中国生态农业学报(中英文)

Agricultural heritage conservation: new opportunity fordeveloping eco-agriculture

LI Wen-Hua, LIU Mou-Cheng, MIN Qing-Wen

2012, 20(6): 663-667. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00663

Abstract(1593) PDF(1322)

Abstract:
Due to advances in science and technology and intensive utilization of land, significant agricultural achievements have been attained at the expense certain eco-agricultural and environmental problems. It has also been noted that some traditional farming methods are uniquely advantageous in the adaptation to climate change, ecosystem services supply and environmental protection. Humans have realized the importance of protecting traditional agro-technologies, bio-resources and unique agro-landscapes. After nearly 30 years of practice and development, China’s eco-agriculture has achieved remarkable results. However, current eco-agricultural development was not entirely satisfactory mainly due to the following two reasons: 1) lack of further research and accountability on agro-ecosystem services functions; and 2) difficulty in obtaining remarkable economic benefits driven by lack of market-oriented guidance, scale management, specialized production and brand popularization of traditional autarkic peasant economy. At present, the development of present societies was not only new but also led to numerous new problems. The practice of agricultural heritage widened new visions and provided new resolutions to emerging issues. To promote further development of eco-agriculture, it was necessary to look for new understandings of multi-functional agriculture in relation to production, ecology and culture.

On the value, conservation and sustainable development of GIAHS pilot sites in China

MIN Qing-Wen, HE Lu, SUN Ye-Hong, ZHANG Dan, YUAN Zheng, XU Yuan-Tao, BAI Yan-Ying

2012, 20(6): 668-673. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00668

Abstract(1608) PDF(1359)

Abstract:
Traditional agricultural systems and philosophy are the foundation of modern eco-agriculture. They provide a series of cultural and ecological values/services to mankind and are also multifunctional landscapes with huge potentials for recreation and amenity. As the largest developing country with thousands of years of agricultural history, vast territory and over 65% of the people dwelling in the country side, China has diverse traditional agricultural practices and activities. However, many of the traditional agricultural systems are now under severe threat of globalization and inappropriate government interventions. The disappearance of these important agri-heritage systems and their unique agricultural legacy constitutes loss of future opportunities to enjoy the related environmental and cultural benefits. In order to conserve these systems, a program called “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)” was initiated by Food and Agriculture Organization of United States (FAO) in 2002. The main objective of GIAHS was the dynamic conservation and adaptive management of traditional agricultural systems. There are already four pilot sites in China, including Qingtian Rice-Fish Culture System in Zhejiang Province, Hani Rice Terraces System in Yunnan Province, Wannian Rice Culture System in Jiangxi Province and Traditional Dong’s Rice-Fish-Duck Agroecosystem in Guizhou Province. There are also two candidate sites, including the Traditional Pu’er Tea Agroecosystem in Yunnan Province and Aohan Dryland Farming System in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This study depicted the full picture of GIAHS sites in China, including basic information, system value, system threats and proposed conservations. Based on the above analysis, future directions of agri-heritage system conservation were proposed. There existed different GIAHS values, including ecological values, economic values, socio-cultural values, scientific demon-stration values, etc. Ecological values were very important in agri-heritage systems as ecological mechanisms reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in a sustainable manner. Threats to agri-heritage systems, including decrease in comparative advantage, labor outflow and modern development concepts/technology, were also severe. Based on value and threat analysis, the following proposals were suggested regarding conservation of rice-fish culture: 1) utilization of dynamic conservation methods to improve local farmer livelihoods; 2) enhancement, popularization and building of scientific conservation concepts of GIAHS; 3) implementation of conservation planning and formation of sustainable conservation mechanisms; 4) improve-ment of farmer activities and building multi-participatory mechanisms; and 5) building GIAHS brands at all agri-heritage sites to promote GIAHS products and formation of dynamic conservation mechanisms.

From traditional agriculture to low-carbon agriculture:policies and implications in developed countries

LIU Xing-Chen, YANG Zhen-Shan

2012, 20(6): 674-680. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00674

Abstract(1717) PDF(2730)

Abstract:
In the past 30 years after the economic reform, agricultural production in China has shifted from traditional to modern agriculture. This has featured high input, high consumption and high productivity agriculture in the country. Although modern agriculture has greatly improved food production in China, it has also exerted huge pressure on the natural ecological environment. This paper therefore aimed to explore ways to develop low-carbon agriculture that is characterized by low consumption of energy and resources, low inputs, and low pollution. Low-carbon agriculture has attracted a lot of attention, especially facing climate change, with the purpose to enhance current agricultural production and management systems. To this end, policies measures have played significant roles in the agricultural sector. This paper therefore drew on documented literature to review and analyze policy related issues to low-carbon agriculture in developed countries. This was treated from the perspective of reducing carbon emissions in accordance with prescribed policy goals, monitoring agricultural production systems through optimized fertilizer and waste use, implementing energy tax as an incentive to encourage the development and use of new materials and new energy, encouraging scientific and technological developments to protect and rehabilitate the environment, subsidizing agriculture as financial measures to facilitate public and private partnerships, exploring the means of carbon evaluation in agricultural energy consumption and waste discharge, and monitoring green/organic food production. These measures were further generalized as policy tools including governance and management, industrial standards of agriculture, carbon tax laws and regulations for environment protection, subsidy measures, car-bon trading, and certificated agricultural zoning plan. These tools were applied in the context of China to make relevant laws and, enacting and implementing industrial standards that encourages technological development, improving financial mechanisms, ad-justing agricultural subsidy measures, planning agricultural zones that facilitated regional cooperation, improving certification sys-tems of food, encouraging private/public partnerships, and coordinating various policies and departments for developing low-carbon agriculture. By analyzing experiences of developed countries and the roles of various policy tools, this paper improved policy capac-ity building for developing low-carbon agriculture that facilitated agricultural production transformation in China from high-input and high-pollution sector to low-carbon sector.

