Article
Agronomy
Wenzheng Song, Raul Ochoa-Hueso, Haiying Cui, Xuechen Yang, Mingcai Fan, Wei Sun
Summary: This study conducted a N addition experiment in a meadow steppe in northeast China and found that changes in N supply had significant effects on ecosystem carbon fluxes and plant water use efficiency. Additionally, early growing season precipitation amplified the relationship between N and carbon fluxes. This study is important for our understanding of the coupled mechanisms of global carbon, nitrogen, and water dynamics, as well as the impacts of global climate change.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhen Cheng, Jingxue Zhao, Luming Ding, Zhi-Hua Shi, Paul Kardol, Gao-Lin Wu
Summary: The findings of this study demonstrate that climate factors are more important than species richness for the provisioning of ecosystem functions at large spatial scales. In summary, this study underscores the importance of considering climate factors alongside species richness when assessing ecosystem functioning across extensive geographical areas.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Santiago Toledo, Viviana F. Bondaruk, Laura Yahdjian, Gaston R. Onatibia, Alejandro Loydi, Juan Alberti, Martin Bruschetti, Jesus Pascual, Guadalupe Peter, Walter D. Agueero, Pedro R. Namur, Lisandro Blanco, Pablo L. Peri
Summary: This study evaluated the soil microbial characteristics under different vegetation covers along an aridity gradient and analyzed the relationships between environmental factors and microbial variables including climate, soil pH, nitrogen content, and organic carbon content.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Jinquan Li, Junmin Pei, Feike A. Dijkstra, Ming Nie, Elise Pendall
Summary: The study revealed that CUE increased but MRT and Q(10) decreased along the wetland-grassland-forest hydrologic gradient, and all three parameters increased with soil depth. Additionally, CUE and MRT were lower at 30 degrees C than at 10 degrees C. Factors influencing the variation in CUE, MRT, or Q(10) across different soil depths and ecosystem types were strongly correlated to available C:N ratios, clay content, and C quality.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Zhaogang Liu, Zhi Chen, Meng Yang, Tianxiang Hao, Guirui Yu, Xianjin Zhu, Weikang Zhang, Lexin Ma, Xiaojun Dou, Yong Lin, Wenxing Luo, Lang Han, Mingyu Sun, Shiping Chen, Gang Dong, Yanhong Gao, Yanbin Hao, Shicheng Jiang, Yingnian Li, Yuzhe Li, Shaomin Liu, Peili Shi, Junlei Tan, Yakun Tang, Xiaoping Xin, Fawei Zhang, Yangjian Zhang, Liang Zhao, Li Zhou, Zhilin Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the responses of temperate grassland (TG) and alpine grassland (AG) to climate change by studying carbon (C) fluxes across different regions in China. The results reveal that water factors consistently increase C fluxes, while temperature factors have opposite effects on TG and AG. The study enhances our understanding of C sinks and grassland sensitivity to climate change.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Miao He, Yuhan Pan, Guiyao Zhou, Kathryn E. Barry, Yuling Fu, Xuhui Zhou
Summary: Grazing and global change both have significant effects on grassland ecosystems, including reducing plant diversity and aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) while increasing belowground net primary productivity (BNPP). The impact of grazing on biodiversity-productivity relationship is positively correlated with the change in BNPP, but global change flips this relationship. Global change factors have a greater influence on belowground biodiversity-productivity relationship than grazing, contrary to the aboveground pattern. Therefore, incorporating global change factors and herbivore grazing into Earth system models is necessary for accurately predicting climate-grassland carbon cycle feedbacks in the Anthropocene.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yuanyuan Xue, Wei Liu, Qi Feng, Meng Zhu, Lingge Wang, Zexia Chen, Jutao Zhang
Summary: Microbial necromass plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil organic carbon. The accumulation of microbial necromass carbon (MNC) and its proportion to SOC in grassland soil vary along aridity gradients. Soil pH and textures have a greater impact on MNC in semi-arid and arid zones, while climate is more important in humid and dry sub-humid zones.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xuying Hai, Jianping Li, Jiwei Li, Yulin Liu, Lingbo Dong, Xiaozhen Wang, Wenwen Lv, Zhenhong Hu, Zhouping Shangguan, Lei Deng
