Soil Conservation Research Articles

Willingness to Pay for Agricultural Soil Quality Protection and Improvement

Understanding and estimating the economic value that society places on agricultural soil quality protection and improvement can guide the development of policies aimed at mitigating pollution, promoting conservation, or incentivizing sustainable land management practices. We estimate the general public’s willingness to pay (WTP) for agricultural soil quality protection and improvement in Spain (n = 1000) and the UK (n = 984) using data from a cross-sectional survey via Qualtrics panels in March–April 2021. We use a double-bound dichotomous choice contingent valuation approach to elicit the individuals’ WTP. We investigate the effect of uncertainty on the success of policies aiming at achieving soil protection. In addition, to understand the heterogeneity in individuals’ WTP for agricultural soil quality protection and improvement, we model individuals’ WTP through individuals’ awareness and attitudes toward agricultural soil quality protection and the environment; trust in institutions; risk and time preferences; pro-social behavior; and socio-demographics in Spain and the UK. We found that there is significant public support for agricultural soil quality protection and improvement in Spain and the UK. We also found that the support does not vary significantly under uncertainty of success of policies aiming at achieving soil protection. However, the individual’s reasons for supporting agricultural soil quality protection and improvement are found to depend on the level of uncertainty and country. Hence, promoting public support for soil protection needs to be tailored according to the level of the general public’s perceived uncertainty and geographic location.

Impact of Sustainable Land Management Program on the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers in Semen Bench District, South West Ethiopia

The Sustainable Land Management Programme was launched in 2008 to address to reduce land degradation, improve land productivity, contribute significantly to adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, to protect of soil erosion, conserve to natural resources, and improve of smallholder farmers' standard of living. The overall objective of the study is to impact of a sustainable land management program in southwest Ethiopia's Semen Bench district on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The study used to cross-sectional survey study design. Two Kebeles were purposively selected based on participation and coverage of soil and water conservation practices implemented by sustainable land management program established in the study area. systematic sampling techniques was used to select 124 respondents from the Kebeles household heads. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and independent sample t-test. The study revealed significant differences in maize yield, taro and coffee yields. The results also showed a highly significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean total yearly income of adopter and non-adopter households, at 24,963.8±2783.12 and 14,927.9±2200.2 birr, respectively. It is determined that the implementation of a sustainable land management program enhances agricultural productivity and household income by conserving land resources. To improve household income, crop productivity, and land resource conservation, this study suggests that farmers be incentivized and supported to adopt integrated sustainable land management approaches.

Spatial Distribution Patterns of the Key Afforestation Species Cupressus funebris: Insights from an Ensemble Model under Climate Change Scenarios

Cupressus funebris Endl. (C. funebris) is an evergreen tree endemic to China that is classified as a national second-class endangered plant. This species plays critical roles in soil and humidity conservation, climate regulation, and ecological restoration. It is also important in silvicultural production, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of the ecosystem in Southwest China. In this study, an integrated modeling approach was used to integrate 10 species distribution models to simulate the potential distribution of C. funebris and predict the impact of future climate change on its distribution and ecological niche. Field surveys were conducted to compare the forest stands of C. funebris under different habitat suitability levels. The results showed that the most suitable areas for C. funebris were mainly located in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guizhou, covering an area of approximately 15.651 × 104 km2. The productivity of the C. funebris forest stands in these highly suitable areas and was significantly higher than that in low and moderately suitable areas, although understory plant diversity did not show a competitive advantage. Under future climate scenarios, the potential distribution of C. funebris in China will expand and the geographical range of the niche will shift to higher latitudes in northern China as temperatures increase. The extent of this change in the niche’s geographical range intensified as warming increased. Specifically, under the 2090s-SSP585 climate scenario, the highly suitable area for C. funebris is projected to double, suggesting a significant expansion of the geographical range of the niche under this climate model, with more than half of the niche experiencing separation. In summary, the potential distribution of C. funebris may continue to expand and shift to higher latitudes in the context of global warming and its ecological niche’s geographical range will be adjusted accordingly. These findings provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, and rational utilization of C. funebris genetic resources by conducting niche modeling and climate suitability assessments.

