Journal of Geographical Sciences ›› 2005, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (4): 484-490.doi: 10.1360/gs050412

• Climate and Environmental Change • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The impact of cropland conversion on environmental effect in the Loess Plateau: a pilot study based on the national experimental bases

WANG Fei1,2, LI Rui1,2, JIAO Feng1,2, YANG Qingke1,2, TIAN Junliang1,2   

  1. 1. Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, CAS, Yangling 712100, China;

    2. Northwest A &|F University, Yangling 712100, China
  • Received:2005-05-08 Revised:2005-07-20 Online:2005-12-25 Published:2005-12-25
  • Supported by:

    Knowledge Innovation Project of CAS, No.KZCX3-SW-421; National Key Task Research of the Ninth Five-Year Plan, No.96-004-05; Knowledge Innovation Project of CAS, No.KZCX1-06; Special Research Foundation of ISWC, CAS, No.ISWC-SP-C128

Abstract:

Conversion of cropland to forestry and grassland is an important method to reduce soil erosion and improve the biophysical environment in the Loess Plateau. The feasibility, methods, and environmental effects of cropland conversion were studied based on 11 typical watersheds of national experimental bases instead of different geographic areas of the Loess Plateau. Between 1986 and 2000, cropland, sloping cropland and non-agricultural land decreased by 8%, 92.5% and 8% respectively, while forestry increased by 15.7%. The land use change not only decreased annual soil erosion by 74%, but also increased vegetation coverage by 100% and improved the soil condition and biodiversity. This can be achieved by building basic farmland, increasing capital and scientific input, and planting trees and grasses according to the natural biophysical restrictions.

Key words: Loess Plateau, land use and cover change, cropland conversion, environmental effect