Driving force and development strategies of agro-tourism in China

WANG Ling-En, HE Lu, CHENG Sheng-Kui, MIN Qing-Wen

2012, 20(6): 681-687. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00681

Abstract(1899) PDF(1350)

Abstract:
Agro-tourism is a form of tourism related to agricultural resources and rural landscape which integrates the agro-demonstrations, pastoral sceneries, folk experiences, leisure travels and holiday entertainments through proper planning and development of tourism. In recent years, agro-tourism has sprung up all across China and has gradually become not only a new form of agro-business but also a new force of development in tourism. The development of agro-tourism was critical for enriching agro-industry, increasing farmer income, promoting optimization and upgrading rural industrial infrastructure and expanding the scope of tourism. There are currently 359 national agro-tourism demonstration sites approved by the ministry of agriculture and tourism administration. This implies that China now has 1.5 million happy farm houses within its borders. In 2010, agro-tourism achieved an operation income of 120 billion Yuan, received 400 million tourists and led the employment of 15 million farmers. This paper reviewed domestic and international agro-tourism research and development in China for a more comprehensive knowledge about this sector. Foreign scholars have done so lot on the theory and empiricism of agro-tourism, community participation of women, diversification of operations, role of multi-functional agriculture and agro-heritage in tourism, impact of climate change on agro-tourism, sustainable development of agro-tourism, etc. Domestic scholars have focused mainly on empirical analysis of the concept of agro-tourism, state of development and countermeasures of agro-tourism, impacts of agro-tourism and festive tourism. This paper also analyzed the development of China’s agro-tourism from the perspective of market demand, urbanization and rural economic restructuring. It discussed the driving forces of tourism demand, tourism development, accelerated urbanization, “re-turn-to-nature” drive, rural economic restructuring, agriculture, and tourism breakthrough achievement. Based on analysis of devel-opments in China’s agro-tourism, four driving forces were identified. The nation-wide tourism was driven by regional transportation, city development, scenic spot and resource monopoly. It was clear that the more driving factors there were, the more beneficial was the development of agro-tourism. The paper emphasized that under the concept of market economy, the development of agro-tourism always required a variety of external conditions for the jointly promotion of agro-tourism. Also with changing internal and external conditions, the driven factors for agro-tourism development changed. In conclusion therefore, development strategies were presented as the driving force of China’s agro-tourism industry. Traffic-driven strategy and characteristics of product and urban development influenced strategic in-depth theme development of hot spot tourism sites. Link-driven development and unique-resource driven strategies were the brands of development for integrated mode of agro-tourism development. The development of agro-tourism also needed the involvement and coordination of various stakeholders, including government, community and tourism operators. The analyses in this article were in the hope of accelerating healthy and sustainable development of China’s agro-tourism.

On the conservation of China's Agri-cultural Heritage Systems

ZHAO Li-Jun, XU Wang-Sheng, SUN Ye-Hong, MIN Qing-Wen, HE Lu

2012, 20(6): 688-692. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00688

Abstract(1555) PDF(1386)

Abstract:
Multi-functionality in agriculture refers to the non-trade benefits of agriculture. In terms of WTO definition, this means benefits other than commerce and food production such as environmental protection, landscape preservation, rural employment, and food security. Due to specific natural conditions and human activities, agri-cultural heritage sites always have fragile ecological environments, rich cultures, undeveloped economies and multi-functionality. This implies that agri-cultural heritage sites have production, ecological, cultural and other functions. The concept of multi-functionality has triggered discussions on agri-cultural heritage systems in China and abroad. There are not only so lots of agri-cultural heritage systems in China but also long agricultural history, and most of which are under severe pressure of modernization and globalization. To promote sustainable agricultural development, international community has attached greater importance to conservation and utilization of agri-cultural heritages. Based on agri-cultural heritage systems and current state in China, this paper analyzed the value and significance of China’s main agri-cultural heritage and offered policy options for the conservation and utilization of agri-cultural heritage. The values of agri-cultural heritage systems in China were discussed from several aspects, e.g., conservation and utilization of traditional plants/animals, agri-technology, animal husbandry and medical technology, agri-customs and agri-landscapes. Based on analysis of values and significance, suggestions on conserving agri-cultural heritage system in China were proposed. These included: 1) establishment of the concept of “conservation” followed by the development of principles for dynamic conservation of agri-cultural heritage system; 2) strengthening of mechanisms and system building with specific attention on custody of agri-cultural heritage conservation and multi-participation system; 3) emphasizing conservation of agri-cultural heritage systems in Socialist New Countryside Construction; 4) building incentive mechanisms with visible importance of agri-cultural heritage system in harmonious community building; and 5) investing more conservation of agri-cultural heritage systems. All the above policy suggestions would foster the conservation and sustainability of utilization agri-cultural heritage system.

Geographical distribution of vineyard cultural heritagein the world and its causes of formation

LIANG Yong, MIN Qing-Wen, CHENG Sheng-Kui

2012, 20(6): 693-697. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00693

Abstract(1646) PDF(1507)

Abstract:
There are 9 properties forming part of the vineyard cultural heritage inscribed on the World Heritage List because of its outstanding universal value and the vineyard cultural heritage also became the largest group of agri-cultural heritage. By searching and extracting information about vineyard cultural heritage from the World Heritage List, this paper analyzed the geographical distribution of the world vineyard cultural heritage and its causes of formation. Analytical results indicated that vineyard cultural heritage was authenticated in a narrow time span. The vineyard of Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion of France inscribed in the World Heritage List for the first time in the year 1999 and the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces of Switzerland inscribed on the World Heritage List as the last agri-cultural landscape in the year 2007. The quantity of vineyard cultural heritage showed a rising trend and peaking during 2000 to 2005. The spatial distribution of vineyard cultural heritage was in accordance with the main production area of grape and displayed a cluster-based pattern and uneven. The vineyard cultural heritages concentrated in European nations such as France, Portugal, German, Austria, Hungary and Switzerland. The results also revealed that ecological factors, national economic development, attention and conservation, policy guidance and action on world heritage nomination were major influence factors on geographic distribution of vineyard cultural heritage. There are a variety of traditional agriculture ecological systems in China similar to the world vineyard cultural heritage with great cultural values. There were some issues we need to pay more attention in the declaration of agri-cultural heritage: 1) to hasten the nationwide census and value judgment on China’s agri-cultural heritage; 2) to pay more attention to the agro-biodiversity and agri-cultural diversity to promote the local sustainable development of economy and society; 3) to do necessary preparation for declaring pilot sites according to GIAHS’s Criteria (system criteria, contextual criteria and project implementation criteria).

