Affect Ecosystem Services Research Articles

Meta-analysis shows that microplastics affect ecosystem services in terrestrial environments

To date, the understanding of the risks and impacts of microplastics (MPs) on terrestrial ecosystems remains limited, primarily due to most studies focusing on single ecosystem service. This study addressed this gap by conducting an integrative meta-analysis of 128 studies to explore the multifaceted impacts of MPs on various ecosystem services, including plant productivity, soil carbon (C) sequestration, microbial biodiversity, soil fertility, microbial biomass, and enzyme activity. We found that MPs reduced plant productivity service by 14.5%, microbial biodiversity service by 3.4%, and soil fertility service by 8.2%, while soil C sequestration service increased by 12.2%. No significant effects were observed on microbial biomass and enzyme activity services. Additionally, MPs of different types and shapes influenced the ecosystem services differently, with fiber, fragment, and round-shaped MPs decreasing the plant productivity service by 22.0%, 14.6%, and 12.7%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed intricate relationships between MPs properties and the ecosystem services. Our findings also revealed complex interdependencies among the ecosystem services induced by MPs application. We observed that the plant productivity service was negatively correlated with the soil C sequestration service, but positively correlated with microbial biodiversity, microbial biomass, and enzyme activity services. Together, our study emphasized the need for targeted research to develop mitigation strategies addressing the multifaceted effects of MPs to terrestrial ecosystems.

Understanding future water-carbon-land coupled systems in the era of COP 27: The case of the Hanjiang river Basin, China

The 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) emphasized addressing this century's interconnected challenges of food, water, and energy. This study proposes a coupled ecosystem service and multi-scenario land-use change simulation model designed to investigate the future dynamics of water-carbon-land coupled systems in the Hanjiang River Basin (HJRB), the primary objective is to provide valuable insights that can inform strategic spatial management decisions, aligning with the ambitious objectives outlined in COP 27. Specifically, this study utilized the PLUS model, InVEST model, and redundancy analysis to comprehensively analyze the interplay between ecosystem services and land-use changes, with a specific focus on water, carbon, and land dynamics. The results showed that regardless of the simulated scenarios, there was a consistent pattern observed in the changes of land use types within the HJRB, with a decrease in farmland and an increase in forest. However, the water area showed an increasing trend in all scenarios, especially in the ecological land protection (ELP) and sustainable development scenarios. Furthermore, the ELP scenario effectively suppressed the expansion of building land and the erosion of ecological land. Ecosystem services under different scenarios showed similar spatial distribution patterns but presented varying degrees of change related to the impact of future land use and urban development on ecosystem services. The water yield (WY), carbon storage, and soil conservation in the upstream areas increased to varying degrees, while those in the downstream areas decreased. In conclusion, precipitation, land use/land cover change, DEM (Digital Elevation Model), and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) were the main driving factors affecting ecosystem services, with precipitation having the most significant and enduring impact on WY. This study supports the adoption of targeted spatial management measures to promote sustainable development and enhance human well-being.

Relationship Between Land Use Transformation and Ecosystem Service Value in the Process of Urban–Rural Integration: An Empirical Study of 17 Prefecture-Level Cities in Henan Province, China

Urban–rural integration, which aims to balance economic growth with sustainable land use, is becoming an increasingly critical strategy for regional development. This study provides crucial insights into the relationship between land use changes and ecosystem service values (ESVs) in rapidly urbanizing areas by analyzing the urban–rural integration process in Henan Province, a typical agricultural province in China. This research investigated the relationship between land use transformation and ESVs in Henan Province, China, from 1990 to 2020. Utilizing land use data and employing the equivalent factor method and elasticity model, we analyzed shifts in land use and their impacts on ecosystem services across 17 prefecture-level cities. Results indicated a gradual improvement in the urban–rural integration development index of Henan Province, particularly after 2000, but with notable disparities among cities. Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, consistently demonstrated high urban–rural integration development index (URII) values, influencing the integration efforts of neighboring cities. Conversely, peripheral cities exhibited lower integration indices. Notable shifts in land use patterns characterized by diverse transfer dynamics distinctively influenced ESVs across regions. Urban sprawl initially exerted substantial impacts on ecosystem services and stabilized over time. Suburbanization impacts peaked in the early and middle stages, while agricultural intensification initially affected ecosystem services, but their effects diminished with increased efficiency. Ecological restoration efforts consistently enhanced ESVs. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interactions between land use transitions and ecosystem services in the context of urban–rural integration.