An Experimental Study of the Morphological Evolution of Rills on Slopes under Rainfall Action

Accurately monitoring the morphology and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the entire process of slope erosion rill development is essential to circumvent the limitations inherent in traditional methods that rely on average flow velocity for hydrodynamic parameter calculations. This study employs an environmental chamber and a self-developed slope erosion test device to perform erosion tests on slopes with varying gradients and rainfall intensities. By integrating the structure-from-motion (SfM) method, fixed grid coordinate method, and continuous camera combined with the dye tracer technique, the morphological indexes and hydrodynamic parameters of the entire rill development process are precisely computed. The main conclusions are as follows: The entire process of slope rill development can be divided into three distinct stages. The initial stage is characterized by the appearance of tiny rills with mild erosion. The middle stage involves severe transverse spreading erosion and longitudinal undercutting, resulting in diverse rill morphologies. The final stage is marked by the stabilization of morphological characteristics. The peak slope soil loss is observed during the middle stage of rill development. The most effective parameters for characterizing slope soil loss from the beginning to the end are the Reynolds number and flow shear stress, the Froude number and flow shear stress, and the Froude number during different periods. Throughout the development of rills, the flow velocity initially decreases and then gradually increases until it stabilizes. The morphological indexes, including rill density, dissected degree, inclination, and complexity, generally show an increasing trend. However, in the middle stage, the rate of increase slows down, followed by a sharp rise at certain points. The optimal hydraulic parameters for evaluating rill density across different slope gradients, which were found to be the Darcy–Weisbach drag coefficient and real-time flow velocity, for assessing rill dissected degree, complexity, and inclination, were the Reynolds number and flow power. Under varying rainfall intensities, the most effective hydraulic and kinetic parameters for evaluating rill density, dissected degree, and inclination were flow shear stress and Reynolds number; for assessing rill complexity, the Reynolds number and flow power were used. The findings of this research enhance the accuracy of hydrodynamic parameter calculations in rill erosion tests, enable precise prediction of rill development trends on slopes, and offer innovative approaches for real-time dynamic monitoring of rill morphology and characteristics. These advancements are of significant importance for soil and water conservation and sustainability.

Sustainable integration of rubber plantations within agroforestry systems in China: current research and future directions

The integration of rubber plantations with agroforestry systems, or the under-forest economy, represents a pivotal shift towards sustainable agriculture in China. This paper reviews the latest research on agroforestry practices and innovations within China's rubber plantation under-forest economy, with a focus on the balance between economic productivity and environmental sustainability. We explore the adoption of diverse agroforestry models that incorporate rubber trees with other valuable plant species, aiming to enhance ecosystem services, biodiversity, and farmers' livelihoods. The review highlights significant advancements in sustainable management practices, including species selection, planting designs, and soil and water conservation techniques that contribute to the resilience of these systems against environmental stresses. Economic analyses underscore the potential for rubber agroforestry systems to improve income diversification and stability for rural communities while also navigating market challenges. Environmental assessments reveal the positive impacts of these practices on carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and soil health, positioning rubber agroforestry as a beneficial strategy for mitigating climate change effects. However, the review also identifies challenges, including the need for supportive policy frameworks, access to knowledge and technology for smallholders, and further research on long-term sustainability outcomes. Future directions for research are proposed, emphasizing the integration of ecological, economic, and social dimensions to fully realize the potential of the rubber under-forest economy in China.

Increased winter‐killed cover crop seeding rate may not increase soil health outcomes

AbstractImplementing soil conservation practices can begin to restore degraded soils, improve soil health, and increase overall ecosystem services. Cover cropping is an effective strategy to rebuild soil quality through decreased erosion and increased residue inputs, which can help build soil organic matter. Cover crop seeding rate may have a positive relationship with ecosystem services; however, it is unknown whether this is realized at or below the recommended cover crop seeding rate. The goal of this study was to identify the relationship between cover crop seeding rate and soil health biogeochemical measures across the growing season using five oat (Avena sativa L.)–pea (Pisum sativum L.) cover crop treatments of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% the industry standard seeding rate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Research Farm. Soils were tested for soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and microbial measures at winter kill, spring thaw, post‐planting, and succeeding cash crop harvest. Soil measures did not vary among seeding rates, but total ground cover was consistent among treatments due to weed growth. Soil health measures vary seasonally reflecting soil microbial activity. Our study provides initial evidence that soil biogeochemical responses do not respond to increased seeding rate within one growing season when the resulting groundcover—cover crop biomass plus weeds—is consistent across seeding rates, but sampling date can influence the magnitude of soil biological and chemical soil health metrics.

