Constructing cropland ecological stability assessment method based on disturbance-resistance-response processes and...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Cropland ecosystem stability (CES) is crucial for agricultural production and ecological integrity, particularly in fragile regions.
• Understanding the interplay of disturbance, resistance, and response is key to assessing and managing CES.
• Remote sensing (RS) and soil sampling offer integrated approaches to evaluate CES dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a framework for evaluating the spatial and temporal dynamics of CES using RS data.
• To classify cropland ecological types (CET) by integrating RS assessment with soil field samples.
• To identify croplands requiring priority ecological protection in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Main Methods:

• Developed a framework for CES assessment based on the ecosystem disturbance-resistance-response process using RS data.
• Integrated RS-derived CES assessment with soil field samples for CET classification.
• Analyzed the influence of topography, precipitation, slope, and hydrothermal conditions on CES components.
• Correlated soil α-biodiversity indicators with CES.

Main Results:

• CES exhibits complex spatial and temporal variations influenced by the interactions of disturbance, resistance, and response systems.
• Topography and precipitation positively affect the disturbance system; slope negatively impacts the resistance system.
• Hydrothermal conditions positively influence the resistance system, while the response system shows lower intensity environmental factor influence.
• Soil α-biodiversity indicators are significantly and positively correlated with CES, especially at the end of the study period.

Conclusions:

• The eastern and northern areas of the study region show higher CES and soil biodiversity, suitable for cropland expansion.
• The Huangshui headwaters and northern mountainous areas require strengthened ecosystem maintenance to address ecological fragility.
• Integrated RS and soil biodiversity data effectively classify CET, guiding targeted ecological protection strategies.