A systematic review of research studies on the estimation of net primary productivity in the Three-River Headwater Region, China

doi:10.1007/s11442-017-1370-z

Abstract

Abstract:

The Three-River Headwater Region (TRHR), known as the “Water Tower of China”, is an important ecological shelter for national security interests and regional sustainable development activities for many downstream regions in China and a number of Southeast Asian countries. The TRHR is a high-elevation, cold environment with a unique, but typical alpine vegetation system. Net primary productivity (NPP) is a key vegetation parameter and ecological indicator that can reflect both natural environmental changes and carbon budget levels. Given the unique geographical environment and strategic location of the TRHR, many scholars have estimated NPP of the TRHR by using different methods; however, these estimates vary greatly for a number of reasons. To date, there is no paper that has reviewed and assessed NPP estimation studies conducted in the TRHR. Therefore, in this paper, we (1) summarized the related methods and results of NPP estimation in the TRHR in a systematic review of previous research; (2) discussed the suitability of existing methods for estimating NPP in the TRHR and highlighted the most significant challenges; and (3) assessed the estimated NPP results. Finally, developmental directions of NPP estimation in the TRHR were prospected.

Key words: Three-River Headwater Region (TRHR), net primary productivity (NPP), estimation methods, NPP models, ecological parameters

Qingling SUN, Baolin LI, Chenghu ZHOU, Fei LI, Zhijun ZHANG, Lingling DING, Tao ZHANG, Lili XU. A systematic review of research studies on the estimation of net primary productivity in the Three-River Headwater Region, China[J].Journal of Geographical Sciences, 2017, 27(2): 161-182.

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References 84

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Study area	Vegetation type	Method & Model	Study period	Mean NPP (g C·m^-2·yr^-1)	Reference
TRHR	Grassland	Climate model (Thornthwaite Memorial)	2002-2010	481.44	Li and Zhang, 2014
TRHR	Grassland	Climate model (Production potential model)	1971-2003	225.00	Li, 2010
TRHR	Grassland	Climate model (Miami)	2005-2006	211.92	Wang, 2013
TRHR	Grassland	Climate model (CIM)	2005-2006	214.75	Wang, 2013
TRHR	Grassland	Remote sensing model (CASA)	2005-2006	61.42	Wang, 2013
TRHR	Grassland	RS-process coupled model (MOD17A3)	2005-2006	93.98	Wang, 2013
TRHR	Grassland	RS-process coupled model (MOD17A3)	2000-2010	86.80	Zhang et al., 2015a
TRHR	All the vegetation	Climate model (Thornthwaite Memorial)	1960-2011	570.35	Guo et al., 2013
TRHR	All the vegetation	Climate model (Miami)	2004-2008	486.90	Cai et al., 2013
TRHR	All the vegetation	Climate model (Zhou Guangsheng)	2004-2008	302.45	Cai et al., 2013
TRHR	All the vegetation	Climate model (CASA)	2001-2010	169.02	Zhang et al., 2014
TRHR	All the vegetation	Climate model (CASA)	2004-2008	168.68	Cai et al., 2013
TRHR	All the vegetation	Remote sensing model (CASA)	2010	146.66	Wo et al., 2014
TRHR	All the vegetation	Remote sensing model (CASA)	2003, 2008, 2013	148.82	Chen, 2015
TRHR	All the vegetation	Remote sensing model (GLOPEM)	1988-2004	194.85	Shao and Fan, 2012
TRHR	All the vegetation	RS-process coupled model (GLOPEM-CEVSA)	1988-2004	143.17	Wang et al., 2009

Vegetation type	Mean NPP (g C·m^-2·yr^-1)
Vegetation type	Shao and Fan, 2012	Cai et al., 2013	Wo et al., 2014	Wang et al., 2009	Guo et al., 2006
Grassland	218.74	/	162.87	160.90	/
Alpine steppe	/	129.41	/	/	79.34
Alpine meadow	/	188.95	/	/	89.38
Forest	405.20	/	279.81	267.90	/
Shrub	156.04	/	/	/	/
Farmland	289.22	/	256.28	222.94	/
Desert	21.48	/	62.81	36.13	/
Marsh	127.09	/	/	161.36	/

Site	Latitude	Longitude	Altitude	Vegetation type	Year	Measured NPP(g C· m^-2·yr^-1)	Data source
Zhenqin	N33°24′30′′	E97°18′00′′	4250 m	Alpine meadow	2010- 2011	118.41	Fan, 2003
Wudaoliang	N35°12′56′′	E93°04′05′′	4626 m	Alpine steppe	2000	53.55	Luo et al., 2004
Tuotuohe	N34°18′51′′	E92°32′52′′	4582 m	Alpine steppe	2000	69.30	Luo et al., 2004
Dawu	N34°23′24′′	E100°16′33′′	3980 m	Alpine meadow	2014	139.07	Field measurement
Maduo	N34°54′40′′	E98°11′13′′	4207 m	Alpine steppe	2015	113.23	Field measurement

Alpine meadow	Alpine steppe	Temperate steppe	Marsh	Reference	Acquisition mode
4.15	/	/	/	Fan, 2003	Field measurement
6.8	5.2	/	/	Yang et al., 2009	Field measurement
7.92	4.42	4.32	/	Luo et al., 2002	Field measurement
7.92	4.25	4.25	15.68	Piao et al., 2004	Literature review
9.19	9.49	9.19	/	Wang et al., 2008	Literature review
6.5	6.2	6.4	/	Ma et al., 2014	Literature review