Achieving higher eco-efficiency for three staple food crops with ecosystem services based on regional heterogeneity in China

Farmland ecosystems can provide both economic products and ecosystem services that are important in maintaining food security and ecological safety. However, the ecological functions of farmland ecosystems have not been adequately evaluated in China, especially from the perspective of ecological efficiency for three staple food crops (wheat, maize and rice). Moreover, the contribution of ecosystem services value (ESV) to agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE), and the factors that influence AEE for the three staple food crops in different regions are still unclear. In this study, data envelopment analysis (DEA) was applied to calculate the AEE using group-frontier and meta-frontier methods based on regional heterogeneity. We measured AEE for wheat, maize and rice production with and without ESV and compared the gap between ecological inefficiency resulting from management inefficiency and technology gap inefficiency. The research results showed that, first, the involvement of ESV could effectively promote AEE. In particular, water conservation, soil conservation and the nutrient cycle contributed to the promotion of eco-efficiency. The mean ΔAEE (the difference in AEE with or without ESV) of wheat, maize and rice increased by 15 %, 10 % and 13 % with group-frontier and by 20 %, 10 % and 11 % with meta-frontier, respectively. Second, the improvement of AEE was higher in ecologically sensitive areas than that in other areas, especially for wheat and rice. Third, although the involvement of ESV reduced ecological inefficiency, specifically for management inefficiency, its contribution differed significantly across regions. We provide suggestions on improving AEE and reducing inter-regional differences in China. In brief, these findings suggest that, except for grain yields, ecosystem services need to be recognized in the production of three staple food crops, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. This is helpful for crop planning and planting division in terms of sustainable development.

Changes in Runoff and Sediment Loads in the Tuhai River Basin and the Factors Influencing These Changes

In this study, rainfall, runoff, and sediment load data were collected from the Tuhai River Basin from 1972 to 2021. The Mann–Kendall test, runoff–sediment curve, and double mass curve were used to identify the characteristics and factors influencing runoff and sediment loads in the Tuhai River Basin. The results showed that the average annual runoff and sediment loads in the river basin were 4.03 × 108 m3 and 3.52 × 108 kg, respectively; furthermore, the flood season (June–September) accounted for 79.9% and 99.4% of these values, respectively. There were no apparent runoff trends in the annual, flood, and non-flood (October–May) stages, and the annual and flood season sediment loads decreased significantly. The abrupt change points of annual and flood season runoff in the Tuhai River Basin mainly occurred from 2003 to 2004 and from 2013 to 2014. Moreover, the abrupt change points of annual and flood season sediment load only occurred from 1978 to 1979. The runoff–sediment curve showed a clear power function relationship between runoff and sediment loads. The runoff in the Tuhai River Basin from 2003 to 2013 was mainly affected by precipitation. Additionally, the contributions of human activities to runoff and sediment load reduction in the Tuhai River Basin were 57.7–88.9% and 63.1–86.0%, respectively. The increase in human water consumption was the main reason for the decrease in runoff in the Tuhai River Basin. Furthermore, the measures taken in soil and water conservation and reservoir construction were the main factors behind a reduction in sediment loads in the Tuhai River Basin.

Evolution and deposition patterns of turbidity currents under complex vegetation canopies

Understanding the flow-vegetation-sediment feedback mechanism is critical for ecological restoration of gently sloped landscapes. Numerous simulation or laboratory experiments on turbidity currents over vegetation have revealed the important roles of vegetation canopy morphology and structure in this feedback mechanism. However, there is still a lack of analysis on the related physical processes. This study investigated the evolutionary characteristics and sediment transport and deposition patterns of turbidity currents with different sediment size distribution in vegetation patches of different canopy morphologies through lock-exchange experiments. The roles of vegetation leaf morphology and canopy structure were explored by varying the leaf morphology and vegetation density with turbidity currents prepared using sediment samples configured with different particle sizes, which are more compatible with natural conditions. The kinetic characteristics and sediment distribution of the turbidity currents over vegetation were simultaneously analyzed, providing a new perspective for updating the methodology in laboratory experiments. The major findings of this study can be summarized as follows: 1) the general spatiotemporal evolution law of turbidity currents is applicable to complex vegetation canopy morphology; 2) canopy structure dominated by leaf morphology is an important influencing factor that needs to be taken into account in the research on vegetation resistance; and 3) the correlation between turbidity current momentum and suspended sediment transport decreases under complex conditions, and coarse-grained suspended sediment tend to limit the movement of turbidity currents and major deposition distance of the sediment. These findings can provide theoretical support for conservation of floodplain soil and water and restoration of watershed ecology.

