Improve Ecosystem Services Research Articles

Incorporating Bioclimatic Zones into Informing Ecological Networks for Better Biodiversity Conservation

Building ecological networks can effectively enhance the quality and stability of ecosystems and better conserve biodiversity. Previous studies mainly determined ecological corridors based on selecting ecological sources at a regional scale (e.g., an administrative area), without considering the bioclimatic heterogeneity within the study area. Here, we propose a novel integrating approach involving bioclimatic zoning and selecting ecological sources from various bioclimatic zones to design ecological corridors. Taking Xi’an City, China, as an example, key bioclimatic variables were first chosen, and we partitioned the study area based on its bioclimatic characteristics through a combination of K-means clustering and variance inflation factor (VIF). Ecological sources were then identified from the combination of ecosystem services and habitats of 36 endangered species. Subsequently, the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model was used to build ecological networks within different bioclimatic zones and across the entire region. We found the following: (1) In Xi’an city, a total of 49 source areas and 117 corridors were identified. The identified network can protect 97.77% of species, facilitating connectivity between 30.50% of ecosystems and 35.5% of species-rich areas. (2) The integrating approach protects 12.26% more species richness and 10.95% more ecosystem services than the average value of the regional and bioregional approaches. Compared to regional and bioregional methods, integrating approaches demonstrate greater advantages in preserving species richness and ecosystem services. This study introduces a novel approach to constructing regional ecological networks, which integrates the impact of bioclimatic zoning into the process of network construction to improve ecosystem services and protect species habitats.

Response of Ecosystem and Eco-Economic System to the Land use Structure Change in Tourism Typical Town: A Case Study in Yanyang Town of Guangdong Province, China

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship among rural tourism development, land use structure and ecosystem, and provide decision-making basis for the sustainable development of rural tourism destination.
 
 Theoretical framework: Based on the theory of sustainable development, this paper explores the sustainable development of rural tourism destinations with the framework of the relationship among ecosystem, economy and society.
 
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The research methodology used quantitative analysis. Taking Yanyang Town as the study area, based on the land use interpretation data from satellite remote sensing in 2004, 2014 and 2020, with the help of land use structure change index, ESV evaluation model and EEH index, the change characteristics of land use structure, and the response of ecosystem and eco-economic system in Yanyang Town were analyzed.
 
 Findings: Rural tourism is more conducive to the coordination development of rural ecosystem and economy than traditional agricultural production. However, in the process of tourism development, it is very important to reduce the interference to land use, protect ecological land, maintain the continuity and complexity of land use, enhance the ESV of land use, and pay attention to the excavation of ecosystem value and cultural connotation.
 
 Research, Practical & Social implications: It provides a basis for the optimizing land use structure, improving ecosystem service function, adjusting regional development model and coordinating economic development and ecological protection.
 
 Originality/Value: This research explores the influence mechanism of land structure-ecology-economy system in rural tourism destinations, which enriches the research results of rural sustainable development.

Grassland intensification effects cascade to alter multifunctionality of wetlands within metaecosystems

Sustainable agricultural intensification could improve ecosystem service multifunctionality, yet empirical evidence remains tenuous, especially regarding consequences for spatially coupled ecosystems connected by flows across ecosystem boundaries (i.e., metaecosystems). Here we aim to understand the effects of land-use intensification on multiple ecosystem services of spatially connected grasslands and wetlands, where management practices were applied to grasslands but not directly imposed to wetlands. We synthesize long-term datasets encompassing 53 physical, chemical, and biological indicators, comprising >11,000 field measurements. Our results reveal that intensification promotes high-quality forage and livestock production in both grasslands and wetlands, but at the expense of water quality regulation, methane mitigation, non-native species invasion resistance, and biodiversity. Land-use intensification weakens relationships among ecosystem services. The effects on grasslands cascade to alter multifunctionality of embedded natural wetlands within the metaecosystems to a similar extent. These results highlight the importance of considering spatial flows of resources and organisms when studying land-use intensification effects on metaecosystems as well as when designing grassland and wetland management practices to improve landscape multifunctionality.