Summary: Altered precipitation has significant effects on water use efficiency (WUE) of plants in arid and semi-arid regions. Decreased precipitation generally increases WUE in some grass species, while increased precipitation may decrease WUE in certain plants. Grasses have higher WUE compared to forbs.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Daniela Guasconi, Stefano Manzoni, Gustaf Hugelius
Summary: Understanding the effects of altered precipitation regimes on root biomass in grasslands is crucial for predicting grassland responses to climate change. Studies have shown mixed results on the effects of drought on belowground vegetation, highlighting a knowledge gap in the relationship between belowground net primary production and drought. This meta-analysis examined field observations of grassland root and shoot biomass changes under experimental rainfall reduction and found that the responses of aboveground and belowground biomass to drought duration and intensity were contrasting and influenced by climate.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chao Li, Shiqiang Zhang
Summary: Soil water use efficiency (SWUE) and precipitation use efficiency (PUE) are important indicators for studying the coupling mechanism of carbon and water cycles in terrestrial vegetation ecosystems. This study simulated the Gross Primary productivity (GPP) and Net Primary productivity (NPP) in China and calculated PUE and SWUE using precipitation and soil water data. The results showed an increasing trend in SWUE and a slight decrease in PUE in China. Drought mitigation led to a significant decrease in PUE in arid zones, while increasing SWUE in humid, sub-humid and semi-arid zones. Vegetation change and precipitation were predominantly influenced by changes in drought conditions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Reiji Kimura, Masao Moriyama
Summary: The 4D disasters in Mongolia, consisting of desertification, drought, dust, and dzud, have been on the rise and have negatively impacted human livelihoods. The study focused on analyzing trends in NDVI and SbAI to understand the increasing dryness of the Mongolian land surface, which is attributed to lower NDVI levels and relatively high aridity indices. The research also proposed a method using satellite data to monitor land-surface dryness and drought, with a focus on the strong correlation between drought and soil moisture anomalies.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hao Ding, Zhe Yuan, Xiaoliang Shi, Jun Yin, Fei Chen, Mengqi Shi, Fulong Zhang
Summary: Water is crucial for the formation of earth-biochemical-ecological systems and affects the distribution of vegetation and its productivity. This study proposes a new water use efficiency assessment model based on remote sensing data, and analyzes the relative contribution of climate factors to soil moisture use efficiency. The results show variations in soil moisture use efficiency across different regions and vegetation types. Understanding these relationships can help inform decision-making for sustainable ecosystem development in the face of global climate change.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Renan G. de Oliveira, Luiz Claudio G. Valle Junior, Jonh Billy da Silva, Duani A. L. F. Espindola, Rute D. Lopes, Jose S. Nogueira, Leone F. A. Curado, Thiago R. Rodrigues
Summary: This study analyzed the behavior of reference evapotranspiration and its components in relation to land use in four locations in the North of Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Trends for a 20-year period were evaluated, along with the correlation between reference evapotranspiration and other variables. Insolation was found to be the variable that most influenced the variability of ETo.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mei Zhang, Ruixi Zhang, Riquan Song, Xilong An, Guixin Chu, Hongtao Jia
Summary: This study investigated the effects of aridity on the diversity and assembly mechanism of the soil pqqC community using high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that increased aridity altered the composition and structure of the pqqC community, promoted interspecific competition, and increased the relative contribution of stochastic processes.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Yi-Wen Cao, Xiao-Ming Liu, Chao Wang, Edith Bai, Nanping Wu
Summary: This study characterized the rare earth element (REE) contents in different fractions of soils and investigated their relationships with climatic factors across a large-scale northern China transect. The results showed that the REE concentrations were correlated with climate factors, and the REE distribution patterns were consistent with the upper continental crust composition.
ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Shalik Ram Sigdel, Eryuan Liang, Maan Bahadur Rokaya, Samresh Rai, Nita Dyola, Jian Sun, Lin Zhang, Haifeng Zhu, Nakul Chettri, Ram Prasad Chaudhary, J. Julio Camarero, Josep Penuelas
Summary: This study investigated the functional traits of Koenigia mollis in different elevational zones of the central Himalayas and found that elevation influenced the plant's functional traits. The plant's height, leaf morphology, and chemical properties were closely related to elevation, climate, and ecosystem productivity. The results provide insights into how plants modify their functional traits in response to changing environments.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fangfang Wang, Shiliang Liu, Hua Liu, Yixuan Liu, Lu Yu, Qingbo Wang, Yuhong Dong, Jian Sun, Lam-Son Phan Tran, Weiqiang Li
Summary: Nitrogen losses from crop-livestock production on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have increased significantly between 2000 and 2018, with hotspots of N losses expanding from the east and south to the north and west of the plateau. Ammonia and manure were identified as the main sources of atmospheric and water N losses respectively, while the use of chemical fertilizer and agricultural output value were found to be the main driving forces. Uneven distribution of crop production and livestock further contributed to the aggravation of N losses.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianxiang Zhang, Yafeng Wang, Jian Sun, Junhe Chen, Jingtian Zhang, Dong Wang, Huangyu Huo, Eryuan Liang
Summary: This study quantified the changes in net primary production (NPP) and other key ecosystem services (water yield, soil conservation, and crop production) in the Yanhe basin of the Loess Plateau using RS/GIS techniques and ecosystem modeling. The results showed that NPP doubled from 1990 to 2020 and there were increasing trade-offs between NPP and other ecosystem services at the sub-basin scale. The combined action of check dams and the Grain-for-Green program promoted NPP and balanced the trade-offs, while terracing indirectly decreased NPP.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junhe Chen, Yafeng Wang, Jian Sun, Jianxiang Zhang, Jingtian Zhang, Yingxin Wang, Tiancai Zhou, Huangyu Huo, Eryuan Liang
Summary: There is a need to link grazing exclusion policy with fence layout management and assess the benefits. By constructing an intensity index and quantifying ecosystem service benefits, this study provides a new perspective on evaluating fence layout and optimizing it.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Chenxi Xia, Wanglin Zhao, Jinniu Wang, Jian Sun, Guangshuai Cui, Lin Zhang
Summary: As the oldest species in the Betulaceae family, Nepalese alder exhibits a high capacity for nitrogen fixation, rapid growth, and strong adaptability to stress environments, playing a crucial role in maintaining forest and agroforestry ecosystems. This review examines its geographic distribution, environmental limiting factors, research trends, growth characteristics, and ecological functions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hua Liu, Shiliang Liu, Fangfang Wang, Yixuan Liu, Zhenli Han, Qingbo Wang, Lu Yu, Yuhong Dong, Jian Sun
Summary: This study focused on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and examined the scale dependence of driving factors on ecosystem services and biodiversity (ESB). Three indices representing carbon sequestration, water yield, and biodiversity intactness were analyzed and their relationships with natural and socioeconomic factors were determined using a hierarchical linear model. The results showed spatial variations in the indices and identified the significant impacts of forest/grassland degradation and evapotranspiration on carbon uptake, water supply, and species abundance. The study also highlighted the influence of rural income, GDP, and meat production on the decline of ESB at the city scale. Overall, this research provides insights into the multilevel factors affecting the sustainability of ESB.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi Wang, Jian Sun, Tien Ming Lee
Summary: This study used a linear piecewise quantile regression to explore the effect of altitude on ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) and investigated the relationship between ecosystem functions and environmental factors along the altitudinal gradient. The results showed a changepoint in EMF at an altitude of approximately 3900 m, with distinct patterns in low- and high-altitude regions. Water availability primarily influenced the EMF in low-altitude areas, while water-heat and phenological conditions regulated the EMF in high-altitude areas.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jianwei Su, Dianhui Pan, Yan Dong, Yangyuan Zhang, Yulong Tang, Jian Sun, Linjuan Zhang, Ziqi Tian, Liang Chen
Summary: By carbonizing and modulating the electronic structures of Fe sites, Fe2C nanoclusters with optimal CO binding strength were synthesized, leading to excellent performance in electrocatalytic CO2RR.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fangfang Wang, Shiliang Liu, Yixuan Liu, Lu Yu, Qingbo Wang, Hua Liu, Yuhong Dong, Jian Sun