Research on spatial patterns of soil erosion in wind erosion region based on the revised wind erosion equation and partial least squares regression

Understanding the complex influencing factors of soil erosion is critical for maintaining regional ecological security. The revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) model were used to reveal the primary factors affecting soil erosion. Based on the results of the RWEQ model, the wind erosion area was 8,439.3 km2 in 2018, accounting for 54.3% of the total planning area, and mild erosion, moderate erosion, intense erosion, very intense erosion, and fierce erosion accounted for 18.22%, 11.43%, 11.78%, 10.16%, and 2.74% of the total planning area, respectively. Based on the results of the PLSR model, the results indicate that the proportion of mining land, meteorological indicators, and mean square deviation of slope difference were positively correlated with the soil erosion area, intensity, and severity, respectively. The proportion of grassland and forest land was negatively correlated with the soil erosion area, intensity, and severity. The mean square deviation of slope difference, the mean square deviation of difference in elevation, and the proportion of urban land use contributed the most to the soil erosion severity index, with variable importance in projection (VIP) scores of 1.55, 1.44 and 1.43, respectively. The mean square deviation of slope difference, the proportion of urban land, and the mean square deviation of difference in elevation contributed the most to the soil erosion area, with VIP scores of 1.53, 1.26 and 1.24, respectively. The results provide new insights into wind erosion and the influences of weather conditions and human influences, which can guide regional soil and water conservation planning in wind erosion regions.

Farmers’ Perception and Practice of Soil Fertility Management and Conservation in the Era of Digital Soil Information Systems in Southwest Nigeria

This study assessed the perception and use of digital applications for soil fertility management and conservation strategies among small-scale crop farmers in southwest Nigeria. A total of 376 farmers were randomly selected across the six southwest states. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of the farmers relied on perception and other non-scientific approaches such as the appearance of weeds and performance of crops in the previous season to assess soil fertility. Only 1.1% and 0.3% of the farmers assessed soil fertility through soil tests and digital applications, respectively. Most farmers adopted bush fallowing and the use of inorganic fertilizers to improve soil fertility. Although 4.8% of the farmers indicated that they had digital applications on their mobile phones, only 2.9% claimed to have used these. More than half (56.4%) of the farmers stated that a lack of awareness of the existence of digital applications and internet-enabled telephones were the reasons they have not been able to use digital applications. The majority of the farmers (97.3%) indicated their willingness to embrace the use of new farm decision digital applications which could provide more information, especially on soil fertility, if introduced. More extensive services focusing on older, less literate farmers and farmers who hitherto did not belong to any farmers’ association are advocated for in order to encourage the use of digital applications and soil fertility management and conservation practices.

Wheat cover crop has minimal effect on physical soil properties in the North Carolina Piedmont

AbstractEnvironmental awareness about soil and water conservation in agroecosystems has shifted behaviors toward favoring conservation practices in agricultural management. Interest in conservation tillage and cover cropping has increased, but some regions encounter major challenges with adjusting management to accommodate these practices while optimizing crop production. In an Ultisol in the North Carolina Piedmont, a long‐term corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) rotation with tillage intensities ranging from no‐till to moldboard plowing in a randomized complete block design was used to assess changes in physical soil properties after introducing wheat (Triticum aestivum) as a winter cover crop. Cover crop biomass was measured along with volumetric water content (VWC) and bulk density (BD) at 0–15 cm, water retention (WR), water‐stable aggregation (WSA), and soil organic carbon (SOC) at 0–7.5 cm, and penetration resistance (PR) at 0–45 cm. No differences in VWC or WR could be solely attributed to cover cropping, but no‐till with cover cropping had the highest macroporosity where there was no vehicle traffic. Vehicle traffic had a stronger effect on soil compaction (BD and PR) than cover cropping regardless of tillage. Conservation tillage increased WSA and SOC when compared to plow tillage, but three seasons of a wheat cover crop did not significantly change these properties, possibly because wheat produced low biomass each year (750–1900 kg ha−1). Wheat had minimal effect on physical soil properties in the short term, and potential for improvement with long‐term optimal cover crop management in this region requires further assessment.

Can corporate supply chain sustainability standards contribute to soil protection?

Can corporate supply chain sustainability standards contribute to soil protection?

