Water–Soil–Vegetation Dynamic Interactions in Changing Climate

Xixi Wang,Rich Whittecar,Xiangju Cheng,Xuefeng Chu,Tingxi Liu

doi:10.3390/w9100740

Abstract

Previous studies of land degradation, topsoil erosion, and hydrologic alteration typically focus on these subjects individually, missing important interrelationships among these important aspects of the Earth’s system. However, an understanding of water–soil–vegetation dynamic interactions is needed to develop practical and effective solutions to sustain the globe’s eco-environment and grassland agriculture, which depends on grasses, legumes, and other fodder or soil-building crops. This special issue is intended to be a platform for a discussion of the relevant scientific findings based on experimental and/or modeling studies. Its 12 peer-reviewed articles present data, novel analysis/modeling approaches, and convincing results of water–soil–vegetation interactions under historical and future climates. Two of the articles examine how lake/pond water quality is related to human activity and climate. Overall, these articles can serve as important references for future studies to further advance our understanding of how water, soil, and vegetation interactively affect the health and productivity of the Earth’s ecosystem.

Highlights

Water, soil, and vegetation are key elements in the Earth’s system [1]
The 12 articles of this special issue advanced our understanding of water–soil–vegetation interactions as three key components of the Earth’s system under various climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities
The new algorithms presented in four articles [39,40,44,45,48] provide necessary tools for better modeling effects of grazing on steppe grassland degradation, future climates on sedimentation at watershed scale, micro-topographic features on hydrologic processes, and infiltration on the translational stability of long slopes

Summary

Introduction

Soil, and vegetation are key elements in the Earth’s system [1]. Their dynamic interactions affect, and are affected by, anthropogenic activities (e.g., grazing, farming, and/or urbanization) and climate change [2,3,4,5,6,7]. The specific topics include steppe vegetation affected by climate change [39,40], interactions of climate, anthropogenic activities, and watershed hydrology [41,42,43], SWAT

Results

Conclusion