute a significant source of livelihood for humanity. Karst regions, recognized as some of the world’s most susceptible landscapes, grapple with the dual predicaments of ecological restoration and resident impoverishment. To bridge the gap between environmental and economic concerns, this manuscript employs an amalgamation of remote sensing and socio-economic methodologies to devise a comprehensive assessment framework, thereby scrutinizing the alterations in forest ecosystems from 2001 to 2020.The investigation reveals that over the past two decades, forest rehabilitation within the study area has yielded commendable outcomes, substantially mitigating various ecological dilemmas instigated by rocky desertification in this region. The forested area has increased significantly, and the ecosystem service value has more than doubled. These improvements are largely attributed to compulsory forest conservation measures, demonstrating their decisive influence. The study advocates meticulous management and conservation strategies to safeguard these unique ecosystems and ensure their sustainability. This research underscores the significance of striking a balance between maintaining ecological integrity and fostering economic development, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable forest management in vulnerable landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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14 pages, 2905 KiB  
Article
Afforestation Influences Soil Aggregate Stability by Regulating Aggregate Transformation in Karst Rocky Desertification Areas
by Dayun Zhu, Qian Yang, Yingshan Zhao, Zhen Cao, Yurong Han, Ronghan Li, Ju Ni and Zhigao Wu
Forests 2023, 14(7), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14071356 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1034
Abstract
Surface vegetation has a substantial impact on soil aggregate stability, which is an important indicator of soil quality. However, there is still limited research on the response of soil aggregate stability indicators and the organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus content in [...] Read more.
Surface vegetation has a substantial impact on soil aggregate stability, which is an important indicator of soil quality. However, there is still limited research on the response of soil aggregate stability indicators and the organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus content in soil aggregates for different vegetation patterns in rocky desertification fragile ecological areas. Therefore, in order to study the effects of different vegetation restoration models on soil aggregate stability and aggregate related nutrient content and their promoting relationships in the karst rocky desertification areas in southwest China, soil samples under three artificial restoration vegetation measures (Juglans regia L.-Rosa roxburghii Tratt., Rosa roxburghii Tratt.-Lolium perenne L., Juglans regia L.-Lolium perenne L.) were collected in 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm soil, and the traditional farmland (Zea mays L.) was used as the control, combined with dry and wet sieving experiments for the research and analysis. The results showed that there were significant differences in the distribution of aggregates and soil nutrients among the four types of plots. Compared with traditional agricultural land, artificial afforestation increased the content of soil large macroaggregates (LMAs) and decreased the proportion of microaggregates (MIAs) and silt+clay (SCA), which enhanced the soil aggregate stability and reduced the soil fragmentation and erodibility. The afforestation restoration increased the content of soil aggregate-related SOC, TN, and TP, and increased with the decrease in the aggregate particle size. Research has found that soil aggregate stability indicators are significantly influenced by the particle size distribution of soil aggregates. In the positive succession process of vegetation types, soil nutrient accumulation is controlled by changes in the soil aggregate particle size, which affects the soil aggregate stability and reduces soil erodibility, thereby protecting the soil nutrient loss. The composite management of forest and irrigation in degraded ecological areas has certain reference and indicative significance for ecological restoration in rocky desertification areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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16 pages, 3110 KiB  
Article
Temporal and Spatial Variations in Carbon/Nitrogen Output in the Karst Critical Zone and Its Response to the Forest Ecosystem of Karst Desertification Control
by Chenpeng Hu, Ziqi Liu, Kangning Xiong, Xiaoxi Lyu, Yuan Li and Renkai Zhang
Forests 2023, 14(6), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14061121 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 983
Abstract
Rocky desertification is a common phenomenon in karst areas. Soil carbon and nitrogen storage is of great significance to the formation and evolution of ecosystems. Soil leakage is one of the important indicators in evaluating ecosystem stability. There are few studies on the [...] Read more.
