A simulation analysis of the relationship between regional primary production and vegetation structure under climatic change scenarios

Abstract

We analyzed the quantitative relationship between spatial vegetation type distribution and net primary production in a transect across northeast China based on a spatial simulation model of vegetation dynamics. The analysis indicated that relative increases in NPP due to variation of vegetation type distribution were significantly related to two spatial pattern indices; that variation of vegetation type distribution had significant effects on net primary productivity for all prescribed climatic scenarios. Specifically vegetation diversity and spatially disperse distribution of vegetation types were in favor of primary production and helped regional ecosystems to resist degradation and to maintain primary productivity under severe climatic conditions. A more severe environmental condition rendered regional productivity more dependent on spatial vegetation structure.