Agricultural production in Hani Rice Terraces System and related threats- A case study of Zuofu and Mitian Villages in Honghe County, China

BAI Yan-Ying, LUN Fei, CAO Zhi, HE Lu, LIU Xing-Chen, LIU Mou-Cheng

2012, 20(6): 698-702. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00698

Abstract(1957) PDF(1763)

Abstract:
The Hani Rice Terraces System (HRTS) is one of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) sites approved by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). With the development of modern agriculture and tourism, HRTS faces several threats especially from the agricultural sector. Using Zuofu and Mitian Villages of Jiayin Town, Honghe County, Yunnan Province as case study, this paper analyzed and compared agricultural planting patterns and management measures based on data obtained from field observations and questioner investigation. Zuofu is a traditional village in Jiayin Town, and Mitian is greatly influenced village by modern culture. The results showed that paddy field accounted for about half of the farmlands in both villages. There were more traditional rice varieties cultivated in Zuofu Village than in Mitian Village. Fertilizer usage in both villages was below average, mainly due to the unique irrigation systems and organic fertilizer management. Thirty percent of farmer households used organic fertilizer. However, less crop straws were returned to the soil to improve soil fertility. Pesticide use in both villages was in the normal range. More herbicides were used in Mitian than in Zuofu. As Zuofu had more labor and conducted more traditional agricultural planting pattern, it benefited more from weed control. The main problems of local agriculture included loss of labor and traditional rice varieties, and increased fertilizer and pesticide application. It was recommended that local managers should pay more attention to these problems and take countermeasures to conserve HRTS and ensure sustainable development of local agriculture.

Standards of payments for paddy ecosystem services:using Hani Terrace as case study

LIU Mou-Cheng, LUN Fei, ZHANG Can-Qiang, LI Wen-Hua

2012, 20(6): 703-709. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00703

Abstract(1572) PDF(1347)

Abstract:
Agricultural land provides not only food and fiber (an important element of food security), but also serves as non-market commodity with characteristic externalities and public services. Payments for paddy ecosystem services promote farmers’ engagement in ecological or organic agricultural practices and agro-ecological/environmental supply. Standard of payments for ecosystem services is one key issue for establishing eco-compensation mechanisms in paddy fields. This paper established the items and calculation processes of standards of payments for ecosystem services of traditional paddy based on the farmers’ willingness and input-output analysis of compensation investments. Then using rice-fish symbiotic system in Hani Terrace as case study, farmer compensation willingness was calculated under designed dwindling application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other agro-chemicals. Standard of payments for paddy ecosystem services was attained based on policy effectiveness through evaluating paddy ecosystem services supply in designed conditions. Results showed that most farmers recognized the negative impacts of fertilizers and pesticides on agro-ecological environments. A significant relationship was noted between farmer compensation willingness and application restrictions of chemical fertilizers and pesticides under different designed conditions. Under different limits, farmer cash compensation willingness was in the range of 3 727~8 732 Yuan?hm^-2 and willingness to accept environment-friendly rice price rise was in the range of 1.25~2.45 Yuan?kg^-1. Through field investigations and follow-up calculations, ecosystem services value of rice-fish systems in paddy fields was 7 447 Yuan?hm?2, provided farmers reduced use of fertilizers to half dose and no pesticides. Thus government could pay farmers to encourage low use of fertilizers and pesticides for high ecological services. Government could initially pay 7 462 Yuan?hm^-2 for paddy ecosystem services output of 7 447 Yuan?hm^-2. However, for 1 Yuan?kg^-1 rice price increase under limited chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, government would paid 7 112 Yuan?hm^-2. The compensation investment profit at this rate was 335 Yuan?hm^-2.

Measurement and regulation of socio-cultural impact of tourism inagro-cultural heritage site- A cause study of Longji Ping'anzhai Terrace in Guilin, Guangxi

TANG Xiao-Yun, MIN Qing-Wen, HE Lu

2012, 20(6): 710-716. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00710

Abstract(1287) PDF(1150)

Abstract:
There today exists a high level of awareness about the general impact of tourism on travel destinations and especially that of historical and cultural sports. This paper focused on resident perception of socio-cultural impacts of tourism using a case study of Ping’an Village, a rice-terrace agro-cultural heritage site in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This study investigated the atti-tudes of residents toward socio-cultural changes induced by tourism and discussed the relationship between resident perception of the changes and developments in tourism. Measurement indicators for the field investigation focused on three broad factors: social structure (including interpersonal relationship, tourism immigrants, etc.), social environment (moral effect, social security, etc.) and cultural structure (language, customs, traditional crafts, etc.). Based on local interviewee perceptions and preferences to tour-ism-induced socio-cultural changes in agro-cultural heritage sites and also on the depths of the interviews, questionnaires and statis-tical analyses, conclusions were drawn on resident attitudes toward the socio-cultural changes caused by tourism. Results showed that tourism development had great impacts on the socio-culture of agro-cultural heritage sites. These impacts were generally positive, such as increased family income, surge in tourism immigrants and better infrastructure. Resident attitudes toward tourism-induced socio-cultural changes varied in characteristics. In general, residents held positive attitudes toward these changes. Tourism-induced socio-cultural changes directly influenced local resident attitudes toward future developments in tourism. As long as correct guidance and regulation existed in the development of tourism, tourism-induced negative impacts on socio-cultural changes reduced or were even eliminated. This change promoted better developments in tourism related to agro-cultural heritage sites. In order to further re-gulate and control negative socio-cultural impacts of tourism on local residents, appropriate countermeasures and suggestions were put forward. For administrative departments and professional institutions, scientific planning was necessary to protect tourism sites via effective management and monitoring system. The media, tourism association and public institutions were the identified sectors that could effectively monitor the development of tourism. The education sector needed to strengthen the education and training of local residents for comprehensive understanding of socio-cultural impacts of tourism on their livelihoods. For the tourism enterprise and investors, there needed be more responsibility for the protection of local culture. The government also needed to establish man-agement regulations and services standards for tourism. Tourists needed to learn about local culture before entering valuable heritage sites. Tourist capacity also needed some attention and upgrade. It was as well necessary for local residents to comprehensively evalu-ate and understand developments in tourism, correctly deal with relations between the local communities and tourism development.