Rocky desertification is a common phenomenon in karst areas. Soil carbon and nitrogen storage is of great significance to the formation and evolution of ecosystems. Soil leakage is one of the important indicators in evaluating ecosystem stability. There are few studies on the response of carbon and nitrogen leakage below the surface of karst critical zones to forest ecosystems. The karst springs in the study area of Shibing Heichong, Bijie Salaxi and Guanling-Zhenfeng Huajiang in Guizhou, China, were selected to determine the variation characteristics of carbon and nitrogen content and karst spring outputs and their response to soil leakage. The results showed the following: (1) The content and output of carbon and nitrogen in karst springs in the three study areas showed obvious spatial differences. The carbon and nitrogen output of karst spring water was mainly concentrated in the rainy season. The carbon and nitrogen contents and output of karst springs in the Shibing Heichong study area were higher than those in the Bijie Salaxi and Guanling-Zhenfeng Huajiang study areas. (2) The carbon and nitrogen outputs of karst springs were mainly affected by flow. Land cover and land use in forests affect the carbon and nitrogen contents of karst springs and thus affect the output. (3) The higher the soil leakage of the karst spring was, the higher the carbon and nitrogen output. The leakage of the overlying soil in the Shibing Heichong study area was high, but the soil decline was small, and the stability of the forest ecosystem was relatively good. In summary, a lower degree of rocky desertification results in higher leakage from karst springs and higher risks of soil leakage; however, the ecosystem was relatively stable. Evaluating forest soil carbon and nitrogen loss and ecosystem stability in karst areas through the nutrient output of karst springs is of great significance for the prevention and control of rocky desertification areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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29 pages, 11893 KiB  
Article
Agroforestry Ecosystem Structure and the Stability Improvement Strategy in Control of Karst Desertification
by Shilian Jiang, Kangning Xiong, Jie Xiao, Yiling Yang, Yunting Huang and Zhigao Wu
Forests 2023, 14(4), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14040845 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1238
Abstract
Agroforestry systems (AFS) are priority semi-natural ecosystems in fragile ecological zones. The complexity and diversity of their species structure play a crucial role in maintaining AFS stability. To explore the optimization of improvement strategies in AFS’ structure and stability for control of karst [...] Read more.
Agroforestry systems (AFS) are priority semi-natural ecosystems in fragile ecological zones. The complexity and diversity of their species structure play a crucial role in maintaining AFS stability. To explore the optimization of improvement strategies in AFS’ structure and stability for control of karst desertification (KD), in this study, we chose typical desertification control areas in the southern China karst region. The study included homegarden (HG), agrisilviculture (ASV), and multipurpose woodlots (MWLs) as three AFS. We quantified the AFS’ structural characteristics using descriptive statistics and spatial structure parameters. We used the fuzzy integrated evaluation method with structural and functional indicators as guidelines, and stand structure, plant species diversity, soil fertility, and environmental factors as first-level evaluation indicators. The entropy weight method calculates the weights of indicators at all levels. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method establishes an evaluation index system to evaluate the grading of AFS’ stability. The results showed that: (i) The species composition of the AFS in the KD control areas had a simple structure, the overall diversity level was low, and the diversity level of herbaceous plants was better than that of woody plants. (ii) The overall distribution curves of diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height (TH), and crown width (CW) of woody plants in the AFS in the KD control areas were slight to the left, with a single-peaked pattern, mostly randomly and unevenly distributed in space, with a low degree of tree species isolation and relatively weak stand stability. (iii) There was variability in the stability classes of different types of AFS, overall reflecting the ranking HG > ASV > MWLs. (iv) When structural optimization was applied, corresponding measures can be taken according to farmers’ wishes for different types of AFS and their primary business purposes. The improvement of stability depends mainly on the utility of the structural optimization applied coupled with positive human interference (for example, pruning, dwarfing, and dense planting). This study provides a scientific reference for maintaining the stability of AFS and promoting service provision. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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15 pages, 12061 KiB  
Article
Influence of Different Planting Combinations on the Amino Acid Concentration in Pericarp of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘Dintanensis’ and Soil
by Yitong Li, Yanghua Yu, Yanping Song and Changsheng Wei
Forests 2023, 14(4), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14040843 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 924
Abstract
In this study, the effect of different planting combinations on the amino acid concentration in the pericarp of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ (hereafter referred to as Z. planispinum) was studied, and the response of amino acid concentration to soil factors was clarified. The [...] Read more.
