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Changes in precipitation patterns in arid and semi-arid regions can reshape plant functional traits and significantly affect ecosystem functions. However, the synchronous responses of leaf economical, anatomical, photosynthetic, and biochemical traits to precipitation changes and their driving factors have rarely been investigated, which hinders our understanding of plants' ecological adaptation strategies to drought tolerance in arid areas. Therefore, the leaf traits of two typical plantations (Robinia pseudoacacia , RP and Pinus tabulaeformis , PT) along the precipitation gradient in the Loess Plateau, including economical, anatomical, photosynthetic, and biochemical traits, were investigated in this study. The results show that the leaf photosynthetic traits of RP and PT increase along the precipitation gradient, whereas leaf biochemical traits decrease. The anatomical traits of PT decrease with increasing precipitation, whereas no significant variation was observed for RP. Random Forest analysis show that LNC, LDMC, Chl, and PRO are leaf traits that significantly vary with the precipitation gradient in both plantations. Correlation analysis reveals that the traits coordination of RP is better than that of PT. The LMG model was used to determine driving factors. The results suggest that MAP explains the variation of PT leaf traits better (30.38%–36.78%), whereas SCH and SPH contribute more to the variation of RP leaf traits (20.88%–41.76%). In addition, the piecewise Structural Equation Model shows that the climate and soil physical and chemical properties directly affect the selected leaf functional traits of RP, whereas only the soil chemical properties directly affect the selected leaf functional traits of PT. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the ecological adaptation of plants to environmental gradients and highlight that correlations among leaf traits should be considered when predicting plant adaptation strategies under future global change scenarios. • The leaf functional traits in broadleaf and coniferous plantations had different response patterns. • LNC, LDMC, Chl, and PRO seemed to be the most sensitive leaf traits that responded to precipitation changes. • Better coordination among leaf functional traits was observed in the broadleaf plantation. • MAP contributed more to traits variations in coniferous plantation, SCH and SPH explained more in broadleaf plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon budget has emerged as a central focus in global carbon cycle research. The limited understanding of carbon budget balance dynamics has led to an increasing imbalance between ecological and socio-economic benefits. Building upon a comprehensive analysis of carbon storage and emission in Lanzhou from 2000 to 2020, this study develops a novel deep learning model (CNN-LSTM) to simulate carbon budget under various scenarios from 2030 to 2050. Additionally, scientifically grounded recommendations for carbon compensation are provided. The results demonstrate several key findings: (1) The deep learning model exhibits outstanding performance, with an average overall accuracy exceeding 0.93. The coupled model outperforms individual models, underscoring the significance and necessity of incorporating both temporal and spatial features in land use simulation. (2) Under the ecological protection redline scenario from 2030 to 2050, a noteworthy augmentation in carbon storage and a proficient constraint on carbon emissions are observed. This substantiates the effectiveness of ecological protection interventions. (3) Carbon compensation payment areas are predominantly concentrated in built-up land, with the extent of these areas expanding over time. (4) The disparities in carbon balance effects of forest were more conspicuous than that of built-up land across diverse temporal and scenarios. • A high-precision CNN-LSTM model is proposed to simulate land use changes. • Lanzhou transitioned from a carbon sink to a carbon source in 2020. • ER scenario significantly increased carbon storage and restricted carbon emissions. • Carbon balance index exhibited a decreasing trend from 2000 to 2030. • The impact of forests on carbon balance is more significant compared to built-up land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation agriculture is increasingly adopted for efficient soil and water management in dry environments, yet their role in climate change mitigation through increased soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration is not fully understood. This study reviewed the literature on SOC change in arid and semi-arid regions with the adoption of cover cropping, diverse crop rotations, and reduced or no-tillage management to elucidate the role of conservation practices on SOC sequestration. Published data between 1990 and 2021 were evaluated based on comparison counts and discussed in terms of percentage or mean change for SOC storage and sequestration potential. Results revealed mean SOC sequestration of 271 kg C ha−1 yr−1 and 235 kg C ha−1 yr−1 with cover cropping and diverse crop rotation, respectively, in the upper 30 cm soil depth. However, the SOC