Mechanical stimulation of duck on rice phyto-morphologyin rice-duck farming system

HUANG Zhao-Xiang, ZHANG Jia-En, LIANG Kai-Ming, QUAN Guo-Ming, ZHAO Ben-Liang

2012, 20(6): 717-722. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00717

Abstract(1408) PDF(1351)

Abstract:
Integrated rice-duck farming system, developed from “raising ducks in paddy fields”, as one of China’s traditional agriculture was encouraged for safe production of rice in China, Japan and other countries in Southeast Asia. To study the effects of ducks on the growth characteristics of rice, a mechanical stimulation experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions. Based on the analysis, mechanical stimulation showed some impacts of raising ducks on agronomic characteristics of rice. Different intensities of mechanical stimulation restrained and decreased total rice height by 8~10 cm at harvest stage. The lengths of different sections of rice stem, especially the length of the above-ground second section, reduced under duck-rice farming. The thickness of rice stem increased under enhanced mechanical stimulation, with the highest increment of 0.17 cm after treatment for 40 days. While me-chanical stimulation for a certain period improved effective tillering capacity of rice, it obviously decreased shoot biomass by about 19.6% after treatment for 40 days. This led to an increase in root/shoot ratio of rice. Moreover, mechanical stimulation changed some characteristics of rice yield formation. Under enhanced stimulation intensity, average length of rice-ear increased by 8.88%. Also empty grain number per rice ear decreased by about 36.12%. Rice seed setting rate was higher by 3.79% under increased mechanical stimulation than the control. The findings of this study further verified the effects of mechanical stimulation on plant growth. It pro-vided the basic scientific references for the improvement and reasonable utilization of duck-rice integrated farming system.

Effect of azolla on CH₄ and N₂O emissions in Fuzhou Plain paddy fields

MA Yong-Yue, TONG Chuan, WANG Wei-Qi, ZENG Cong-Sheng

2012, 20(6): 723-727. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00723

Abstract(1523) PDF(1382)

Abstract:
Azolla is a common aquatic fern that floats in paddy fields. It grows rapidly and has the ability to fix N₂ into the soil. However, the effects of azolla growth on emissions of greenhouse gases are yet uncertain. This study measured CH₄ and N₂O emissions in two paddy fields in Fuzhou Plain, one with floating azolla and the other with non-floating azolla. The purpose of the study was to draw on the benefits of scientific evaluation of emissions of greenhouse gases in China’s paddy fields. The results showed that CH₄ emissions were in the range of 0.19~26.50 mg?m^-2·h^-1 and 1.02~28.02 mg?m^-2·h^-1 and with average values of 9.28 mg?m^-2·h^-1 and 11.66 mg?m^-2·h^-1 in the azolla treatment and non-azolla treatment, respectively. CH₄ emission in azolla plots was significantly lower than that in non-azolla plots at P < 0.01. Peak CH₄ emission in azolla plots was early by about one week compared with non-azolla plots, after which period it decreased rapidly. N₂O emissions were in the range of ?50.11~201.82 μg?m^-2·h^-1 and ?28.93~54.42 μg?m^-2·h^-1 with average values of 40.29 μg?m^-2·h^-1 and 11.93 μg?m^-2·h^-1 in azolla plots and non-azolla plots, respectively. N₂O emission in azolla plots was significantly higher than that in non-azolla plots at P < 0.05. N₂O emission increased rapidly after paddy fields drainage and both plots followed similar trends. Different driving factors of CH₄ and N₂O emissions were noted in azolla and non-azolla plots. A comprehensive consideration of CH₄ and N₂O greenhouse gases showed that CH₄ was the key contributor to greenhouse effects in paddy fields. Azolla reduced integrated greenhouse effects by 17.3% in the humid sub-tropical Fuzhou Plain region.

Nitrogen loss characteristics via runoff in typical rice planting areain Northeast China under different planting managements

CHEN Shu-Feng, MENG Fan-Qiao, WU Wen-Liang, WANG Kun

2012, 20(6): 728-733. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00728

Abstract(1336) PDF(948)

Abstract:
A field experiment was carried out during 2011 rice growing season to investigate the effect of fertilizer management on reducing nitrogen loss via surface runoff in a typical rice system in Northeast China. The field experiment in Panjin City included five treatments: control (CK), traditional management (TR), rice-crab symbiotic management (CR), organic rice management (OR), and reducing fertilizer management (RR). The amount of nitrogen loss was determined from collected surface runoff (using collection tank) for nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen and total nitrogen contents under each treatment. The results showed that the amount of ammonium nitrogen loss was significantly higher than that of nitrate nitrogen in paddy fields. The amount of ammonium nitrogen loss under TR was not significantly different from that under CR. Compared with TR, however, the amount of ammonium nitrogen loss under RR and OR dropped by 26% and 73%, respectively. Compared with ammonium nitrogen lost by drainage under TR treatment, that under CR, RR or OR treatments dropped by 23%, 34% or 67%, respectively. With respect to total N content, no significant change was noted between TR (5.89 kg?hm²) and CR (6.15 kg?hm²). Also compared with the amount of total nitrogen loss under TR, that under CR (4.76 kg?hm²) dropped by 19%. OR had the least total N content (1.93 kg?hm²) among the treatments, significantly lower (67%) than that of TR.