In this study, the effect of different planting combinations on the amino acid concentration in the pericarp of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ (hereafter referred to as Z. planispinum) was studied, and the response of amino acid concentration to soil factors was clarified. The aim of this study was to screen optimal planting combinations and provide a theoretical basis for improving pericarp quality. Five planting combinations of Z. planispinum in a karst rocky desertification area were selected as the research objects, and the concentration and accumulation of free amino acids in the pericarp of Z. planispinum were analyzed. Then, combined with existing soil quality data, the pericarp quality of Z. planispinum was comprehensively evaluated by principal component analysis, and the effect of soil factors on amino acid concentrations was clarified by redundancy analysis. The results are as follows: (1) except for arginine, serine, proline, alanine, tyrosine and cystine, the concentrations of other free amino acids significantly differed among the five planting combinations. In general, the planting combination has a great influence on the concentration of free amino acids in the pericarp of Z. planispinum, especially essential amino acids; (2) free amino acid concentration in the pericarp of Z. planispinum mostly increased in combination with Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. (hereafter referred to as S. tonkinensis) and decreased in combination with Prunus salicina Lindl; (3) principal component analysis showed that the concentration of free amino acid in the pericarp of Z. planispinum was generally at a high level when combined with S. tonkinensis or Lonicera japonica Thunb. (hereafter referred to as L. japonica). Among them, the amino acids in the pericarp of Z. planispinum with S. tonkinensis were closer to the ideal protein standard of FAO/WHO; (4) soil-available potassium, available phosphorus, microbial biomass nitrogen, available calcium and microbial biomass phosphorus in soil factors had significant effects on amino acid concentration after a redundancy analysis. It can be seen that the available nutrients and soil microbial biomass contribute greatly to the amino acid concentration of the pericarp. According to the soil quality and the amino acid quality of the pericarp, planting with L. japonica can improve the amino acid quality of the pericarp of Z. planispinum, as well as selecting Z. planispinum + L. japonica as the optimal planting combination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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20 pages, 4236 KiB  
Article
Forest Plant Water Utilization and the Eco-Hydrological Regulation in the Karst Desertification Control Drainage Area
by Bo Fan, Kangning Xiong and Ziqi Liu
Forests 2023, 14(4), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14040747 - 05 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1226
Abstract
Subtropical forests in southwestern karst areas are the top priority for ecosystem restoration, as studying the water absorption strategies of the major plants in these regions is crucial to determining the species distribution and coexistences within these seasonal subtropical forests, which will help [...] Read more.
Subtropical forests in southwestern karst areas are the top priority for ecosystem restoration, as studying the water absorption strategies of the major plants in these regions is crucial to determining the species distribution and coexistences within these seasonal subtropical forests, which will help us to cope with the forest ecosystem crisis under future climate change. We used the stable isotope ratios (δD and δ18O) of tree xylem and soil water to assess the seasonal changes in the water use patterns and hydrological niche separations of four dominant tree species in seasonal subtropical forests in southwestern karst areas. The results showed that the soil water’s isotopic composition varied gradiently in the vertical direction and that the variation of the soil water’s isotopic composition was greater in the shallow layer than in its depths. Juglans regia (HT) mainly depended on soil water at a depth of 30–60 cm (41.8 ± 6.86%) and fissure water (32.5 ± 4.21%), while Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (HJ) and Eriobotrya japonica Lindl (PP) had the same water use pattern. In the dry season, HT competed with HJ and PP for water resources, and in the rainy season, HJ and PP competed with Lonicera japonica (JYH), while HJ competed with PP all the time. JYH and HT were in a separate state of hydrologic niche and they did not pose a threat to each other. Coexisting trees are largely separated along a single hydrological niche axis that is defined by their differences in root depth, which are closely related to tree size. Our results support the theory of hydrological niche isolation and its potential responses in relation to drought resistance. This study provides a method for determining more efficient plant combinations within karst forest vegetation habitats and its results will have important implications for ecosystem vegetation restoration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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18 pages, 2411 KiB  
Article
Research on the Resilience Assessment of Rural Landscapes in the Context of Karst Rocky Desertification Control: A Case Study of Fanhua Village in Guizhou Province
by Bin Ying, Sensen Li, Kangning Xiong, Yufeng Hou, Ting Liu and Ruonan Sun
Forests 2023, 14(4), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14040733 - 03 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1293
Abstract
The ecological rehabilitation project has greatly curbed the serious problem of karst rocky desertification (KRD) in southern China and significantly changed the ecological environment and landscape pattern of the karst rocky desertification control areas (KRDCA). As one of the most important social–ecological fragile [...] Read more.