Coupling coordination analysis and spatiotemporal heterogeneity between urban land green use efficiency and ecosystem services in Yangtze River Economic Belt, China

Rapid urbanization has resulted in the conversion of different land types, leading to a serious disruption of the balance of ecosystems, and the contradiction between land use and ecological security becomes increasingly severe. As a key factor affecting ecosystem services (ESs), improving the urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE) can effectively mitigate the decline in the ecosystem services function. This study tried to verify the profound impact of land use on ESs by measuring the coupling coordination degree (CCD) between ULGUE and ESs from the perspective of coupling coordination. However, the traditional CCD model suffers from volatility and non-comparable confidence levels in results. For this background, this study adopted the improved CCD model to measure the association between ULGUE and ESs in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). Also, a comprehensive spatial evolution of the CCD was further explored. The main conclusions are as follows: (a) The overall level of ULGUE in YREB showed an increasing trend with the distribution of ULGUE in most cities ranging from 0.71 to 1.00, showing a higher level overall and the spatial distribution character of “small aggregation, large distribution”; (b) The ESs of YREB from 2005 to 2020 demonstrated a decreasing trend and majority of cities’ current ecological protection efforts are lagging behind the extent of ecosystem damage caused by human activities; (c) The overall average CCD of YREB was largely at basically balanced level and the average CCD change ranges from 0.38 to 0.45 between 2005 and 2020, but the overall CCD had a strong spatial correlation strength. (4) To some extent, the improved CCD model solved the problems of volatility and credibility based on the traditional CCD results, which have strong rationality and scientific validity. Identifying the coupling and coordination characteristics and mechanisms can effectively provide theoretical support for the sustainable development of watersheds.

Cidade Ideal e Cidade Real: Uma reflexão sobre cidades sustentáveis

According to UN data, the proportion of people living in urban areas has increased from 30% in 1950 to 55% in 2018. This population growth, especially in poorer countries, presents significant challenges for promoting sustainable urban development. Issues such as socio-spatial segregation, inadequate infrastructure, lack of basic sanitation, pollution and aggravated displacement are some of the challenges faced by cities. The UN's 2030 Agenda, with its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 - "Sustainable Cities and Communities," highlights the importance of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This article aims to explore the challenges of territorial management in small and medium-sized municipalities in Brazil, considering the fragmentation of management spheres and the need for sustainable solutions. The interdisciplinary methodology involves a literature review, analysis of IBGE data, MapBiomas and evaluation of public policies. The systemic approach of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) shows promise in promoting sustainable development, with the conservation/regeneration of ecosystem services as a possible complement to sustainable development strategies, providing lasting solutions to urban challenges. The quality of groundwater and surface water in river basins, as well as aspects related to the remaining fragments of native vegetation, show that many environmental problems produced in cities go beyond the limits of the urban area and even the administrative limits of municipalities. This becomes evident when mismanagement of sanitation services and land use in rural and urban areas affect ecosystem services that are essential for the quality of life of the population, the economy of municipalities and the construction of a sustainable city.

Potential ecological risk assessment based on loss of ecosystem services due to land use and land cover change: A case study of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

Ecosystem services (ESs) bridge the gap between human wellbeing and ecosystem processes. Land use and land cover change (LUCC) affect ecosystem services by altering the structure and function of ecosystems. Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), one of the most developed urban agglomerations in China, is subject to intense LUCC that affects ESs while increasing the regional ecological risk (ER). Therefore, to achieve the coordinated development of socioeconomic and ecological quality, there is an urgent need to establish a regional ecological risk assessment (ERA). ESs were introduced into the ERA to clarify their ecological significance and to compensate for the deficiencies of the traditional ERA. In this study, the ERA utilizes key ESs as endpoints to assess potential ER through a new framework by multiplying the probability of LUCC by the resultant loss of key ESs. We found that cultivated land was the most dominant outflow type and built-up land was the predominant inflow type. From 2020 to 2030, there is a greater possibility of changes in cultivated land, forest, grassland, and built-up land as well as in relatively stable water bodies and unused land. Overall, ESs show a positive trend. The overall potential ER was relatively minimal, with a significant northwestern spatially concentrated characteristic of high values. This study helps understand the potential development process of ERs and provides a scientific basis for risk management.