Study on the Influence of Policy Guidance and Market-Driven Factors on Farmers’ Behavior Regarding Black Soil Protection

Study on the Influence of Policy Guidance and Market-Driven Factors on Farmers’ Behavior Regarding Black Soil Protection

Self‐defending mechanism of C/TaC‒SiC composites under 2100°C cyclic ablation environment

AbstractTo achieve the repeatability of aerospace thermal components, C/TaC‒SiC composites were fabricated. Cycle ablation and bending tests were carried out. After 3 × 60 s of ablation beyond 2100°C, the mechanical property retention rate was 80.9%. Interestingly, a reaction similar to “ouroboros ring,” in which the cyclic reactions of “TaC being oxidized to Ta2O5 and Ta2O5 being reduced to TaC,” occurred in the central ablation region of C/TaC‒SiC composites. On the one hand, the continuous generation of TaC could prevent liquid state Ta2O5 from being blown off central ablation region, playing a similar role in “water and soil conservation.” On the other hand, liquid Ta2O5 covered the surface of C/TaC‒SiC composites during ablation process, contributing to block the inward permeation of oxidized gases. In addition, novel “Grotto” structures were detected in the transitional ablation region of C/TaC‒SiC composites. The formation reason of the “Grotto” structure has also been discussed.

Exploring rational vegetation configuration to relative increase runoff, reduce erosion and soil organic carbon loss in gully-slopes on the Chinese Loess Plateau

In order to solve the water shortage, uncoordinated runoff-sediment relationship, and prevent carbon loss in the Yellow River Basin, there is an urgent need to explore the rational vegetation configuration in order to relative increase runoff, reduce sediment and prevent soil organic carbon loss in the gully-slopes on the Loess Plateau. To solve these problems, the simulated rainfall experiments with an intensity of 60 mm·h−1 were conducted in four types of plots: shrub-grass (SG), tap root grasses (GT), fibrous root grasses (GF) and bare land (CK). Four types of plots were built on one gully-slope with a slope of 35°–40° in situ. Compared with CK (mean runoff rate: 0.61 mm·min−1), the runoff reduction benefits of SG (0.27 mm·min−1), GT (0.04 mm·min−1) and GF (0.17 mm·min−1) plots were 54.9 %, 71.7 %, 92.2 %. Compared with GT and GF plots, the total runoff of SG plots was 1.6–5.8 times. Compared with CK, the sediment reduction benefits of three vegetation plots were more than 98 %. Shrub-grass is a more suitable vegetation combination for soil and water conservation: reducing sediment and relative increasing runoff. The soil organic carbon loss has been well alleviated through vegetation restoration, and vegetation plots all prevented over 98 % of soil organic carbon loss compared with the bare plot. Soil organic carbon loss equation based on runoff and sediment was established and validated. The R2, P and NSE results of the equations were 0.92–0.95, <0.001, 0.85–0.86, respectively, indicating that the fitted equations can be considered acceptable. The soil organic carbon loss in the gully-slopes was mainly from sediment (more than 85 %) compared with runoff. Therefore, controlling sediment is more effective than controlling runoff in preventing soil organic carbon loss in the gully-slopes on the Loess Plateau. These results can provide a basis for decision-making of high-quality development of contemporary soil and water conservation on the Loess Plateau.

Reviewing the impact of climate change on global food security: Challenges and solutions

This review examines the intricate relationship between climate change and global food security, elucidating the challenges posed by climate variability and exploring potential solutions to mitigate its adverse effects. Climate change presents formidable obstacles to food security worldwide, disrupting agricultural productivity, exacerbating food shortages, and deepening malnutrition. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, coupled with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, threaten crop yields, livestock health, and food distribution networks, particularly in vulnerable regions. The review identifies key challenges confronting global food security in the context of climate change, including diminished agricultural productivity, heightened food price volatility, and heightened risks of food insecurity and malnutrition. It underscores the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, smallholder farmers, and low-income populations, who bear the brunt of environmental degradation and lack the resources to adapt. In response to these challenges, the review explores a range of solutions and strategies aimed at enhancing food security resilience in a changing climate. It discusses the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as agroforestry, crop diversification, and soil conservation, in bolstering the resilience of agricultural systems and improving resource efficiency. Additionally, the review highlights the significance of enhancing access to climate information, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and promoting gender equity in agriculture to foster inclusive and adaptive food systems. Furthermore, the review underscores the critical role of policy interventions, international collaboration, and community engagement in addressing climate-related food security challenges and advancing sustainable development goals. By integrating climate adaptation and mitigation measures into agricultural policies, promoting research and innovation, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, it is possible to build more resilient and equitable food systems that can withstand the impacts of climate change and ensure food security for all. In conclusion, the review emphasizes the urgency of concerted action to address the complex interplay between climate change and global food security. Through collective efforts and targeted interventions, it is feasible to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on food systems and pave the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future. Keywords: Impact, Climate Change, Global, Food Security, Challenges.