The ecological rehabilitation project has greatly curbed the serious problem of karst rocky desertification (KRD) in southern China and significantly changed the ecological environment and landscape pattern of the karst rocky desertification control areas (KRDCA). As one of the most important social–ecological fragile areas in the world, rural landscapes in KRDCA still show a strong sensitivity to disturbance. To reduce risks and improve the resilience of landscapes, this paper constructs a framework for assessing rural landscape resilience in KRDCA from the three dimensions of ecology, engineering, and social culture, based on the concept of resilience defined by the United Nations International Agency for Disaster Reduction. Considering the characteristics of rural landscapes in KRDCA, we select typical villages for empirical study. The results show the following: (1) The KRDCA is highly sensitive to natural disasters due to its special dual geomorphic structure characteristics. The disaster preparedness capacity of villages is the key factor determining the resilience of rural landscapes. The analysis of the disaster preparedness capacities of rural landscape structures with different vulnerability characteristics can be used as an effective means of evaluating the resilience level of rural landscapes in KRDCA. (2) Based on the empirical analysis of Fanhua village, which is a typical KRDCA in southern China, we found that the ecological system and engineering system of the village landscape have high resilience, while the resilience of the social and cultural systems are weak. This is due to the fact that the large number of rural population emigration in recent years has resulted in villages being at the key node of the reorganization of the social and cultural value system. The unstable sociocultural value system reduces the ability of rural landscapes to adapt to disturbance or environmental change. The study results could guide improvement strategies for subsequent landscape planning and inspire new ideas and methods for the implementation of rural revitalization strategies and the improvement of landscape resilience in KRDCA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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16 pages, 4966 KiB  
Article
Identifying the Landscape Security Pattern in Karst Rocky Desertification Area Based on Ecosystem Services and Ecological Sensitivity: A Case Study of Guanling County, Guizhou Province
by Bin Ying, Ting Liu, Li Ke, Kangning Xiong, Sensen Li, Ruonan Sun and Feihu Zhu
Forests 2023, 14(3), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030613 - 19 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1661
Abstract
Ecological environmental security in karst areas is an issue of global concern. Identifying the ecological landscape security pattern (ELSP) is key to promoting environmental protection and alleviating the land development and utilization impacts. Ecological sources (ESs) and ecological corridors (ECs) are important bases [...] Read more.
Ecological environmental security in karst areas is an issue of global concern. Identifying the ecological landscape security pattern (ELSP) is key to promoting environmental protection and alleviating the land development and utilization impacts. Ecological sources (ESs) and ecological corridors (ECs) are important bases for constructing an ELSP. We used five influencing factors (land use type, digital elevation model (DEM), rocky desertification degree, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and slope) to obtain the distribution of the importance and sensitivity values of ecosystem services in Guanling County, Guizhou Province. The probability of the connectivity index (PC) was calculated, and the ES was extracted by combining the importance of ecosystem services, ecological sensitivity, and landscape connectivity. According to the topographic and geomorphological characteristics of Guanling County, seven indicators of elevation, slope, landscape type, degree of stone desertification, distance from rivers, distance from settlements, and distance from roads were selected as resistance factors for the outward expansion of the ESs to calculate the comprehensive resistance surface of Guanling County. Based on the gravity model, an interaction matrix between 10 ESs was constructed, and the magnitude of the interaction forces between the source sites was quantitatively evaluated to distinguish the important ECs and general ECs. The study showed that the total length of the ECs in Guanling County was 509.78 km, and the core area of Guanling County was large, accounting for 65.73% of the ecological landscape area. By assessing the importance of ecosystem services, ecological sensitivity, and landscape connectivity, 10 ES and 45 EC were obtained based on ArcGIS10.8, which constituted the landscape security pattern of Guanling County by ESs and ECs. Suggestions were proposed for a planning layout that will benefit the ecological restoration of Guanling County and environmental protection of the karst region according to the study area characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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17 pages, 3106 KiB  
Article
Leaf Functional Traits of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘Dintanensis’ Plantations with Different Planting Combinations and Their Responses to Soil
by Yitong Li, Yanghua Yu and Yanping Song
Forests 2023, 14(3), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030468 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1286
Abstract
Leaf structural and physiological traits, nutrients, and other functional properties reflect the ability of plants to self-regulate and adapt to the environment. Species diversity can positively affect plant growth by improving the habitat, and offers mutual interspecies benefits. Therefore, optimizing the types of [...] Read more.