A new method to quantify the impacts of human activity on soil conservation service

Human activities and climate change impact ecosystem services, thereby affecting economic and social sustainable development. Measuring the heterogeneity in space and time of how human activities affect ecosystem services poses a challenge for the sustainable management of land resources. Based on “human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) - Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) - Soil Conservation Service (SCS)” cascading effect, first, a geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model was employed to assess the impact of HANPP in percent of potential NPP (hereafter HANPP%) on the FVC; second, changes in the FVC caused by human activities were quantified; and third, the potential soil conservation service (SCSp) and actual soil conservation service (SCSa) were estimated using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, and the difference between them represented the changes in soil conservation service caused by human activities (SCSh). Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as a case study, we found that the GTWR model was well suited for analyzing the relationship between the HANPP% and the FVC (R2 = 0.897). The HANPP resulted in a decrease in the FVC from 0.222 in 2001 to 0.199 in 2019 and correspondingly resulted in a decrease in the ratio of SCSh to SCSp from 8.95% to 7.24%. This study provides a quantitative method that allows quantifying the influence of human activity on ecosystem services closely related to the FVC.

Changes in perceived risk and ecosystem services after herbicide use on an aquatic invader

ABSTRACT Biodiversity conservation can entail socially controversial management interventions such as herbicide applications to eradicate aquatic invasive plants from highly productive native ecosystems. This study used a case example of the successful eradication of Alaska’s first aquatic invasive plant, Elodea spp. from two lakes surrounded by waterfront homes with the objective to measure perceived changes in the use of the lakes by local residents. A household survey was conducted with homeowners before and after the application of herbicides to measure public attitudes and human behavior changes related to the use of herbicide. We found fears and subjective expectations of survey respondents did not match the eventually collected objective scientific data on water quality. Also, we measured a significant negative change in lake-related activities over the duration of the management intervention that is smaller compared to the reduced activity level lake residents anticipated before the application of herbicide. Swimming and the consumption of fish caught in the lakes were the most negatively affected ecosystem services. The study showed the indirect and often hidden effects of management interventions on human risk perceptions that can translate to unintended human behavior changes and a reduction in related ecosystem service use. To account for complex social dimensions of controversial resource management interventions, resource managers require information on broad public value trade-offs and perceived risk beyond that which public meetings can provide. In this context, household surveys before and after resource management interventions can offer insights few other approaches can. The potential for more advanced outreach methods is discussed.

Progress in Ecosystem Services Research Under the Evolution of Land Use Landscape Patterns

Land use change (LUUC) is the most intuitive reflection of human activities and a key driver causing changes in ecosystem types and landscape pattern evolution [162]. Changes in land use patterns, structure, composition, intensity, and spatial patterns due to natural and anthropogenic factors affect ecosystem processes such as species movement, soil erosion, and patterns of biodiversity distribution, which in turn affect a wide range of ecosystem services, such as food provisioning, flood storage, soil retention, and soil and water conservation, and ultimately affect human well-being. Most studies have shown that changes in land use landscape patterns affect ecosystem services through multiple pathways, including changes in biodiversity, ecosystem processes and habitats. Land use change and ecosystem services have a reciprocal relationship, and the evolution of land use landscape pattern will directly affect or change the structure and function of ecosystems, which ultimately affects ecosystem services, while the results of the ecosystem services assessment can also provide a scientific basis for the formulation of relevant policies. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the evolution of land-use landscape patterns and the response of ecosystem services can not only clearly reveal the process of land-use landscape evolution, but also more accurately assess the function of ecosystem services, which can promote the scientific formulation and effective implementation of relevant planning and protection policies.