Summary: This study constructed a city-scale food nitrogen footprint (FNF) framework for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and quantitatively analyzed the FNF during food production and consumption from 1998 to 2018. The results showed that the per capita FNF of the QTP increased from 24.92 kg N cap(-1) in 1998 to 27.70 kg N cap(-1) in 2018, and the total FNF increased by 35.11% during the same time period. The main contributing sources to the FNF were N losses from crop production and animal production, and the main drivers behind the FNF increase were economic development and urbanization.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kun He, Tao Fu, Bin Zhang, Hongmei Xu, Jian Sun, Haijiang Zou, Zhou Zhang, Steven Sai Hang Ho, Junji Cao, Zhenxing Shen
Summary: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from solid fuel combustion play a dominant role in the formation of tropospheric ozone (O3) and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). This study collected freshly emitted and aged VOCs from various common solid fuel combustions and analyzed their composition and degradation. The results showed that aromatic and oxygenated VOCs were the most abundant groups, and briquette technology effectively reduced VOC emissions. Different VOCs exhibited significant degradation after aging, with alkenes in biomass and aromatics in coal showing the largest degradation. Long-timescale observation of VOC species is essential for understanding regional transport effects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bin Zhang, Zhenxing Shen, Jian Sun, Leiming Zhang, Kun He, Yue Zhang, Hongmei Xu, Jing Lv, Lei Cao, Jianjun Li, Suixin Liu, Junji Cao
Summary: The Fenwei Plain in central China has been severely polluted due to residential solid fuel burning. To develop an emission inventory, localized emission factors (EFs) were used based on in situ measurements and county-level activity data. Emissions of various pollutants were estimated, with significant differences observed in the county-level distribution. The newly developed emission inventory showed lower uncertainties and revealed high pollution levels in specific regions. Future emission control policies should prioritize these regions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Mengqi Zhang, Jieji Duo, Jian Sun, Nigussie Haregeweyn
Summary: Ecological engineering plays a crucial role in mitigating land use and management stresses, but its link to carbon sinks remains unclear. To address this issue, it is urgent to determine the spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of carbon sinks and illustrate ecological response and feedback mechanisms. These efforts provide a theoretical basis for guiding ecological projects and contribute to global carbon neutrality.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunlong Bai, Hongmei Xu, Rong Feng, Yunxuan Gu, Meixuan Liu, Jian Sun, Linli Qu, Steven Sai Hang Ho, Zhenxing Shen, Junji Cao
Summary: The heavy use of solid fuels in rural households of northern China emits significant indoor air pollution and poses severe inhalation health risks. In this study, the environmental and health benefits of clean energy substitution were evaluated by monitoring exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, as well as pulmonary function and biological parameters. By substituting traditional fuels with clean coal, indoor and personal exposure to PAHs significantly decreased, leading to reduced health risks. The findings provide scientific support for the adoption of clean energy and highlight the importance of solid fuel substitutions in improving air quality and public health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaoxia Li, Eryuan Liang, J. Julio Camarero, Sergio Rossi, Jingtian Zhang, Haifeng Zhu, Yongshuo H. Fu, Jian Sun, Tao Wang, Shilong Piao, Josep Penuelas
Summary: Under warmer springs, growth reactivation in trees is advanced while delayed in shrubs at the alpine treeline. This phenological mismatch creates a competitive advantage for trees and offers a new explanation for the dynamics of alpine treeline under climate change. A combination of long-term monitoring and meta-analysis revealed that shrubs are more sensitive to chilling accumulation, leading to delayed response in warmer winters and a shorter growing season. The findings suggest that the warming-induced phenological mismatch may contribute to the increasing shifts in alpine treeline.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ge Hou, Peili Shi, Tiancai Zhou, Jian Sun, Ning Zong, Minghua Song, Xianzhou Zhang
Summary: Dominant species have a strong impact on community stability in alpine grasslands by increasing dominant species stability and species asynchrony. Protecting these dominant species is crucial for maintaining stable ecosystem functioning in fragile ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF PLANT ECOLOGY
(2023)