Leaf structural and physiological traits, nutrients, and other functional properties reflect the ability of plants to self-regulate and adapt to the environment. Species diversity can positively affect plant growth by improving the habitat, and offers mutual interspecies benefits. Therefore, optimizing the types of plants grown in a specific area is conducive to achieving sustainable development goals for plant growth. In this study, companion planting of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ (hereafter Z. planispinum) with Prunus salicina Lindl., Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep., Arachis hypogaea L. and Lonicera japonica Thunb. was investigated, along with a monoculture Z. planispinum plantation. The effect of different planting combinations on the adaptive mechanisms of Z. planispinum and its response to the soil was explored. These results revealed that Z. planispinum preferred the slow growth strategy of small specific leaf area, high leaf water content, and high chlorophyll content after combination with P. salicina. Conversely, after combination with S. tonkinensis, Z. planispinum exhibited a fast growth strategy. Combination with A. hypogaea enabled Z. planispinum to adopt a transition from slow to fast growth. Z. planispinum regulated its economy of growth through multiple functional trait combinations, indicating that planting combinations impacted its adaptive strategies. The adaptability of Z. planispinum in combination with P. salicina, L. japonica, A. hypogaea and S. tonkinensis decreased in turn, with only the adaptability of Z. planispinum + S. tonkinensis lower than that of the pure forest. Leaf functional traits were jointly influenced by soil water content, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), MB nitrogen (N), MB phosphorus (P), available N, total P and available calcium (C:N:P). The main contributors were soil water content, the different component levels and stoichiometry of elements and the MB. The results demonstrated that companion planting can promote or inhibit the growth of Z. planispinum by adjusting its functional traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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17 pages, 2846 KiB  
Article
Farmland Hydrology Cycle and Agronomic Measures in Agroforestry for the Efficient Utilization of Water Resources under Karst Desertification Environments
by Qinglin Wu, Kangning Xiong, Rui Li and Jie Xiao
Forests 2023, 14(3), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030453 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1130
Abstract
Severe soil-water loss and unfertile soil frequently occur under karst desertification environments. The surface-underground dual structure in these areas allows the surface water to leak into the subsurface through cracks and sinkholes, as well as other conduits, causing a special “karst drought”. Hence, [...] Read more.