Response and prediction of ecosystem service values to land use change resulting from underground coal mining in high groundwater table areas: A case study of Jining City, China

Ecosystem services are crucial for human survival and development. Changes in land use can lead to alterations in ecosystem service functions. However, the mechanism of how land use changes resulting from underground coal mining affect ecosystem service remains unclear, especially in areas with high groundwater levels. To address this issue, we studied the spatiotemporal in land use change in Jining City from 2000 to 2020 and employed Markov-PIM (probability integration method)-PLUS (Patch-generate Land Use Simulation) model to simulate land use change and ecosystem service values (ESV) in Jining City by 2030 under four different scenarios. The results indicate that from 2000 to 2020, the area of ecological space increased by 169.99 km2, and the area of living space expanded by 775.28 km2, while the area of production space decreased by 945.27 km2, conversely. These changes led to a 3 million yuan increase in total ESV. From 2020 to 2030, there was a marked decline in ESV under both natural development (ND) and living space preference (LSP) scenarios, with decreases of 0.59 billion yuan and 1.38 billion yuan, respectively. In contrast, in production space preference (PSP) and ecological space preference (ESP) scenarios, ESV increase by 0.22 billion yuan and 0.34 billion yuan. The ESP scenario is an effective strategy to strengthen environmental protection, significantly improve the ESV level of Jining City and meet the development goals of Jining City. Finally, the study concludes with recommendations like comprehensive management, industrial upgrading, and collaborative development for optimizing Jining City's future land use and enhance ESV for urban development.

Assessing changes in the ecosystem service value in response to land use and land cover dynamics in Malawi.

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes are inevitable outcomes of socioeconomic changes and greatly affect ecosystem services. Our study addresses the critical gap in the existing literature by providing the first comprehensive national analysis of LULC changes and their impacts on ecosystem service values (ESVs) in Malawi. We assessed changes in ecosystem service values (ESVs) in response to LULC changes using the benefit transfer method in ArcGIS 10.6 software. Our findings revealed a significant increase in grasslands, croplands, and urban areas and a notable decline in forests, shrubs, wetlands, and water bodies. Grassland, cropland, and built-up areas expanded by 52%, 1%, and 23.2%, respectively. In contrast, permanent wetlands, barren land, and water bodies declined by 27.6%, 34.3%, and 1%, respectively. The ESV declined from US$90.87 billion in 2001 to US$85.60 billion in 2022, marking a 5.8% reduction. Provisioning services increased by 0.5% while regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem service functions declined by 12.2%, 3.16%, and 3.22%, respectively. The increase in provisioning services was due to the expansion of cropland. However, the loss of regulating, supporting, and cultural services was mainly due to the loss of natural ecosystems. Thus, environmental policy should prioritise the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems to enhance the ESV of Malawi.

Impact of Land Use Change on Water-Related Ecosystem Services under Multiple Ecological Restoration Scenarios in the Ganjiang River Basin, China

Ecological restoration programs (ERPs) can lead to dramatic land use change, thereby affecting ecosystem services and their interaction. Determining the optimal ERPs is a crucial issue for ecological restoration in ecologically fragile regions. This study analyzed the impacts of land use change on four water-related ecosystem services (WESs), namely water yield, soil retention, water purification, and food production in the Ganjiang River basin, China during the past two decades. Then, trade-off and synergy between WESs were detected based on correlation analysis. Finally, to quantify the effect of ERPs on WESs, we comprehensively considered the types and intensity of ERPs and designed four categories of scenarios: returning farmland to forest (RFF) scenarios; planting forest (PF) scenarios; riparian forestland buffer (RFB) scenarios; and riparian grassland buffer (RGB) scenarios. Each category contains five scenarios of different intensities. The results showed that water yield, soil retention, and food production increased while water purification decreased from 2000 to 2020. The deterioration of water quality was mainly due to transitions from forestland to farmland and built-up land. Trade-offs only occurred between regulating services and provisioning services. Among all ecological restoration scenarios, only the RFF scenarios can significantly improve soil retention and water purification at the same time, although food production will decrease. Considering food security, returning farmland with a slope greater than 10 degrees to forestland was the optimal scenario in the study area. This study highlighted that both the type and intensity of ERPs should be considered in ecological restoration. This study can contribute to ecological restoration in the Ganjiang River basin and other subtropical mountainous regions.