Contribution of ecosystem services improvement on achieving Sustainable development Goals under ecological engineering projects on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is an important ecosystem service provider but increasing human activities have led to ecosystem degradation. Several ecological engineering projects (EEPs) have been adopted to restore the degraded ecosystems. To analyze changes in ecosystem services on the QTP and their contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) following the implementation of the EEPs, and to explore the roles of different types of EEPs and climate in this process. Quantified changes in the six key ecosystem services and their trade-offs at the county level since the implementation of the ecological project, and further calculated the progress of the contribution of ecosystem services to the achievement of the SDGs based on the “Ecosystem service-SDGs” contribution framework. The results show that since the implementation of the EEPs, the ecosystem services of the QTP have generally improved. Over 70% of the counties showed continuous improvement in water yield, food production, soil retention, and sandstorm prevention, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the QTP. Synergistic relationships are maintained between provisioning, regulating and supporting services. Ecosystem service-based SDG scores (ESSDG) showed a distribution pattern of high southeast and low northwest in the QTP, and increased in 75.22% of counties between 2000 and 2020. Our study revealed that the EEPs contributed to the realization of SDGs in QTP by improving ecosystem services, especially in the areas where the Grain for Green projects was implemented. Sustainable ecosystem management following the implementation of EEPs may benefit future contributions to SDGs realization.

Spatial responses of ecosystem services to carbon emission efficiency based on spatial panel models in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Enhancing carbon emissions efficiency (CEE) is one of the effective ways to improve ecosystem services (ESs) and achieve sustainable developments. For Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB), China, achieving better CEE is essential after three decades of developments. This would require an integrated understanding of the relationship between CEE and ESs, which is spatially explicit. This study analyzed multi-source data between 1990 and 2020 in YREB with consideration to the spatial relationships between CEE and total ecosystem services (TES) and the spatial spillover effects of CEE. By adopting a spatial econometrics method, it further analyzed the spatial response mechanism between CEE and TES, which is important for developing sustainable land use strategies and managing ecosystems. The analyses showed that food productivity (FP), carbon sequestration and oxygen production rate (CSOP), water retention (WR), and soil conservation (SC) increased from 1990 to 2020. Moreover, the maldistribution of water systems and the difference in coverage of cultivated land and forestland together led to different spatial distributions of TES in YREB–a high TES cluster in the east and gradual decrease of TES toward the west. CEE throughout the region showed a slight upward trend, with the highest CEE exhibiting a congregated pattern in the middle and lower reaches. The overall spatial correlation between CEE and TES is significantly negative, and CEE has significant spatial spillover effect on TES, meaning that increased CEE in a specific region will lead to degraded TES in neighboring regions, which also presented empirically-supported recommendations for optimizing land use zoning and fostering sustainable development at a regional scale. And the study provides concrete evidence that TES is determined not only by CEE in-situ, but also surrounding regions. Therefore, the spatial negative spillover effects of CEE should be fully considered in the formulation of sustainable development policies, specifically in inter-regional cooperation.

Woody species composition, diversity, and ecosystem services of yards along an urban socioeconomic gradient

