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Rebi A, Wang G, Irfan M, Hussain A, Mustafa A, Flynn T, Ejaz I, Raza T, Mushtaq P, Rizwan M, Zhou J. Unraveling the impact of wildfires on permafrost ecosystems: Vulnerability, implications, and management strategies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 358:120917. [PMID: 38663084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Permafrost regions play an important role in global carbon and nitrogen cycling, storing enormous amounts of organic carbon and preserving a delicate balance of nutrient dynamics. However, the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in these regions pose significant challenges to the stability of these ecosystems. This review examines the effects of fire on chemical, biological, and physical properties of permafrost regions. The physical, chemical, and pedological properties of frozen soil are impacted by fires, leading to changes in soil structure, porosity, and hydrological functioning. The combustion of organic matter during fires releases carbon and nitrogen, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient loss. Understanding the interactions between fire severity, ecosystem processes, and the implications for permafrost regions is crucial for predicting the impacts of wildfires and developing effective strategies for ecosystem protection and agricultural productivity in frozen soils. By synthesizing available knowledge and research findings, this review enhances our understanding of fire severity's implications for permafrost ecosystems and offers insights into effective fire management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansa Rebi
- Jianshui Research Station, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forestry Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; Engineering Research Center of Forestry Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Jianshui Research Station, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forestry Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; Engineering Research Center of Forestry Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Institute of Agro-Industry and Environment, Islamia University Bahawalpur-63100, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Azfar Hussain
- International Research Center on Karst Under the Auspices of UNESCO, Institute of Karst Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Guilin, China
| | - Adnan Mustafa
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China
| | - Trevan Flynn
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2194, Sweden
| | - Irsa Ejaz
- Department of Crop Science, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Taqi Raza
- Department of Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Parsa Mushtaq
- Research Center for Urban Forestry of Beijing Forestry University, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Jinxing Zhou
- Jianshui Research Station, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forestry Resources, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; Engineering Research Center of Forestry Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Jiang C, Wang Y, Yang Z, Zhao Y. Do adaptive policy adjustments deliver ecosystem-agriculture-economy co-benefits in land degradation neutrality efforts? Evidence from southeast coast of China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1215. [PMID: 37713117 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11821-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem restoration projects (ERPs) facilitate land degradation neutrality (LDN). However, the response dynamics and interactions of sectors within ecosystem-agriculture-economy nexus (EAEN) have not been sufficiently explored, which constrains the coordinated efficacy of LDN efforts. To bridge the knowledge gaps, the present study selected a land restoration hotspot in southeastern China as a case to investigate the simultaneous responses of the EAEN sectors to ERPs from a novel social-ecological system (SES)-based LDN perspective. Various biophysical models and Manne-Kendall trend test as well as multi-source spatially explicit data and socioeconomic statistics were applied to quantify the co-evolution of natural and socioeconomic indicators. ERPs converting cropland to woodland and grassland promoted vegetation restoration, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced carbon sequestration. However, cropland loss initially resulted in a decline in grain productivity. Policy adjustments and improvements in ecosystem restoration efforts and agricultural production conditions improved food security and increased agricultural production capacity. Effective policymaking and favorable resident engagement accelerated the transformation from a grain-production-based agriculture to diversified industries and, by extension, economic output, income, and population. The success of socioeconomic development under the SES framework for LDN demonstrated that this strategy could achieve the desired environmental, agricultural, and economic targets. EAEN under the SES conceptual framework provides an inclusive, comprehensive LDN perspective and improves ERP efficacy. The findings of the present work might be applicable to other land restoration areas challenged by the complex interactions among multidimensional factors. Comparably successful implementation of these ERPs could be realized if individual environmental and socioeconomic conditions are thoroughly considered during the formulation of coordinated development policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Coupling Process and Effect of Natural Resources Elements, Beijing, 100055, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China.
- Changsha Comprehensive Survey Center of Natural Resources, China Geological Survey, Changsha, 410600, China.
- Dongying Base of Integration Between Industry and Education for High-Quality Development of Modern Agriculture, Ludong University, Dongying, 257509, China.
- Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510070, China.
| | - Yixin Wang
- Research Institute of Management Science, Hohai University, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Zhiyuan Yang
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ying Zhao
- Dongying Base of Integration Between Industry and Education for High-Quality Development of Modern Agriculture, Ludong University, Dongying, 257509, China.
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Jiang C, Yang Z, Liu C, Dong X, Wang X, Zhuang C, Zhao L. Win-win-win pathway for ecological restoration by balancing hydrological, ecological, and agricultural dimensions: Contrasting lessons from highly eroded agroforestry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145140. [PMID: 33607442 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ecological restoration projects (ERP) can effectively reverse ecosystem degradation. However, some ERPs have failed to restore ecosystems under environmental constraints, and they were unable to achieve the desired ecological and economic benefits. To achieve a win-win-win target that balances the hydrological, ecological, and agricultural dimensions, we introduced the contrasting lessons from hotspots of ecosystem restoration in the arid Loess Plateau (LP) and the humid Karst Plateau (KP) in China, and discussed a novel strategy for coordinating ecosystem restoration, water and food security, and residents' livelihoods. The biophysical models and related statistical records showed that aggressive ERPs and soil and water conservation projects (SWCPs) significantly promoted vegetation restoration and reduced soil erosion and sediment yield in both areas. However, excessive afforestation in the arid LP exhausted water resources and threatened ecosystem sustainability. The accelerated replacement of cropland since 1999 in the LP aggravated cropland shortage which led to carbon sequestration and grain productivity declines in the initial years. However, the construction of terrace and check-dam fields and improvements in the conditions of agricultural production reconciled the cropland shortage and stabilized food security. The positive involvement of stakeholders in ERPs effectively minimized land degradation through economic development and the improved livelihoods of local residents. Therefore, based on the evidence from the KP and LP, the proposed win-win-win strategy is potentially applicable in other global regions that suffer from land degradation. This strategy can achieve considerable success if the planners have a good understanding of local environmental conditions as well as the social and economic needs of residents affected by ERPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Jiang
- Guangdong Open Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, PR China; Key Lab of Guangdong for Utilization of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Guangzhou 510070, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Yang
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Cai Liu
- China Aero Geophysical Survey and Remote Sensing Center for Natural Resources, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Xinling Dong
- Hebei Oriental University, Langfang 065001, PR China.