Maximising ecological value and assessing land suitability for sustainable grassland management in Asia’s largest tropical grassland, Western India

Grasslands are crucial ecosystems that provide numerous ecological services and support biodiversity conservation. Grasslands undergo significant threats from both anthropogenic and natural sources, compromising their ability to maintain biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being. However, grasslands are frequently ignored in sustainable development objectives. Adequate knowledge of how grassland degradation affects ecosystem services is essential for sustainable management and grassland ecological restoration. The Kachchh region in western India harbours a unique grassland ecosystem known as the Banni grassland, which once became the finest grassland in Asia. However, undesirable anthropogenic interventions have accelerated its degradation. This research paper aims to assess the suitability of different land areas in Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, considering ecological value as a primary criterion. In the present research, land suitability for grassland management was assessed using a geographical information system (GIS)-based multi criteria evolution (MCE) method with satellite data and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The ground truthing of the soil samples was carried out alongside. Slope, rainfall, infiltration rate, LULC, geomorphology, soil texture, soil organic carbon, water holding capacity, SAR, CEC, pH, EC, and soil nutrients were among the criteria used. The weights for each criterion were calculated using a pairwise comparison matrix, and the scores were allocated to sub criteria based on field work, expert opinions, and a literature review. The proposed method can be very useful for evaluating the state of the land and can help with the best possible planning for grassland development and conservation. Banni grassland has the potential to be developed into a critical zone observatory (CZO) in the future, and the present study, with further inputs, holds promise for furthering the cause of its sustainable management. Overall, this study underscores the importance of assessing land suitability for sustainable grassland management and highlights the potential for maximising the ecological value of grasslands in western India and beyond.

Wind erosion changes from ecological restoration and climatic drivers on the Tibetan plateau

Wind erosion increases risks to soil productivity and food security, which have large implications for ecosystems and human well-being. However, the spatial patterns of how ecological restoration and climate change affect wind erosion remain poorly understood. Here, we combined scenario analysis with wind erosion assessment to evaluate the spatial associations of wind erosion with ecological restoration and climatic factors on the Tibetan Plateau. A structural equation model (SEM) was developed to determine the major driver of wind erosion. We identified an overall decrease of wind erosion modulus during 2001–2018, followed by increases of 7.2–19.4% under different climate change scenarios in 2030. Nearly two-thirds of the study area was characterized by wind erosion primarily driven by climate change, while ecological restoration accounted for the wind erosion in almost two-fifths of the study area. The SEM revealed a dominating role played by wind speed in affecting wind erosion directly and indirectly by modulating soil and vegetation conditions. Our study highlights the importance of embracing the spatial variations in the impacts of ecological restoration and climatic factors into the systematic planning of soil conservation and management. Results of this study could inform response strategies aiming to prevent and control wind erosion by identifying the location and extent of affected ecosystem services in the context of climate change.

Vegetation degradation alters soil physicochemical properties and potentially affects ecosystem services in green spaces of a tropical megacity (Lubumbashi, DR Congo)

Urban soils are degraded by various human pressures, including vegetation degradation, leading to changes in physical and chemical characteristics and affecting important ecosystem services. Soil physical properties are an important fertility control parameter, providing the basis for sustainable soil use in urban conditions; however, they do not receive sufficient attention in work on tropical cities. We assessed the impact of vegetation degradation in six urban green spaces (bare soils versus vegetated soils) on the physical (texture, soil bulk density and structure) and chemical (pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn)) qualities of soils in a tropical megacity (Lubumbashi, DR Congo). Vegetated soils presented better physical and chemical qualities than bare soils. Vegetated soils were characterized by a high clay and silt content and a good consistency (soil structure), while bare soils were characterized by a high sand content and high bulk density. Vegetated soils were characterized by higher pH, OC, N, C/N ratio, CEC, P, and K. There was no significant difference in Mn or Cu between bare and vegetated soils. Cu was highly variable between sites (from 99 ± 61 mg.kg−1 in VS to 8559 ± 151 mg.kg−1 in BS). Our results demonstrate that the destruction of vegetation, leading to bare soil, negatively affects soil properties and may interfere with ecosystem services provided by urban soils in tropical climates. The physical properties observed in bare soils in this study, including silt, clay, and sand content, soil structure, and soil bulk density, along with chemical properties such as soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and soil organic carbon, can influence the ecosystem services provided by urban soils. These services include regulating water flow and nutrient cycling, enhancing nutrient availability, and supporting ecosystem functions through the cycling of water and nutrients.