Woody plants offer a wide range of valuable ecosystem services, but their distribution across socioeconomic gradients in urban landscapes remains poorly understood. Thus, we explored the effect of socioeconomic and legacy factors on plant species richness and phylogenetic diversity, and the motivations for growing and keeping certain species. We sampled a total of 300 households across a socioeconomic gradient in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe, in high-, medium- and low-density areas, representing low to high wealth strata. Trees were mostly grown for ornamental purpose in the rich (low-density) suburbs and utilitarian purposes in the poorer medium to high-density areas. However, trees were also grown with similar proportion for shade across the socioeconomic gradient. Proportion of medicinal and fruit trees increased with household density, while wind break trees were more common in low-density suburbs. Exotic species exhibited greater species richness compared with indigenous species, with both combined and separate assessments of indigenous and exotic species richness revealing a significant positive association with socioeconomic and legacy factors. The composition of species displayed considerable variation along the socioeconomic gradient. Notably, in low-density environments, exotic species maintained elevated phylogenetic diversity in comparison to indigenous species. This distinction was particularly pronounced when analysed independently, revealing a significant positive correlation between exotic species richness and both property value and education level. Our study shows that residents filter specific plant species based on their socioeconomic status and that, relative to low-income households, the rich homeowners have unintentionally incorporated enough exotic species to produce novel phylogenetic diversity of woody plants in their yards. Thus, we confirm the existence of a socioeconomic gradient in terms of species richness, composition, and phylogenetic diversity. However, the imbalance in species richness and phylogenetic diversity across the socioeconomic gradient can be reduced by increased tree planting in open areas, including along streets in medium to high-density areas to improve ecosystem services.

Analysis of Spatial Relationship Based on Ecosystem Services and Ecological Risk Index in the Counties of Chongqing

Due to the insufficient research on the spatial relationship and driving mechanism of ecosystem services and ecological risks and the current background of rising ecological risks and dysfunctional ecosystem services in local areas, analyzing the relationship and driving mechanism is an urgent task in order to safeguard regional ecological security and improve ecosystem services at present. Taking Chongqing as an example, the study scientifically identifies the spatial relationship between ecosystem services and ecological risks and their driving factors at district and county scales based on the constructed Ecosystem Service—Driver–Pressures–Status–Impacts–Responses (ES-DPSIR) model. The main findings include (1) significant variation in the spatial distribution of the comprehensive ecosystem service index, where the lowest ecosystem service index (0.013) was found in the main urban area of Chongqing and the scores gradually increased outward from this center, reaching 0.689 in the outermost areas; (2) an increase in the comprehensive ecological risk index from east to west, ranging from −0.134 to 0.333; (3) a prominent spatial relationship between ecosystem services and ecological risks, with 52.63% of the districts and counties being imbalanced or mildly imbalanced; and (4) significant differences between development trends of ecosystem services-–ecological risks, including 60.53% imbalanced and 30.47% mildly balanced districts. This study identified and analyzed the spatial change characteristics of ecosystem services and ecological risks based on the ES-DPSIR model, explored the driving factors, and provided new ideas for the relationship and driving research. The results of the study could provide effective ways and references for improving regional ecological security and enhancing the capacity of ecosystem services.

Ag Lenders Offer Insight on Conditions for Nebraska Livestock Producers

In 2017, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Nebraska Extension made a commitment to implement a multidisciplinary Beef Systems Initiative (BSI) to develop and support implementation of beef production systems in Nebraska. In addition to the BSI, a parallel project funded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) implemented a study of the best practices for incorporating beef cattle onto cropping systems while improving ecosystem services to ensure sustainability. As a component of the FFAR project, an agricultural lenders panel was formed to provide input and feedback to UNL researchers on the financial considerations for producers implementing new or expanding existing operations. The lenders panel met for the first time in 2019.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Drivers of Wind Erosion during 1990–2020 in the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin, Southern Tibetan Plateau

Wind erosion is recognized as one of the main environmental issues and seriously threatens ecosystem services in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin (YZRB), southern Tibetan Plateau. Exploring the spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers of wind erosion is crucial for improving regional ecosystem services and sustainable development. This study was conducted to examine the spatiotemporal patterns of soil wind erosion modulus (SWEM) in YZRB from 1990 to 2020 by using the revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ) and to identify the influence of climate change and anthropogenic activities on wind erosion dynamics. The results showed that temporally, the overall SWEM presented a significant downward trend (−0.912 t·hm−2·a−1) and a continuous downward trend in the key implementation areas of ecological engineering. Spatially, the severe area of wind erosion is mainly concentrated in the flat and broad river valley, where sand sources are widely distributed. Significant SWEM differences were found among various land use/cover (LULC) types. Exceeding 90% reduction rates in SWEM occurred in forests, grasslands, and cultivated land. Additionally, the influence analysis showed that climate change was the dominant factor driving the variations in wind erosion due to the reduction of wind speed. By contrast, the contribution of anthropogenic activities is relatively less, accounting for 43.50% of wind erosion change, which closely matches the transfer of LULC to grassland and forest land with the implementation area of ecological engineering projects. This study provides useful information on the driving mechanism of wind erosion, prevention service changes, and determining priority zones for desertification prevention in YZRB. We suggest that eco-restoration activities should be endorsed in the future, as well as the adaptive management that is required to control wind erosion and improve ecosystem services and human well-being for people in the YZRB region.

