Review and prospect of vegetation research in Sichuan

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">This paper reviews the vegetation research history in Sichuan Province and analyzes the influencing factors of vegetation change in the past <sc>40 years.</sc> Furthermore, a new cartographic classification system of Sichuan vegetation (e.g., vegetation type groups, vegetation types, alliances) is proposed by referring to recent field surveys, literature, and several significant vegetation classification systems in China. Additionally, some expectations for future research on Sichuan vegetation are proposed. First, the Sichuan Vegetation Classification System should be consistent with the national classification system, and regional characteristics can be reflected in individual units. Second, new techniques and methods can be used to supplement the investigation of vegetation types and areas in Sichuan Province. Finally, the revision and compilation of Sichuan vegetation and the Sichuan vegetation map should begin as soon as possible. Meanwhile, a renewable database should be established to lay a foundation for the frequent updating of vegetation maps in the future.