Effects of land utilization transformation on ecosystem services in urban agglomeration on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, China

Land utilization transformation (LUT) is a key factor affecting ecosystem services (ESs). The urban agglomeration on the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains (UATM) is located in a typical arid region with extremely fragile ecological environment. However, the impact of LUT on the spatial pattern of ESs in the region over the past 20 years is not clear. This study aimed to explore LUT characteristics of the urban agglomeration on the UATM using a land transfer matrix, information entropy, land utilization intensity, and land utilization dynamic degree. Various ESs indexes were quantitatively measured using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model, and the effect of LUT on ESs was revealed through a geographic detector and spatial auto-correlation analyses. The results of this study led to the following conclusions: First, between 2000 and 2020, the primary land utilization types in UATM were arable land, grassland, and bare land, with significant cross-transformations occurring among these types. Meanwhile, LUT showed marked differences among different regions. LUT changed rapidly and significantly in the central region; in contrast, slower and slight changes were observed in the northern and southern regions. Second, during the research period, habitat maintenance, water yield and carbon sequestration decreased, and the soil retention function increased. The accelerated urban development in the second decade led to more rapid changes in ESs. Finally, both the structure and intensity of land utilization showed the strongest explanatory capability for changes in ESs. Different dimensions of LUT showed significant interactions with ESs. Therefore, it is advisable to guide LUT scientifically, promote vegetation restoration projects, alleviate the impacts of human activities and climate change on ESs, and enhance the ecological safety and environmental sustainability of UATM and even arid regions in Central Asia.

Drivers of ecosystem services and their trade-offs and synergies in different land use policy zones of Shaanxi Province, China

Clarifying the marginal effects of dominant factors influencing ecosystem services in different land use policy zones and the resulting changes in trade-offs and synergies within ecosystem services is an essential prerequisite for the sophisticated management of ecosystem services. Moreover, it is a crucial requirement for achieving the sustained provision of ecosystem services and sustainable human development. This study quantified spatial and temporal changes of ecosystem services in different land use policy zones of Shaanxi, assessed the marginal effects of drivers using the random forest, and explained the relationships within ecosystem services by the geographically weighted regression model. The results showed that water yield (WY) increased in the Economic Development Zone, food Production (FP), water yield (WY), carbon storage (CS), soil conservation (SC), and habitat quality (HQ) improved in the Ecological Enhancement Zone and Ecological Restoration Zone. In contrast, water yield (WY) and soil conservation (SC) in the Ecological Conservation Zone decreased from 2000 to 2020. Changes in the dominant factors in different policy zones affected ecosystem services in a non-stationary manner. For example, the initial increase in construction land ratio would lead to complex and dramatic effects on multiple ecosystem services. Differences in the most significant factors and their respective marginal effects led to disparities in transformations of trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services in different land use policy zones. The area of trade-offs between water yield (WY) and carbon storage (CS) decreased by 1.67% in the Ecological Conservation Zone, while it increased by 1.53% in the Ecological Restoration Zone. This study could provide theoretical guidance for different policy zones to optimize ecological management policies, coordinate human-earth relations, and achieve sustainable development.

Microclimate modulation: An overlooked mechanism influencing the impact of plant diversity on ecosystem functioning.