Millets Based Integrated Farming System for Food and Nutritional Security, Constraints and Agro-Diversification Strategies to Fight Global Hidden Hunger: A Review

Globally, there is an increase in hidden hunger; a type of malnutrition brought about by a lack of certain micronutrients (Mg, Na, K, Cu, Mn, Mb, Zn, Cr, Su, and Cl). This review tries to investigate the possibilities of millet-based integrated farming system as a tool to tackle this global menace. Small-seeded grains known as millets are renowned for their great nutritional value and resistance to a variety of agro-ecological situations. Millets are high in fibre, protein and micronutrients However, there has been a drop in consumption and cultivation of millets in many countries despite their nutritional potential because of a variety of issues which include: limited access to better seed varieties, a lack of post-harvest infrastructure, shaky market relations, and insufficient policy backing millet production and sales. This review tends to offer important suggestions for overcoming these limitations and encouraging agro-diversification initiatives. These suggestions are: stepping up research and development to improve the adaptability and nutritional value of millet varieties, putting policies in place that support millet marketing and production, setting up a productive post-harvest infrastructure, and raising consumer awareness of and demand for millet-based products. Moreover, encouraging cooperation among many stakeholders, which includes: farmers, researchers, policymakers, and consumers, is essential to create a favourable climate for the adoption and expansion of integrated agricultural systems based on millets. Conclusion: Embracing millets as a cornerstone of integrated farming systems will allow diversification of agricultural methods, which will improve ecosystem services such as soil health and biodiversity which can considerably help to combat hidden hunger and ensure global food and nutritional security.

Dynamics of multiple stakeholders’ benefits due to mining area environmental remediation based on risk reduction and ecosystem services

Environmental remediation of heavy metal-mining sites can improve human well-being through pollution risk control and improved ecosystem services. A cost-benefit dynamic analysis for the multiple stakeholders involved in the project can better explain the overall efficiency and provide guidance for further mine remediation. Taking Asia's largest monomeric realgar mine environmental remediation project (MER) as a case, we conducted, for the first time, a dynamic cost–benefit analysis for multiple stakeholders over a 60-year period regarding environmental risks, health risks and ecosystem services. The results show that by improving the environment and ecosystem, the payback period is expected to begin 5 years after the end of the project, with a benefit‒cost ratio of 2.71 by 2050. Local residents, the direct beneficiaries, receive 13.2% of the benefits, which come from agricultural soil remediation projects (66.6%) and health risk reduction (33.4%). The government, as an investor, receives 3.3% of the benefits. Downstream water users are the main beneficiaries, receiving 76.5% of the total benefits, mainly from the benefit of As-contaminated water purification (97.9%). Compensation from downstream beneficiaries for improved water might be channeled into sharing the burden of MER implementation. Notably, the intercropping remediation of hyperaccumulators and low-accumulation crops for agricultural soils in MER provides employment and sustainable agricultural income during and after remediation, respectively. This green and sustainable remediation model improves both the environment and the livelihood of residents and should be recommended for nearly one million mining sites worldwide.