Severe soil-water loss and unfertile soil frequently occur under karst desertification environments. The surface-underground dual structure in these areas allows the surface water to leak into the subsurface through cracks and sinkholes, as well as other conduits, causing a special “karst drought”. Hence, water-resource shortage has become a challenge for local agricultural development. To realize efficient utilization of water resources, an urgent need is to clearly understand and study the law of farmland hydrological cycles under agroforestry practices, which is still understudied. Here, we focused on the hydrological cycle at the farmland scale and water-saving measures under agroforestry in three study areas representing different degrees of karst desertification. First, a significant positive correlation was found between total and available precipitations as well as land evapotranspiration (LET). Second, under agronomic measures, the soil water content in the three areas was all higher than that of the control group while soil evaporation was all lower. This indicates that agronomic measures can contribute to the efficient use of water resources by halting soil evaporation and increasing soil water content. Third, dwarf dense planting and pruning technologies were helpful in inhibiting crop transpiration and reducing vegetation interception. Fourth, in the farmland hydrological cycle of agroforestry, 77.45% of precipitation transformed into soil water storage, 24.81% into soil evaporation, 20.73% into plant transpiration, 17.40% into groundwater, and 5.18% into vegetation interception. However, their sum was greater than 100%, suggesting that the farmland-scale water cycle is an open system. The implication is that different agronomic practices under agroforestry bring certain water-saving benefits by constraining the conversion of ineffective water and promoting the storage of effective water, thus opening up promising opportunities for efficiently utilizing water resources in karst desertification areas. The finding is also significant to the control of karst desertification, soil and water conservation, and karst drought alleviation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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15 pages, 1761 KiB  
Article
Seedling Survival Strategies of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘Dintanensis’ and Zanthoxylum amatum ‘Novemfolius’, Based on Functional Traits in Karst Desertification Control
by Yanghua Yu, Yanping Song and Yitong Li
Forests 2023, 14(2), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020386 - 14 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1050
Abstract
The exploration of the functional traits of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ and Zanthoxylum amatum ‘novemfolius’ at the seedling stage may provide a scientific basis for the zoning of germplasm resources and the introduction of plant varieties. The seedlings of the above mentioned two species [...] Read more.
The exploration of the functional traits of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ and Zanthoxylum amatum ‘novemfolius’ at the seedling stage may provide a scientific basis for the zoning of germplasm resources and the introduction of plant varieties. The seedlings of the above mentioned two species with an age of about 8 months were selected as the study material, and the structure, nutrients, and physiological traits of leaves and roots were determined, respectively, to reveal their survival strategies. The results demonstrated the following four key elements. (1) The leaf thickness, specific leaf area, and leaf δ15N value of Z. planispinum ‘dintanensis’ were significantly higher than those of Z. amatum ‘novemfolius’ (p < 0.05). However, the root diameter and Ca content showed the opposite results, and the other traits were not significantly different. (2) Leaf functional traits except Ca, as well as specific root length, and root P, Ca, and physiological traits had strong dominant effects on the functional trait system. (3) Among the main functional traits, leaf K and root P preferred environmental selection, leaf C, N, and P favored stable inheritance, and specific leaf area, leaf δ15N, and root Ca were affected by varieties. (4) There were significant synergies (promotion) and trade-offs (inhibition) between the functional traits, and the leaves and the root system were closely correlated. It is speculated that Z. planispinum ‘dintanensis’ may have a stronger defense system. Its leaves are mainly related to growth and defense functions, and its roots are mainly related to the regulation of functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

21 pages, 3194 KiB  
Review
A Review of Eco-Product Value Realization and Eco-Industry with Enlightenment toward the Forest Ecosystem Services in Karst Ecological Restoration
by Biliang Yang, Yu Zhang, Kangning Xiong, Huiqiong Huang and Ying Yang
Forests 2023, 14(4), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14040729 - 03 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1997
Abstract
Eco-product value realization and eco-industry are in a rapid development stage, but the eco-product value realization mechanism is still unclear. Strengthening research on eco-industry and eco-product value realization not only helps to coordinate the relationship between regional ecologies and the economy but also [...] Read more.