Changes in climate and biodiversity are widely recognized as primary global change drivers of ecosystem structure and functioning, also affecting ecosystem services provided to human populations. Increasing plant diversity not only enhances ecosystem functioning and stability but also mitigates climate change effects and buffers extreme weather conditions, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Recent studies have shown that plant diversity can mitigate climate change (e.g. reduce temperature fluctuations or drought through microclimatic effects) in different compartments of the focal ecosystem, which as such may contribute to the effect of plant diversity on ecosystem properties and functioning. However, these potential plant diversity-induced microclimate effects are not sufficiently understood. Here, we explored the consequences of climate modulation through microclimate modification by plant diversity for ecosystem functioning as a potential mechanism contributing to the widely documented biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships, using a combination of theoretical and simulation approaches. We focused on a diverse set of response variables at various levels of integration ranging from ecosystem-level carbon exchange to soil enzyme activity, including population dynamics and the activity of specific organisms. Here, we demonstrated that a vegetation layer composed of many plant species has the potential to influence ecosystem functioning and stability through the modification of microclimatic conditions, thus mitigating the negative impacts of climate extremes on ecosystem functioning. Integrating microclimatic processes (e.g. temperature, humidity and light modulation) as a mechanism contributing to the BEF relationships is a promising avenue to improve our understanding of the effects of climate change on ecosystem functioning and to better predict future ecosystem structure, functioning and services. In addition, microclimate management and monitoring should be seen as a potential tool by practitioners to adapt ecosystems to climate change.

U.S. cereal rye winter cover crop growth database

Winter cover crop performance metrics (i.e., vegetative biomass quantity and quality) affect ecosystem services provisions, but they vary widely due to differences in agronomic practices, soil properties, and climate. Cereal rye (Secale cereale) is the most common winter cover crop in the United States due to its winter hardiness, low seed cost, and high biomass production. We compiled data on cereal rye winter cover crop performance metrics, agronomic practices, and soil properties across the eastern half of the United States. The dataset includes a total of 5,695 cereal rye biomass observations across 208 site-years between 2001–2022 and encompasses a wide range of agronomic, soils, and climate conditions. Cereal rye biomass values had a mean of 3,428 kg ha−1, a median of 2,458 kg ha−1, and a standard deviation of 3,163 kg ha−1. The data can be used for empirical analyses, to calibrate, validate, and evaluate process-based models, and to develop decision support tools for management and policy decisions.

Can Urbanization-Driven Land-Use and Land-Cover Change Reduce Ecosystem Services? A Case of Coupling Coordination Relationship for Contiguous Poverty Areas in China

New urbanization often leads to land-use and land-cover change (LUCC), which inevitably affects ecosystem services (ESs). Although it is traditionally believed that urbanization reduces ecosystem services, some studies have shown that reasonable urban development facilitates ecosystem conservation. Previous studies have focused on the impacts of urbanization on either LUCC or ESs, with fewer dynamic assessments of the coordination of the three. Taking China’s contiguous poor areas (CPAs) as an example, this study applied coupling coordination, path analysis, and a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model to identify the dynamic relationship among urbanization, land use, and the environment and then predicted their coupling coordination under shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP-RCP) in 2035 using the Patch Generation Land Use Simulation (PLUS) and a random forest model. The results of the study show that (1) urbanization, land-use change, and environmental loads in China’s CPAs showed an inconsistent upward trend. There was a slight overall decrease in ESs before 2013, which was consistent with the early stage of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC); after that time, they showed different characteristics. (2) From 2000 to 2018, the coupling coordination degree of CPAs decreased slightly due to urbanization, geographic factors, and grassland and unused land. LUCC was essential to maintaining the system balance. The SN (southern contiguous poverty area) was at a basic level of coordination, while the other regions showed a moderate imbalance. (3) According to scenario projections, the degree of coupling coordination in all regions will increase by 2035. Environmental prioritization and sustainable routes are the best options for CPAs’ development. The SN is more stable, while the WN (western contiguous poverty area) has the lowest coupling coordination. (4) Environmentally friendly urbanization should be carried out with land management tailored to local conditions. Measures that could be recommended include establishing ecological pilot zones in SN areas, prioritizing the protection of grassland ecosystems in WN areas, and promoting intensive land use in the NN (northern contiguous poverty area). The present study offers a novel perspective on the interplay between the economy and the environment at the county level and achieves predictive coupling coordination through the integration of PLUS and random forest models. This investigation into coordinated urbanization–LUCC–ES development in CPAs yields valuable insights for enhancing environmental and economic well-being in similar regions within China, as well as globally.