Quantification and mapping of regulating ecosystem services in canola agroecosystems (case study: Gorgan County,...

Area of Science:

• Agroecology
• Ecosystem Services Assessment
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Regulating services, such as pollination and climate regulation, are vital ecosystem benefits.
• Quantifying and mapping these services in agroecosystems is crucial for promoting sustainability.
• Canola agroecosystems provide essential regulating services that support human well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and map regulating ecosystem services within canola agroecosystems in Gorgan County, Iran.
• To evaluate specific services including carbon sequestration, climate regulation, soil respiration, aggregate stability, and insect pollination.
• To identify areas within the agroecosystem that provide higher levels of regulating services.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) framework.
• Collected data through field measurements, laboratory experiments, and field surveys.
• Employed ArcGIS software (version 10.3) for geospatial mapping of ecosystem services.

Main Results:

• Agroecosystems located in the western and northern parts of the region exhibited higher regulating service provision.
• Pollinator insects identified belonged to four orders and 13 families, with Hymenoptera (especially honey bees) being dominant.
• Canola agroecosystems adjacent to rivers and natural ecosystems generally provided more regulating services.

Conclusions:

• Spatial distribution of regulating ecosystem services in canola agroecosystems is heterogeneous.
• Proximity to natural ecosystems and water bodies enhances the provision of regulating services.
• Understanding and mapping these services can guide sustainable land management practices in agricultural landscapes.