Ecological interactions affect the bioactivity of medicinal plants

Essential oils produced by medicinal plants possess important bioactive properties (antibacterial, antioxidant) of high value for human society. Pollination and herbivory can modify the chemical defences of plants and therefore they may influence the bioactivity of essential oils. However, the effect of ecological interactions on plant bioactivity has not yet been evaluated. We tested the hypothesis that cross-pollination and simulated herbivory modify the chemical composition of essential oils, improving the bioactive properties of the medicinal plant Lepechinia floribunda (Lamiaceae). Through controlled experiments, we showed that essential oils from the outcrossed plant progeny had a higher relative abundance of oxygenated terpenes and it almost doubled the bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus aureus, compared to inbred progeny (i.e., progeny produced in absence of pollinators). Herbivory affected negatively and positively the production of rare compounds in inbred and outcrossed plants, respectively, but its effects on bioactivity still remain unknown. We show for the first time that by mediating cross-pollination (indirect ecosystem service), pollinators can improve ecosystem services linked to the biological activity of plant’s essential oils. We stress the importance of the qualitative component of pollination (self, cross); an aspect usually neglected in studies of pollination services.

Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster Reduction and Improving Ecosystem Services in the Hutoubi Watershed, Taiwan

The Hutoubi Reservoir and its mainstream, Huyuan Stream, in the southern mountainous region of Taiwan, have experienced riverbed sedimentation and flood disasters for the past 150 years. In addition to climate change, it is necessary to scientifically consider its regulation for the next hundred years. This study adopted a collaborative approach, involving industry, government, and academia, using Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to enhance ecosystem services. The solution layout is constructed by widening the channel and constructing additional farm ponds and wetlands. An hydraulic simulation indicated that flood control was addressed. The restoration project would create diverse aquatic habitats by simulating and evaluating the distribution of ecological biotopes, using porous materials as revetments. It provided urban residents with forest leisure and recreational sites and supported the local agricultural and forestry products. The restoration has propagated local culture and created environmental and professional education. Therefore, ecological services are enhanced regarding regulation, support, provision, and culture. This pilot study, led by researchers, aimed to promote comprehensive management concepts considering all stakeholders and their active participation. We integrated NbS into the watershed and its river system as a pathway for facing the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change and improving ecosystem services.

A Modified Equivalent Factor Method Evaluation Model Based on Land Use Changes in Tianfu New Area

Scientific understanding of urban ecosystem service value (ESV) is fundamental to building an urban ecological landscape pattern and improving urban environmental quality. The equivalent factor method (EFM) is widely used in evaluating ESV for natural ecosystems. In this study, using the EFM and sensitivity analysis, our research explored the space–time changes in land use and ESV during the planning and construction of Tianfu New Area from 2010 to 2020. This study selected correction factors from natural geography and social economy aspects, and established space–time correction models for standard equivalent coefficients as well as a comprehensive dynamic evaluation model for the ecosystem service value of specific urban areas. In terms of land use, the area of farmland decreased the most. The areas of construction land, grassland, and water bodies increased significantly. The reduced farmland was mainly converted into construction land, followed by grassland and water bodies. Other land use types had smaller changes. Due to the increased area of water bodies and their high-value coefficient per unit area, the urban ecosystem service value showed an increasing trend. During the study period, the conversion of about 1% of land led to about a 0.25% change in the urban ecosystem service value. Farmland in 2010 and water body in 2020 are the most sensitive land factors for ESV in Tianfu New Area. The results might have important insights for urban ecological environment protection and improving ecosystem services during the construction of newly built urban areas.

Priority areas and benefits of ecosystem restoration in Beijing.

Ecological restoration can significantly improve ecosystem services and human well-being and provide a basis for regional coordinated development and ecological security. To guide restoration efforts, information on the potential benefits of restoration was required to efficiently target investments. Although the number of studies focusing on ecosystem restoration has increased in recent decades, priority areas that integrate ecological and economic benefits have yet to be identified. We developed and applied a prioritization approach to identify potential priority sites in Beijing. We used the historical environmental data on Beijing to identify areas of degradation and to assess the feasibility of restoration. Ecosystem service and quality degradation, low ecosystem quality, and soil erosion were integrated into one index to indicate the restoration importance. Potential restoration benefits were mapped using the monetary value of six ecosystem services. Based on the importance and benefits of restoration, three scenarios were developed to identify priority restoration areas. In Beijing, restoring 30% of the degraded area (1531 km2) in priority areas by 2050 could increase the annual ecological benefit by more than 5 billion yuan, or approximately 787 million USD, and could decrease the ecological degradation index by 50%. By integrating explicit spatial information on restoration importance and restoration benefits, this methodology provides a feasible way to identify restoration priority areas and assess restoration benefits.