Ecological control of rice pest/disease and application in Southwest China

LIU Mou-Cheng, BAI Yan-Ying, CAO Zhi, XU Yuan-Tao

2012, 20(6): 734-738. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00734

Abstract(1438) PDF(1465)

Abstract:
Climate change, planting systems, crop cultivations, environment pollution and other factors have aggravated the degree of harm caused by rice diseases and insect pests. To that end, the prevention and control of rice diseases/pests have become increasingly important for rice production operations. Due, however, to labor scarcity in villages and cultural limitations, chemicals have been increasingly used to control rice diseases/pests. This has in turn caused not only environmental pollution, but also threatened food safety. In the face of the above conditions, excellent traditional agricultural plant protection technologies have been invented and improved to control rice diseases/pests in line with modern science and technology. Thus in the practice of rice production in South-west China, comprehensive eco-technologies have been widely used at extension demonstrations besides the use of chemicals to control rice diseases/pests. These eco-technologies cut across agricultural, physical and biological bases. Compared with chemical control, comprehensive eco-technologies have the advantage of controlling rice diseases/pests and protecting the environment. Thus this paper reviewed and summarized main eco-technologies in Southwestern China used to control rice diseases/pests. The paper also analyzed application modes and effects of these technologies. The review noted that it was effective to control rice blast by intercrop-ping hybrid rice with glutinous rice under high labor conditions. Rice-duck farming controlled rice sheath blight and rice planthop-pers, but at the same time needed high tech and market conditions. Notwithstanding, some effective biotechnologies such as sex phe-romone, biopesticide, etc. existed in the paddy fields of Southwest China.

Coupling effect of inorganic nitrogen and cabbage waste onsoil nitrogen mineralization

HU Guo-Ping, CAO Jing, YANG Hai-Xing, WEI Hong-Xia

2012, 20(6): 739-745. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00739

Abstract(1342) PDF(1138)

Abstract:
A 100-day laboratory incubation experiment was conducted under controlled conditions (25 °C and 65% moisture content) to determine the effect of addition of waste cabbage leaves [B1: 200 g?kg^-1(soil), B2: 400 g?kg^-1(soil), B3: 550 g?kg^-1(soil)] coupled with inorganic nitrogen [N0: 0 mg(N)?kg^-1(soil), N1: 25 mg(N)?kg^-1(soil), N2: 50 mg(N)?kg^-1(soil), N3: 100 mg(N)?kg^-1(soil)] on amended soil nitrogen (N) mineralization. Results showed that soil net accumulated N mineralization under different inorganic N treatments were 4~5 times of that under the control (CK). Furthermore, net accumulated N mineralization under N1 treatment was significantly higher than those under other N treatments. Net accumulated N mineralization under waste cabbage leaves treatments were 3~5 times of that under CK. Net accumulated N mineralization under B2 treatment was significantly higher than those under B1 and B3 treat-ments. Statistical analysis showed no significant interaction effect was noted (P=0.275) between inorganic N and waste cabbage leaves treatments. Waste cabbage leaves addition was the dominant driving factor (Eta²=0.16) of amended soil N mineralization while inorganic N supply was only a secondary factor (Eta²=0.07). In the early period (0~20 d) of the incubation treatment, net accumulated N mineralization gradually increased and then maintained a steady trend in the later stage under B1 treatment. However, N mineralization, immobilization and re-mineralization occurred in the early period of incubation (30 d) while net accumulated N mineralization increased gradually in the later stage under B2 and B3 treatments. The results of N mineralization rate showed that N mineralization mainly occurred in the first 30 days as affected by waste cabbage leaves addition. Also during incubation, a ?rst-order kinetics equation of amended soil net accumulated N mineralization fitted well with the days of incubation (R²=0.62~0.89).

Effects of bio-compound fertilizer on soil microbial communityfunctional diversity and microbial biomass

SHAO Li, GU Jie, ZHANG She-Qi, GAO Hua, QIN Qing-Jun

2012, 20(6): 746-751. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00746

Abstract(1450) PDF(1302)

Abstract:
The characteristics of soil microbes are sensitive indicators for soil fertility. Fertilization could influence soil physiochemical and biological properties. This study illustrated the functions of bio-compound fertilizers in maintaining good soil micro-ecological environment using the Biolog ECO micro-plate technique and CHCl3 fumigation-extraction method. The study investigated the effects of bio-compound fertilizer, organic-inorganic compound fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer at equal N, P and K amounts on functional diversities of soil microbial communities and microbial biomass under short-term potted corn experiment in greenhouse conditions. The six types of substances that composed Biolog ECO plate substrates included carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, amino acids, polymers, amines and aromatic chemicals. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) depicted different utilization forms of resource carbon by soil microbes. Average well-color development (AWCD), Shannon index (H) and richness index (S) of soil microbe communities were the highest in bio-compound fertilizer treatment. Bio-compound fertilizers obviously increased microbial source carbon utility, especially those of aromatic chemicals and carbohydrates. A significant difference existed in metabolic ability of soil microorganisms under different fertilizer treatments. Bio-compound fertilizer score was positive for the first principal component, while other treatments scores were negative. The determinant carbon sources for the differences were carbohydrates and carboxylic acids. During corn growth period, soil microbial biomass increased gradually and then stable with time. The amounts of soil microbial biomass C (333.21 mg?kg^-1), N (53.02 mg?kg^-1) and P (22.20 mg?kg^-1) were highest under bio-compound fertilizer treatment. At the same nutrient rates, bio-compound fertilization significantly improved utilization rates of carbon source, richness indexes and functional diversities of soil microbial community. This also increased the amounts of soil microbial biomass C, N and P.