sequestration potential varied with soil type and tillage management. The SOC response to cover cropping or diverse crop rotation was more evident in medium-textured soils than other soils, in which diverse cropping systems with conservation tillage sequestered 10% more SOC than conventional tilled crop-fallow systems, greater than SOC sequestration with diverse cropping or conservation tillage alone. It was also noteworthy that the SOC sequestration rate was high in the first five years of adopting conservation practices and decreased as time passed until it reached a new equilibrium. The average SOC sequestration rate for studies <5 yr was highly variable across the arid and semi-arid regions, while the rate was low but consistent in the studies >10 yr. Conservation systems can benefit arid and semi-arid agrosystems by enhancing SOC sequestration; stacked conservation practices could effectively harness greater benefits. • Change in SOC with cover crops and diverse crop rotation was evaluated. • Cover crops and diverse crop rotation increased SOC in 91 and 81% of comparisons. • SOC accumulation was 28–66% greater with conservation than conventional tillage. • SOC accumulation occurred at a greater rate in the first ten years of improved management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate management practices play an important role in the sustainable use of grassland. Prohibition of grazing is beneficial to restore degraded grasslands and increase carbon stocks. To determine the effects of short-term grazing prohibition upon carbon and water stocks in grassland ecosystems an ecohydrological experimental station was established in Erlitu Ranch, Xilinguole League, Inner Mongolia. The station was used to conduct research on vegetation, moisture and other characteristics diagnostic of grassland health. Changes in green above-ground plant parts, below-ground biomass, soil carbon content, soil water content, pH, and total nitrogen between grassland with and without grazing were assessed by ANOVA, and structural equation modelling was used to investigate the interactions among these various factors. The results revealed that after grazing prohibition, the above-ground and below-ground biomass, soil total nitrogen, pH, and soil water content increased. Soil carbon storage increased by 1.27% in the soil layers above 30 cm and decreased by 13.74% in the deeper layers. Correlation analysis indicated that soil water content was positively correlated with carbon content, and closely related to other factors. Grazing prohibition improves soil physical properties and soil water reserves, which indicates an effective management practice in promoting the recovery of grasslands in arid areas. [Display omitted] • Changes in soil quality after grazing prohibition. • Increase in soil water storage after short-term grazing prohibition. • Slight decrease in soil carbon stocks after short-term grazing prohibition. • Coupling relationship exists between soil carbon and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil wind erosion is an important ecological environmental problem that is widespread in arid and semi-arid regions. Currently, related studies are mainly focused on spatiotemporal characteristics or analysis of effector mechanisms, and they do not facilitate direct servicing of management decisions. In this paper, we used the Xilingol typical steppe in Inner Mongolia, China, as a study site to develop a decision framework for a comprehensive understanding of soil wind erosion and to promote sustainable management of steppes. In this study, we used the Revised Wind Erosion Equation model to simulate soil wind erosion. We combined this model with linear trend analysis to evaluate the ecological effects of soil wind erosion and wind erosion intensity, and delineated the gravity center migration path. We used the constraint line method to reveal the mechanisms by which climatic factors affected soil wind erosion, achieved the spatial visualization of wind-breaking and sand-fixing service flow, and proposed decision-based regional sustainable development suggestions. The results showed that long-term soil wind erosion will lead to soil coarsening and loss of soil nutrients. Soil wind erosion in the study site showed worsening trends and risks, and as such, ecological environment conservation and management are urgently required. The study framework promotes a clear understanding of the complex relationship of human–earth systems. The study results will aid in the ecological remediation of steppe landscapes and the prevention of desertification and will provide a foundation for win–win management of ecological conservation and economic development in arid and semi-arid regions. • A decision-oriented management framework was developed from the perspective of soil wind erosion prevention and control. • Long-term soil wind erosion will lead to soil coarsening and loss of soil nutrients. • The constraint line method can help to reveal the complex effects of meteorological factors on soil wind erosion. • The study achieved spatial visualization of wind-breaking and sand-fixing service flow in grassland ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]