Small‐scale habitat complexity preserves ecosystem services on coral reefs

AbstractCoral reef habitat quality is declining in many locations because of heatwaves (coral bleaching) and other disturbances. Reef‐building corals provide refuge from predation, so declining complexity restricts the transfer of energy to upper trophic levels.We use a size‐based ecosystem model to test systematically the effects of refuge at specific sizes and the impacts of distributions of refuges that vary in size. Outcomes are assessed in terms of ecosystem service provision.Simulations indicate that refuge sheltering fish between 5 and 10 cm in length enhances fish biomass and fisheries productivity, for example, increasing herbivore biomass by up to 80%.We identify and present a range of refuge profiles that can theoretically improve ecosystem service provision by as much as sixfold. Profiles where refuge availability decreases with increasing fish size consistently outrank other designs.Synthesis and application: These results highlight how critical small‐scale refuge is for coral reefs, and how we might design artificial reefs to maximise service provision.

Spatial Differentiation and Driving Mechanisms of Ecosystem Service Value Change in Rural Land Consolidation: Evidence from Hubei, China

Rural land consolidation projects (RLCPs) have become one of the largest organized human activities to change land use patterns and impact terrestrial ecosystems, and it may also be an important precondition to improving ecosystem service value (ESV). Evaluating the change in ecosystem service value (ESV) is an important basis for measuring the effectiveness of RLCPs. Therefore, this paper, taking RLCPs implemented at County Level in Hubei Province, China, as an example, uses the improved ESV evaluation model to analyze the spatial differentiation of ESV change in RLCPs and then adopts geographic detectors and a geographically weighted regression model to identify the dominant factors affecting the ESV change in RLCPs. The results showed that (1) although RLCPs make the unevenness of land use obvious, they reduce the complexity of land use evidently and improve the dominance of land use significantly; (2) The ESV of RLCPs in 71 counties of Hubei Province increased, with an average increase of USD 2.37 × 107 a−1. The ESV increase is large in central Hubei, while small in eastern and western Hubei. However, the increase rate of ESV is high in eastern and central-north Hubei, while low in western and central-south Hubei. This indicates that RLCPs can effectively promote ESV, but there are significant regional differences, and (3) the ESV increase is positively correlated with GDP and construction scale, but negatively linked with investment and per capita income of rural residents. The ESV increase rate is negatively associated with cultivated land proportion and land use diversification index change, but it is positively related to the change in the land use evenness index. However, their driving effects have significant spatial heterogeneity.

A Review of Village Ecosystem Structure and Stability: Implications for the Karst Desertification Control

Villages are places where people gather and live. Due to economic and social development, the irrational behavior of the population has led to an imbalance in the village structure and has threatened the stability of the village ecosystem, resulting in the deterioration of the village environment. Therefore, it is of great necessity to study the structure and stability of village ecosystems and to optimize the structure of village ecosystems to better guide spatial planning and to restore village ecology. This study conducted a literature search and statistical analysis on the structure and stability of village ecosystems based on WOS and CNKI literature databases. We reviewed 105 relevant articles. The current research status and progress are clarified from structural characteristics, structural optimization, structure and function and stability study. To reveal the research achievements and deficiencies of research on the structure and stability of village ecosystems, the vital scientific issues that need to be addressed are summarized based on current research results. The study found that: (1) the quantity of studies on it were on the rise; (2) the study content mainly focused on structure and function (38%) and structural characteristics (21%); (3) the regions studied are mainly in Asia (73%), Europe (12%) and Africa (10%); and (4) research institutions are mainly colleges and universities. Therefore, future research should give attention to the following three aspects: strengthening the differentiation research on the spatio-temporal scale, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the influence of the Karst Desertification Control (KDC) village structure on stability; based on the mechanism of structure on function, appropriate village ecosystem structure should be established to improve ecosystem service function; based on the influence mechanism of structure on stability, the stability evaluation index system will be constructed so as to lay a solid foundation for the stability strategy of the KDC village ecosystem. By applying the strategy of structure optimization and stability improvement to the KDC village ecosystem, the service function of the Karst village ecosystem can be improved, which can provide scientific reference for the sustainable development of the KDC village ecosystem.