Eco-product value realization and eco-industry are in a rapid development stage, but the eco-product value realization mechanism is still unclear. Strengthening research on eco-industry and eco-product value realization not only helps to coordinate the relationship between regional ecologies and the economy but also contributes to regional sustainable development. This study conducted a systematic literature review based on related articles retrieved from the Web of Science database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. The results showed the following: (1) Regarding time series, the average annual number of published works in the literature from 2000 to 2017 is less than 4, while the average annual number of published works in the literature from 2018 to 2022 is more than 97. The overall study on eco-product value realization and eco-industry has shown a year-on-year growth trend. (2) The research content primarily involves five aspects, including the connotation and extension of eco-products, eco-product supply, eco-product value accounting, eco-product value realization, and eco-industry. (3) It is essential to deepen the study on the improvement mechanism of the eco-product supply capacity, eco-products property rights, evaluation system for eco-product value realization, ecological compensation mechanism, driving mechanism for eco-products to eco-industry, and coupled development of ecological restoration and eco-industry. Based on the above research, this paper presents an enlightment of the forest ecosystem services in the karst ecological restoration area from three aspects: enhancing the supply ability of eco-products, improving the compensation mechanism of forest ecological services, and coordinating the development of ecosystem services and eco-industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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20 pages, 3358 KiB  
Review
Review on Driving Factors of Ecosystem Services: Its Enlightenment for the Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control
by Lingwei Kong, Kangning Xiong, Shihao Zhang, Yu Zhang and Xuehua Deng
Forests 2023, 14(3), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030582 - 15 Mar 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2359
Abstract
Understanding the multi-scale and multi-factor driving mechanisms of ecosystem services (ES) change is crucial for combating the severe degradation of the ecosystem. We reviewed 408 publications on ecosystem structure, biodiversity, and plant functional traits related to ES in forest ecosystems. Strategies were proposed [...] Read more.
Understanding the multi-scale and multi-factor driving mechanisms of ecosystem services (ES) change is crucial for combating the severe degradation of the ecosystem. We reviewed 408 publications on ecosystem structure, biodiversity, and plant functional traits related to ES in forest ecosystems. Strategies were proposed and key scientific issues were pointed out to improve the forest ecosystem in the karst desertification area. The results showed that the total number of publications has increased rapidly since 2014, of which biodiversity studies contributed the majority. China, the USA, and Germany were the top three countries, accounting for 41%, 9%, and 6% of the research, respectively. Further review found that structure, species diversity, and functional traits have an apparent effect on ES at different (macro, meso, and micro) scales. The optimization of tree structure contributes to the improvement in ES provision and the regulation capacity. Species diversity plays an important role in provision services, while functional diversity is equally important in regulation services. Plant root functional traits can not only help regulation services but also determine the species and structure of rhizosphere microbial communities. The response of ES to a certain factor has been extensively reviewed, but the interaction of multiple driving factors needs to be further studied, especially in how to drive the supply capacity of ES in multi-factor and multi-scale ways. Clarifying the driving mechanism of ES at different scales will help to improve the supply capacity of the ecosystem and achieve the goal of sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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21 pages, 4615 KiB  
Review
A Commented Review of Eco-Product Value Realization and Ecological Industry and Its Enlightenment for Agroforestry Ecosystem Services in the Karst Ecological Restoration
by Ying Yang, Kangning Xiong, Huiqiong Huang, Jie Xiao, Biliang Yang and Yu Zhang
Forests 2023, 14(3), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030448 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2085
Abstract
The achievement of eco-product value and the growth of eco-industry can boost the economic advancement of karst areas. The findings of a statistical analysis of 520 relevant studies reveal the following: (1) From a time series perspective, the amount of papers increase with [...] Read more.
The achievement of eco-product value and the growth of eco-industry can boost the economic advancement of karst areas. The findings of a statistical analysis of 520 relevant studies reveal the following: (1) From a time series perspective, the amount of papers increase with each wave of research; (2) contents mainly concentrate on four aspects, namely, ecosystem services supply (8.46%), value accounting (10.58%), value realization (37.88%), and eco-industry (30.38%); (3) the study areas are primarily concentrated in Asia (85.96%), Europe (7.12%), and North America (4.04%), most of which are located in China’s karst areas with vulnerable ecological environments and regions that are aware of eco-product values; and (4) research frontiers are reflected through four aspects of the ecosystem, namely, services supply, value accounting, value realization, and the eco-industry. Based on the analysis in this paper, it can be concluded that paths, mechanisms, and models for eco-product value realization are still slow. Therefore, to support the growth of karst agroforestry ecosystem services, it is imperative to further research the capacity of agroforestry ecosystem services supply, value accounting systems, ecological compensation mechanisms, the value realization models of eco-products, and the formation mechanism of eco-industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvement of Forest Ecosystem Functions in Karst Desertification Control)
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