Kualitas Air dan Karakteristik Tanah Penduga Erodibilitas pada Sub-Sub DAS Amandit Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Selatan

Land management in, Amandit sub-sub watershed must comply with the principles of soil and water conservation to avoid erosion and sedimentation. The aim of this research was to assess water quality and soil characteristics that predict erosion in the upstream, middle and downstream areas. The purposive sampling method was used by taking soil and water samples in the upstream, middle and downstream parts. In the upstream section soil samples were taken with a slope of 15-25%, in the middle section with a slope of 8-15% and in the downstream section with a slope of 0-8%. Soil samples were taken at each of six points representing the upstream, middle, and downstream parts of the area. Water sampling was carried out in the soil sampling area by paying attention to the slope of the land. The results showed that the water quality (pH, DHL, SAR, and TSS) in the area was in accordance with the quality of water for irrigation. Soil erodibility values in the upper and middle areas did not show significant differences. In the upstream part, soil erodibility had very low criteria and the middle part had low criteria but were different from the downstream area (medium criteria).

Relationship between Ecosystem-Services Trade-Offs and Supply–Demand Balance along a Precipitation Gradient: A Case Study in the Central Loess Plateau of China

Although the theory of ecosystem services (ESs) is important for guiding land-use planning, knowledge of ESs trade-offs and supply–demand mechanisms is still lacking, and the characteristics of the correlation between the size of trade-offs and the balance between supply and demand along the precipitation gradient have not yet been clarified. In order to supplement this area of knowledge of ESs, we selected 30 small watersheds in high-, medium- and low-precipitation areas as study units. A biophysical model and socio-economic data were used to calculate supply and demand for carbon sequestration, soil conservation and water yield. Redundancy analysis and regression analysis were used to study the ESs trade-offs, the supply–demand dynamics, and the characteristics of their correlation. The results were as follows. (1) The supply and balance between supply and demand of the three ESs, the trade-off between carbon sequestration and water yield and the trade-off between soil conservation and water yield trended downwards from the high-precipitation area to the medium-precipitation area to the low-precipitation area. (2) The primary factors influencing balance between supply and demand with regard to carbon sequestration in high-, medium- and low-precipitation areas were population density and soil organic-matter content, and the size of the conditional effects were greater than 53%. The dominant factor affecting the balance between supply and demand with regard to soil conservation in the three precipitation areas was slope gradient, and the conditional effect was greater than 40%. The most significant determinants of balance between supply and demand with regard to water yield in the three precipitation areas were grassland area, forest area and precipitation, and the conditional effects were greater than 22%. (3) The most significant determinants of the trade-off between carbon sequestration and water yield in high-, medium- and low-precipitation areas were forest, soil organic-matter content and population density, and the conditional effects were all greater than 45%; the primary factors affecting the trade-off between soil conservation and water yield in high-, medium- and low-precipitation areas were grassland and slope gradient, and the conditional effects were all greater than 24%. (4) The relationship between the balance between supply and demand and trade-off size often followed a quadratic function; the next-most-common relationship was a monotonous nonlinear response, and a linear response relationship was relatively rare. This study revealed the factors influencing balance between supply and demand and trade-offs with regard to ESs and the characteristics of their correlations in areas with different degrees of precipitation, which provided a new idea for the synchronous regulation of ESs in the context of conflicts and supply–demand imbalance.

Environmental Importance of Mulberry: A Review

Mulberry is a woody, deciduous tree that is economically important. It is regarded as a distinctive plant on the planet due to its widespread geological distribution across continents, ability to be cultivated in various forms, multiple uses of leaf foliage and positive impact in environmental safety approaches such as ecorestoration of degraded lands, bioremediation of polluted sites, water conservation, soil erosion prevention, and enhancement of air quality through carbon sequestration. Mulberry has a robust root system. Mulberry root systems can significantly improve soil shear strength and anti-erosive capacity. Mulberry plantations are extremely effective in suppressing sand storms and conserving water and soil. The review investigates the role of mulberry trees in carbon sequestration, ecorestoration, soil and water conservation, bioremediation of heavy metals and afforestation.