Foliar nutrition diagnose of red Fuji apple during different periodsin the Weibei Dry Highland of Shaanxi Province

MA Hai-Yang, ZHANG Jin-Shui, LIN Wen, CHEN Li-Ling, TONG Yan-An

2012, 20(6): 752-756. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00752

Abstract(1281) PDF(1216)

Abstract:
Shaanxi Province is the largest apple production region in China. Realizing high-yield and high-quality of apple production plays an important role in ensuring the farmers income. However, there exist some problems in apple production such as excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer and unreasonable use of microelements fertilizer. In order to promote rational fertilization of apple production in Weibei Dry Highland, the mineral nutrient content in red Fuji apple leaves during different growth stages were determined. Apple tree leaves were sampled at June, July and August respectively in Heyang County, Shaanxi Province, and contents of mineral nutrients were analyzed. Then DRISes proposed by Beaufils, Jones and Elwali & Gascho was used to diagnose nutrient status and requirements of red Fuji apple tree. Results showed that nutrients contents in apple leaves varied from June to August. During this period, high yield trees (yield > 25 kg per tree), N content decreased in July and then increased slightly in August, while P content decreased all the time. For low yield trees (yield ≤ 25 kg per tree), N content decreased all the time, the change of P just followed the tendency of N in high yield trees. Other nutrients showed the same trend in both kinds of trees: K and Zn decreased; Ca and Mg increased; Cu, Fe and Mn increased in July and then decreased in August. The diagnosis parameters determined by DRIS standard program were different during different periods. Compared with the diagnosis indices calculated with method of Elwali & Gascho, those with methods of Beaufils and Jones were significantly correlated with nutrient content, and the corresponding order of nutrient requirement was similar. From June to August, the elements needed mostly were K, Fe, Ca+Mg by Beaufils and K, Ca, Ca+Mg by Jones for high yield trees, and K, Fe, N for low yield trees. The results suggested that leaf nutrient diagnose should be conducted during different growth periods of red Fuji apple.

Geochemical characteristics of typical tobacco-planting soils inZhangjiajie mountainous area

LIU Qiong-Feng, LI Ming-De, WU Hai-Yong, WU Xiao-Dan, PENG De-Yuan

2012, 20(6): 757-766. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00757

Abstract(1601) PDF(1604)

Abstract:
Tobacco-planting mountain region have ecological effects on tobacco quality in central south China. The climate, topography, geomorphology, soil parent materials and soil nutrient status are highly heterogeneous factors in the area. Different parent materials and soil types have different degrees of weathering which result in diverse composition and content of soil geochemical elements. The interconnected factors consequently influence the growth and quality of tobacco in mountain regions. Zhangjiajie is a typical mountain tobacco-planting region in Hunan Province of central south China where high quality tobacco is produced. To lay the scientific basis for high quality tobacco cultivation and production, the effects of soil weathering, the abundance or deficiency of nutrients and the migration or enrichment of geochemical elements on Zhangjiajie mountain tobacco cultivation region were investigated. A total of 23 typical soil profiles were sampled and analyzed for 25 types of geochemical elements (or their oxides). The results showed that limestone, plate-shale and purple-sandstone efflorescence of soil parent materials in the region were strongly weathered. The chemical weathering index (CIA) of the soil parent materials were in the range of 73.19~88.03. The soils were characterized by both the depletion of Ca and Na and enrichment of Fe and Al elements. Purple soils developed from purple-sandstone efflorescence showed strongly weathering and eluviation properties. Some of soil types developed from limestone efflorescence exhibited a lower degree of allitization. Most of the geochemical elements of yellow soil, paddy soil and purple soil were highly enriched which was critical for tobacco yield. There were higher contents of P, B, Se, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Y, Sc, La, Fe²O³ and SiO² in the eluvial soil horizon, higher than the median of these soil elements in China or in the world. However, the contents of N, S, Cl, Mo, Co, Sr, Br, I, CaO, MgO, K²O, Na²O and Al²O³ in the eluvial soil horizon were low. Both the macro elements of N, P, S, CaO and MgO and the trace elements of Mo, Se, Mn, Zn, Br and I significantly changed along the soil profile. The hierarchical cluster analysis method was used to classify the enrichment coefficient of geochemical elements into three groups. The groups consisted of N, P, S and Se with strong enrichment characteristics; Br, I, Mn and CaO with strong migration characteristics; and then the relatively stable elements. B, Zn and Cu trace elements and Y, Sc and La rare earth elements were both abundant and relatively stable along the soil profile. The geochemical elements of N, P, S, Se, B, Zn, Cu, Y, Sc and La were the possible characteristic elements with vital influence on tobacco quality in Zhangjiajie mountain tobacco cultivation region.

Effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on basic chemical compositionsof two flue-cured tobacco cultivars

HE Cheng-Gang, YANG Zhi-Xin, SHAO Jian-Ping, QI Shi-Fei, ZHOU Ji-Heng, SU Fei

2012, 20(6): 767-771. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00767

Abstract(1315) PDF(1358)

Abstract:
The effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on basic chemical components, chromoplast pigment and phenols contents were studied in the leaves of two flue-cured tobacco cultivars — “Yunyan 87” (Y87) and “Honghuadajinyuan” (HD). Selected cultivars were exposed to UV-B radiation at ambient (control, CK), ambient plus 5.30 kJ?m^-?2?d^-?1 (T1) and ambient plus 8.50 kJ?m^-?2?d^-?1 (T2) levels that respectively simulated 24.65% and 39.53% ozone depletions under summer solstice field conditions in Kunming City (located at 25?04?N and 102?73?E). The study was meant to provide theoretical basis for the formation mechanism of chemical quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves in different ambient UV-B regions. Water soluble total sugar and catechol levels declined markedly in leaves of both cultivars with two doses of UV-B radiation compared with CK. However, total nitrogen, potassium, free amino acids, chromoplast pigment and flavonoid levels increased in leaves of both cultivars. While nicotine level increased in the leaves of Y87, it decreased in the leaves of HD under two doses of UV-B radiation compared with CK. Changes in water soluble total sugar and total nitrogen levels in response to UV-B radiation suggested that Y87 was more sensitive to UV-B stress than HD.