Cropland-to-shrubland conversion reduces soil water storage and contributes little to soil carbon sequestration in a dryland area

The conversion of croplands to shrublands is a common approach used to control soil erosion in the drylands of the Loess Plateau in China and affects the soil, water, and carbon cycles. Knowledge of the soil water content (SWC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) content in response to land-use change is essential for optimizing revegetation strategies and improving ecosystem services. This study investigated the distribution characteristics of the SWC and SOC content for the 0–500 cm soil layer in 11 croplands and 39 shrublands planted on a former cropland over 50 years ago. The coupled and trade-off relationship between soil water consumption and carbon fixation in the shrubland soil was also analyzed. The results showed that the SOC content and SWC of the shrublands and croplands varied with soil depth, but their distribution patterns were similar under both land-use types. Planting shrubs on slopes reduced the SWC but did not significantly enhance the SOC content, indicating that cropland-to-shrubland conversion results in excessive soil water depletion without increasing carbon fixation in the soil. Additionally, both the SOC content and SWC of the shrublands varied significantly with slope positions (p < 0.05) and showed intermediate coordination levels across the entire slope. Moreover, the SOC content provided higher benefits than SWC, where the foot slope showing a relatively higher coupling coordination degree and a lower trade-off than other slope positions. These results suggest that shrubs provide a limited contribution to improve SOC stocks in the drylands of the Loess Plateau and that reductions in deep soil water under cropland-to-shrubland conversion require consideration when planning future ecological restoration measures. To improve ecosystem services (carbon sequestration and soil conservation) without compromising water resources in the drylands of the Loess Plateau or similar regions worldwide, it is necessary to fully consider the slope position and the trade-off between the SWC and SOC content.

Exploring the Impact of Grain-for-Green Program on Trade-Offs and Synergies among Ecosystem Services in West Liao River Basin, China

Natural ecosystems of the West Liao River basin (WLRB) in northeast China have been damaged by both natural and human factors from the 1990s. Since 2000, China’s Grain-for-Green Program (GFGP) has been widely adopted with the aim of improving ecosystem services. An accurate evaluation of the eco-hydrological effects for policy implementation is essential to provide references for further restoration of ecosystem services. This study quantified and characterized the ecosystem services and their trade-offs/synergies using models and statistical methods in the WLRB from 1990 to 2020. Moreover, the impact of key drivers on ecosystem services was evaluated by the difference-in-differences model. Among them, the study mainly investigated how GFGP affects ecosystem services. The results confirmed that the water yield, carbon sequestration, habitat quality, and total ecosystem service of the WLRB decreased in the pre-GFGP period (1990–2000). However, this tendency was reversed in the regions where the GFGP was implemented during the period of 2001–2020. Furthermore, a synergistic relationship was shown among carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and habitat quality. Additionally, there were tradeoffs between water yield and the other three ecosystem services, especially in mountain areas. The GFGP could restore carbon sequestration, habitat quality, and total ecosystem services by 1.3%, 2.1%, and 0.6%, respectively. Nevertheless, GFCP may enlarge the tradeoff and imbalance between water yield and habitat quality. Results highlight the need for the governance of ecosystem protection and suggest natural restoration in the mountain area for maintaining water yield and helping ecosystem restoration. Timely adjustment of the policy implementation areas is the key to improving and balancing multiple ecosystem services in the future.