Restoration of Riparian Buffer Function in Reclaimed Surface Mine Soils

Ecosystem processes such as water infiltration and denitrification largely determine how riparian buffers function to protect surface water quality. Reclaimed mine areas offer a unique opportunity to study the restoration of riparian function without the confounding influence of past land use. Between 1980 and 2000 in southern Illinois, agricultural fields with forest buffers were established along three restored stream reaches in reclaimed mine land. Our research objective was to compare common indicators of soil quality (infiltration, soil C and N, bulk density, and soil moisture) between forest and cultivated riparian zones to determine if riparian function was being restored. Soil bulk density was significantly lower in the forest buffers compared to the agricultural fields. The forest buffers had greater soil total C, total N, and moisture levels than agricultural fields likely due to greater organic matter inputs. Soil total C and N levels in forest buffers were positively related to age of restoration, indicating soil quality is gradually being restored in the buffers. Restoration success of riparian buffers should not be estimated by the return of structure alone; it also includes reestablishment of functions such as nutrient cycling and water retention that largely determine water quality benefits. Watershed planning efforts can expect a lag time on the order of decades between riparian restoration activities and surface water quality improvement.     

基于理想参照系和关键指标的自然保护区生态系统质量评估——以额尔古纳、辉河和锡林郭勒国家级自然保护区为例

为了增强自然保护区内和保护区间的生态系统质量评估结果的可比性,基于“理想参照系和关键指标”的理念,提出量化关键指标阈值和生态系统质量的算法,并以额尔古纳、辉河和锡林郭勒国家级自然保护区为例开展具体的评估工作。研究发现：（1）额尔古纳保护区生态系统质量指数（84.59）显著高于辉河（69.26）和锡林郭勒保护区（63.41）。（2）三个保护区不同功能区间的生态系统质量指数无显著差异。（3）2000—2018年,额尔古纳和锡林郭勒保护区的生态系统质量指数均呈显著上升趋势,但辉河保护区无明显变化。本文提出的评估方法能科学、快速地评估自然保护区生态系统质量现状及变化,可量化其恢复潜力,并能实现评估结果间的比较,为保护区建设和管理提供参考。