Seedling physiological characteristics of genetically modified maize variety with dwarf mosaic virus resistant genes and its parent

YAN Ping-Mei, ZHAO Wen-Jing, SHAN Shu-Hua, SONG Min-Li, SUN Yi

2012, 20(6): 772-776. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00772

Abstract(1422) PDF(988)

Abstract:
In order to verify the physiological characteristics of genetically modified maize, this paper studied the germination ability, chlorophyll content and activities of amylase, protease, peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of genetically modified maize with dwarf mosaic virus resistance genes and its parent. The paper also analyzed zymograms of three protective enzymes. Germination abilities of genetically modified maize and its parent were not significantly different. Chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-a+b contents were significantly higher in the modified maize than in the parent maize. Amylase and protease activities of genetically modified maize were significantly higher than those of the parent. POD, CAT and SOD enzyme activities of the germs of genetically modified maize and the parent were not significantly different. Three protective enzymes activities of the first true leaf of genetically modified maize were significantly higher than those of the parents. Three isozymes of POD (POD-1, POD-3 and POD-4) were detected both in the germs of genetically modified maize and the parent. Four isozymes of POD (POD-1, POD-2, POD-3 and POD-4) were detected in the first true leaf of the parent, and five isozymes of POD (POD-1, POD-2, POD-3, POD-4 and POD-5) in the first true leaf of genetically modified maize. However, four CAT isozymes (CAT-1, CAT-2, CAT-3 and CAT-4) exited in the germs and the first true leaf of both the genetically modified maize and the parents. Isozymes of SOD in germs of genetically modified maize and the parents had two bands consisting of SOD-1 and SOD-2. However, seven bands (SOD-1, SOD-2, SOD-3, SOD-4, SOD-5, SOD-6, and SOD-7) were noted in the first true leaf both of the genetically modified maize and the parents. The results showed that physiological indexes of genetically modified maize and the parent were different. Three protective enzymes activities in the first true leaf of genetically modified maize were significantly higher than those of the parent.

Using hyper-spectral derivative indices to inverse Colletotrichumgloeosporioides disease indices

WU Nan, LIU Jun-Ang, ZHOU Guo-Ying, YAN Rui-Kun

2012, 20(6): 777-781. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00777

Abstract(1211) PDF(1672)

Abstract:
Remote sensing technology has made it possible to monitor vegetation under a range of environmental stress conditions. Several research results have illustrated the superior indicator functions of plant spectral reflectivity derivative over original data. To further investigate the application of remote sensing technology in monitoring Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, this paper used spectral reflectivity of oil camellia canopy measured by hand-held outdoor spectral radiometer (ASD, made in USA) in C. gloeosporioides disease index (DI) field survey. The first derivative of hyper-spectral data integrated with a moving average filter was pretreated. Through relevant analysis, the first derivatives highly related with DI were selected. Then using single variable linear and nonlinear regression methods, partial samples were chosen to build an inversion model. Accuracy test was subsequently accomplished using other tests. The results showed that reflection peaks and valleys of the first derivative of oil camelliae canopies in the visible-light region vanished gradually along with decreasing red-edge slope. A high correlation was noted between DI and the first derivative data in the regions of 480~513 nm, 526~569 nm, 583~607 nm and 669~727 nm. Using SDr′ as independent variable, the logarithmic model of inversed DI was the most accurate. The correlation coefficient R and RMSE between the predictive and observed values were 0.869 and 0.067, respectively, and also with much higher prediction accuracy. This study showed the feasibility of using the first derivative of hyper-spectral data to inverse C. gloeosporioides DI. This approach could be used to assess the health of oil camellia.

Crop yield prediction model based on Credal network

QU Ying, YANG Ming-Xin, SUN Li-Ying

2012, 20(6): 782-787. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00782

Abstract(1375) PDF(1321)

Abstract:
Existing crop yield prediction methods, often driven by huge historical data for precise estimation, hardly reflect the complexities and uncertainties of crop yield system. Thus, such models could not be used to predict crop yield by using scanty data or to adequately determine phenological events. Assuming that only known yield levels are need for decision-making, Credal network model (which better processes uncertainties) was introduced for predicting crop yield systems. This paper predicted yield levels and determined low yield indicators with scanty data. The paper analyzed the relationship between crop yield and affecting factors and proposed the concept of class element. Also an impact factor concept was proposed to describe the importance of the elements. Furthermore, a general crop yield prediction model based on Credal network was constructed, illustrating the relationships among crop class elements and impact factors. In the constructed prediction Credal network model, every node was assigned with many states treated as probability events. Every state was connected with a conditional or marginal probability representing relationships of variables called parameters. Parameters were denoted as forms of Credal sets to describe system uncertainty. By using forward inference capabilities of Credal network along with “crop yield” variable as objective function, states probabilities of occurrence were calculated with incomplete evidence. Then probabilities of state events higher than others were used in yield forecasts. The process reckoned with knowledge reasoning in the face of scanty facts. By further using backward inference function of Credal network, diagnosis of low-yield facts was accomplished with incomplete evidence. It was noted that the key impact factors and class elements triggered low yield. Combined with a scenario of climate and production as the main factors, interaction was demonstrated with approximation inference algorithm based on extended relational database model. The model illustrated how forecasting and diagnosis based on Credal network could be carried out for crop yield. The inference result showed that the method was feasible, reasonable and interpretable. It fully demonstrated the model functions such as forecasting, interpreting and diagnosis in crop yield systems. The crop yield prediction model based on Credal network enriched existing methodology for crop yield prediction. If in addition to climate and production factors, bio-agronomic, economic measurement and plant growth factors were taken into account, the model provided an all-around method with accurate yield forecasting. The model also supported scientific decision-making in agricultural productions to avoid detrimental factor effects.