| | - Xinchi Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Changwei Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, Guangzhou 510045, PR China
| | - Lingling Zhao
- Guangdong Open Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, PR China; Key Lab of Guangdong for Utilization of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Guangzhou 510070, PR China
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Environmental disturbance in natural forest and the effect of afforestation methods on timber volume increment in Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litv. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Yu Y, Zhao W, Martinez-Murillo JF, Pereira P. Loess Plateau: from degradation to restoration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:140206. [PMID: 32660774 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
United Nations established 2021-2030 as the decade for ecosystem restoration and "prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide". Ecosystem and land degradation are a global phenomenon. As a consequence of land degradation, in the late 1990s, the "Grain for Green Program" (GFGP) was established in Loess Plateau (China). It converted slope farmlands to forest or grassland over the, resulting in a visible "greening" trend. Other effects of GFGP on soil properties, land production, hydrological conditions, ecosystem services, and policy implications are the topics of this Special Issue. This Special Issue includes 17 contributions that cover recent research carried out in Loess Plateau in the mentioned topics at different spatial and temporal scales. The collection of papers presented in this Special Issue discusses critical issues in vegetation restoration and sustainable land management in the region. This Special Issue will contribute to United Nations strategy for ecosystems restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- College of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation & Desertification Combating, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Jixian National Forest Ecosystem Research Network Station, CNERN, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Department of Sediment Research, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Wenwu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Juan F Martinez-Murillo
- Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, Málaga 29071, Spain; Instituto de Geomorfología y Suelos, Universidad de Málaga, Ampliación Campus de Teatinos, Málaga 29071, Spain
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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McCauley LA, Robles MD, Woolley T, Marshall RM, Kretchun A, Gori DF. Large-scale forest restoration stabilizes carbon under climate change in Southwest United States. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01979. [PMID: 31332869 PMCID: PMC6916600 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Higher tree density, more fuels, and a warmer, drier climate have caused an increase in the frequency, size, and severity of wildfires in western U.S. forests. There is an urgent need to restore forests across the western United States. To address this need, the U.S. Forest Service began the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) to restore four national forests in Arizona. The objective of this study was to evaluate how restoration of ~400,000 ha under the 4FRI program and projected climate change would influence carbon dynamics and wildfire severity from 2010 to 2099. Specifically, we estimated forest carbon fluxes, carbon pools and wildfire severity under a moderate and fast 4FRI implementation schedule and compared those to status quo and no-harvest scenarios using the LANDIS-II simulation model and climate change projections. We found that the fast-4FRI scenario showed early decreases in ecosystem carbon due to initial thinning/prescribed fire treatments, but total ecosystem carbon increased by 9-18% over no harvest by the end of the simulation. This increased carbon storage by 6.3-12.7 million metric tons, depending on the climate model, equating to removal of carbon emissions from 55,000 to 110,000 passenger vehicles per year until the end of the century. Nearly half of the additional carbon was stored in more stable soil pools. However, climate models with the largest predicted temperature increases showed declines by late century in ecosystem carbon despite restoration. Our study uses data from a real-world, large-scale restoration project and indicates that restoration is likely to stabilize carbon and the benefits are greater when the pace of restoration is faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. McCauley
- Center for Science and Public PolicyThe Nature ConservancyTucsonArizona85719USA
| | - Marcos D. Robles
- Center for Science and Public PolicyThe Nature ConservancyTucsonArizona85719USA
| | - Travis Woolley
- Center for Science and Public PolicyThe Nature ConservancyFlagstaffArizona86001USA
| | - Robert M. Marshall
- Center for Science and Public PolicyThe Nature ConservancyTucsonArizona85719USA
| | | | - David F. Gori
- School of Natural Resources and the EnvironmentUniversity of ArizonaTucsonArizona85721USA
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Wan JZ, Wang CJ. Determining key monitoring areas for the 10 most important weed species under a changing climate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 683:568-577. [PMID: 31146062 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
On a global level, weed species have a large potential to threaten ecosystems under a changing climate. The determination of key monitoring areas is an effective approach to prevent and control the spread of such species. The 10 most important weeds have been listed on a global scale. It is therefore crucial to delineate the areas with high monitoring ranks for the 10 most important weed species under climate change. We coupled conservation prioritization analysis with habitat suitability modelling to determine key monitoring areas for these species, based on different types and vulnerability levels of biomes under current and future (i.e., 2040-2069 and 2070-2099) scenarios. We determined some specific biomes (i.e., tropical and subtropical biomes, flooded grasslands and savannas, Mediterranean forests, woodlands and scrub, and mangroves) as key monitoring areas for the 10 most important weed species under a changing climate. These biomes are distributed in most regions of Latin America, the United States, Europe, central and south Africa, south and southeast Asia, southeast Australia, and New Zealand, including large vulnerable ecoregions. Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands were particularly vulnerable, because these biomes had the largest area with a high monitoring rank, and this rank was predicted to further increase in the near future. Our study highlights the importance of effective management strategies for the prevention and control of these species across different biomes on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Zhong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Chun-Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China.
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