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Understanding Grassland Degradation and Restoration from the Perspective of Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of the Xilin River Basin in Inner Mongolia, China

Author

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  • Xuefeng Zhang

    (College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China)

  • Jianming Niu

    (College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
    Sino-US Center for Conservation, Energy, and Sustainability Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China)

  • Alexander Buyantuev

    (Department of Geography and Planning, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA)

  • Qing Zhang

    (College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China)

  • Jianjun Dong

    (College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China)

  • Sarula Kang

    (College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China)

  • Jing Zhang

    (College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
    College of Environment and Resources, Dalian Nationalities University, Dalian 116600, China)

Abstract

Ecosystem services (ESs) and their transformations in northern China play a crucial role in regional sustainability. During the past several decades, grassland degradation has become one of the most important ecological and economic issues in this region. Therefore, understanding the impacts of grassland degradation and restoration on ESs is essential for maintaining ecological resilience and social security of Northern China. Our objective was to explore the relationship between ESs and grassland changes induced by vegetation succession in the Xilin River Basin, Inner Mongolia, China. Using vegetation maps derived from remotely sensed imagery collected in 1983, 1989, 2000, and 2011, we calculated the degree of grassland degradation using the Grassland Degradation Index (GDI). Aboveground biomass (AGB), soil conservation (SC), and water retention (WR) were also estimated to assess ESs for each year. Our results show that: (1) GDI increased during 1983–2000 and decreased during 2000–2011 indicating that after experiencing two decades of severe degradation the grassland has been restored since 2000. (2) AGB and SC were significantly negatively correlated with GDI. Changes in grassland conditions significantly affected WR and SC with both declining during 1983–2000 and increasing afterwards. The increase of SC, however, was slow compared to AGB and WR, which is an indication of time lag in soil restoration. (3) Grasslands in the middle and lower reaches experienced worse degradation than in the upper reaches. (4) AGB and SC exhibited a synergy, while trade-offs existed between AGB and WR and SC and WR. In summary, significant changes in grassland ecosystems in the Xilin River Basin over the past three decades affected the dynamics of ESs among which SC and WR require special attention in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuefeng Zhang & Jianming Niu & Alexander Buyantuev & Qing Zhang & Jianjun Dong & Sarula Kang & Jing Zhang, 2016. "Understanding Grassland Degradation and Restoration from the Perspective of Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of the Xilin River Basin in Inner Mongolia, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:7:p:594-:d:72676
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    1. Jing Zhang & Xueming Li & Alexander Buyantuev & Tongliga Bao & Xuefeng Zhang, 2019. "How Do Trade-Offs and Synergies between Ecosystem Services Change in the Long Period? The Case Study of Uxin, Inner Mongolia, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-19, October.
    2. Qian Li & Xuefeng Zhang & Qingfu Liu & Yang Liu & Yong Ding & Qing Zhang, 2017. "Impact of Land Use Intensity on Ecosystem Services: An Example from the Agro-Pastoral Ecotone of Central Inner Mongolia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-11, June.
    3. Lina Wang & Enyi Yu & Shuang Li & Xiao Fu & Gang Wu, 2021. "Analysis of Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergies in Ulansuhai Basin," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-18, September.
    4. Xia Meng & Huasheng Huang & Luo Guo & Dan Wang & Rui Han & Kexin Zhou, 2020. "Threatened Status Assessment of Multiple Grassland Ecosystems and Conservation Strategies in the Xilin River Basin, NE China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-17, February.
    5. Yunfeng Hu & Batu Nacun, 2018. "An Analysis of Land-Use Change and Grassland Degradation from a Policy Perspective in Inner Mongolia, China, 1990–2015," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-22, November.
    6. Hejie Wei & Weiguo Fan & Zhenyu Ding & Boqi Weng & Kaixiong Xing & Xuechao Wang & Nachuan Lu & Sergio Ulgiati & Xiaobin Dong, 2017. "Ecosystem Services and Ecological Restoration in the Northern Shaanxi Loess Plateau, China, in Relation to Climate Fluctuation and Investments in Natural Capital," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-20, February.
    7. Mariane Paulina Batalha Roque & José Ambrósio Ferreira Neto & André Luiz Lopes Faria, 2022. "Degraded grassland and the conflict of land use in protected areas of hotspot in Brazil," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 1475-1492, January.
    8. Liqun Shao & Haibin Chen & Chen Zhang & Xuexi Huo, 2017. "Effects of Major Grassland Conservation Programs Implemented in Inner Mongolia since 2000 on Vegetation Restoration and Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbances to Their Success," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-15, March.
    9. Yuwei Wang & Zhenyu Wang & Ruren Li & Xiaoliang Meng & Xingjun Ju & Yuguo Zhao & Zongyao Sha, 2018. "Comparison of Modeling Grassland Degradation with and without Considering Localized Spatial Associations in Vegetation Changing Patterns," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-15, January.
    10. Yang Liu & Qing Zhang & Qingfu Liu & Yongzhi Yan & Wanxin Hei & Deyong Yu & Jianguo Wu, 2020. "Different Household Livelihood Strategies and Influencing Factors in the Inner Mongolian Grassland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-15, January.

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