Vulnerability evaluation and regionalization of drought disaster risk ofmaize in Northwestern Liaoning Province

YAN Li, ZHANG Ji-Quan, WANG Chun-Yi, YAN Deng-Hua, LIU Xing-Peng, TONG Zhi-Jun

2012, 20(6): 788-794. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00788

Abstract(1556) PDF(2964)

Abstract:
Based on IPCC definition of vulnerability within the context of climate change, a risk assessment model of maize vulnerability to drought was established from the perspectives of exposure, sensitivity and adaptability. Given drought disaster risk of maize in Northwestern Liaoning Province, 17 indexes related to crop physiological, meteorological and socio-economic factors were selected for the model simulation. The vulnerability indexes of maize to drought were calculated using the entropy and comprehensive weight evaluation methods. Four typical drought years (1999, 2000, 2001 and 2006) in Northeastern Liaoning Province were used to verify and test the applicability of the model. The maize vulnerability indexes to drought were divided into 5 grades on which basis maize vulnerability zone maps were isolated in GIS environment for typical drought years. The results showed that the areas with high drought vulnerability were mainly concentrated around Fuxin, Chaoyang and Huludao Counties. The areas with high vulnerability displayed a temporal regular pattern of 2006 > 1999 > 2001 > 2000. The level of drought vulnerability in 2006 was the highest, and had the most extensive impact area due to the precipitation anomaly in the growing season of that year. Regression analysis of maize vulnerability indexes to drought in the four typical drought years and maize yield loss was also conducted. The analysis showed a basic agreement among the factors for F test of significant at α=0.05. This indicated that it was reasonable to evaluate and predict the maize vulnerability to drought using the established model in the region. The model could be used to evaluate and predict maize vulnerability to drought, drought disaster risk and maize yield loss caused by drought. The results of this study strengthened further basis for local agricultural drought risk assessment and early warning.

Water requirement and irrigation systems of winter wheat: CROPWAT-DSSAT model solution in Guanzhong District

WANG Wen-Jia, FENG Hao

2012, 20(6): 795-802. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00795

Abstract(1566) PDF(2229)

Abstract:
Definitive regulation of winter wheat water requirement is critical for developing theoretical bases for rational irrigation systems with high agricultural water use efficiency in Guanzhong District. To develop time-variant optimal irrigation schemes, a simulation of seasonal characteristics of a range of variables (e.g., effective rainfall, crop water requirement, etc.) was conducted for the winter wheat growth seasons in the last 30 years in Guanzhong District. An integrated CROPWAT-DSSAT model was used to simultaneously simulate the changes in crop production and water stress under different irrigation schemes in different precipitation years. The optimal irrigation schemes were determined according to effects of irrigation on crop yield and economic benefits. Based on the results, the amount of effective rainfall was less than 50% of water requirement during winter wheat season. Seasonal characteristics were different across different precipitation years; which phenomenon induced severe water shortages during wintering, greening and jointing stages of winter wheat. Among the four investigated irrigation stages, which were wintering, greening, jointing stage and grain-filling stages, water for greening was most critical for winter wheat growth. This was followed by water for jointing, while grain-filling irrigation was least critical for winter wheat production. Abundance analysis suggested that optimal total irrigations in wet years, normal years and dry years were 75 mm, 125 mm and 150 mm, respectively. For detail, irrigation scheme suggested that water for wintering was the critical in wet years. For maximum yield and economic benefit of winter wheat, water for winter, greening and jointing were all noted to be no less than 25 mm in wet years. For normal years, waters for wintering, greening and jointing were 50 mm, 50 mm and 25 mm respectively. These water quotas gave the highest yields of winter wheat. However, halving the amount of water for wintering optimized the economic benefit of winter wheat. Similarly, waters for wintering, greening and jointing in dry years were 25 mm, 75 mm and 50 mm, respectively. These were the water quotas that produced the highest yields and economic benefits for winter wheat in Guanzhong District.

Analysis of sustainable use efficiency of provincial water resources

SU Shi-Peng, HUANG Sen-Wei, SUN Xiao-Xia, LIN Wen-Xiong

2012, 20(6): 803-809. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00803

Abstract(1191) PDF(1628)

Abstract:
Due to severe water shortage, water quality deterioration and aquatic ecosystem degradation, it is highly urgent to adopt efficient and sustainable use of water resources in China. To improve the sustainable use efficiency of provincial water resources in China, this paper estimated and analyzed water sustainable use efficiencies in 26 provinces using the DEA(BCC) model. While the model input variables included land area, and amount of water resources below Grade Ⅲ, the output variables included GDP and population. The Tobit regression analysis was used to screen key factors that influenced sustainable use of provincial water resources from the listed total possible influencing factors. Such factors included proportions of added value of primary industry, secondary industry and tertiary industry to GDP; proportion of arable land to land area, forest cover, irrigated area rate and investment in environmental protection per area. The results showed that large-scale of province area and unreasonable water use resulted in overall low efficiency of sustainable use of water in the investigated provinces. Total efficiency, technology efficiency and scale efficiency were 0.303, 0.592 and 0.513, respectively. Inter-provincial differences in overall efficiency was great with variation coefficient of 1.010 implying that there existed the potential to improve the sustainable use efficiency of water resources in the country. There were three most important factors that influenced provincial water sustainable use efficiency. The factors included proportion of added value of primary industry to GDP, investment in environmental protection per area and arable land rate, with effect coefficients of ?0.015 7, 0.014 2 and 0.004 8, respectively. Since the proportion of added value of primary industry to GDP had the highest negative effect on the sustainable use efficiency of provincial water resources, it was essential to promote industrialization and urbanization to reduce this effect. This in turn increased not only economic output per unit water resources, but also improved water use efficiency across the country. The environmental investment per area had significant positive effect on the sustainable use efficiency of water resources. This indicated that increased environmental protection investment favored use efficiency of water in the country. Arable lands had better water conditions than non-arable lands and were also more conducive to natural water cycle than urban and industrial lands. The arable land rate positively influenced water resources sustainable use efficiency. Comprehensive analysis showed that promoting industrialization, urbanization and agricultural modernization along with the protection and sustainable use of arable lands, adjustment of economic development structures, and increase in environmental protection could improve the sustainable use of provincial water resources in China.

Investigation of habitat in farmland and artificial propagation ofaquatic fern Ceratopteris thalictroides

HUANG Bi-Guang, CHEN Qing-Shan, LIN Wen-Xiong

2012, 20(6): 810-812. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1011.2012.00810

Abstract(1162) PDF(982)

Abstract:
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2012 Vol. 20, No. 6