A method for near-natural vegetation restoration on slopes based on seed functional traits

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits, which mainly carries out reasonable restoration planning based on seed traits, slope gradient, matrix type and degree of fissure development; the functional traits of seeds are closely related to the plant's suitable living environment; by grasping the trait characteristics of plant seeds that adapt to the slope's living environment in the natural ecological process, near-natural restoration of slopes can be achieved; the near-natural vegetation restoration on slopes based on seed functional traits has better adaptability, stronger sustainability and lower investment cost than general slope vegetation restoration projects; plants of specific size, specific shape and specific accessory structure are selected according to the slope gradient, matrix type and degree of fissure development, which is conducive to the diffusion and self-burial of seeds, avoiding insect eating and loss, and by adding mixed seeds with different traits in batches, the sustainability of the restored community is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of vegetation restoration, and in particular to a method for restoring near-natural vegetation on a slope based on seed functional traits. Background Art

[0002] Traditional slope ecological restoration projects often involve the use of a large number of imported grass species, a single community structure, and easy vegetation degradation. The selection of plants is very important for slope restoration. If the selected plants lack the ability to self-stabilize, maintain, promote, and improve the environment, it will be impossible to achieve sustainable succession and development of the ecosystem.

[0003] In Chinese patent CN201810339262.9, the present invention provides a method for restoring vegetation in an open-pit coal mine dump in grassland areas and an ecological restoration method, which relate to the field of grassland restoration technology. A method for restoring vegetation in an open-pit coal mine dump in grassland areas, including top soil storage, dump preparation, covering, planting plants, and post-planting management. Top soil storage includes: stripping the top soil of the dump and storing it separately. Covering includes: after the dump is prepared, covering the stored top soil on the surface of the dump. Planting plants includes: using different types of seeds to mix and sow the dump, using mechanical sowing or manual sowing on the slope of the dump, and using mechanical sowing on the flat plate of the dump. This method can repair the vegetation in the coal mine dump and restore the ecological function of the dump.

[0004] Seeds are the foundation of plant colonization and growth, and their functional traits are closely related to their optimal habitat. Existing slope vegetation restoration methods often fail to rationally plan plantings based on plant seed characteristics, leading to failures in slope vegetation restoration or a lack of naturalness and sustainability in the restored communities. Furthermore, by ignoring the inherent adaptability of plant seed characteristics, these methods fail to leverage natural processes, resulting in significant human and material costs and ultimately failure to restore slope vegetation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to make up for the shortcomings of existing technologies and solve the problem that existing slope vegetation restoration methods do not reasonably plan planting according to the characteristics of plant seeds, resulting in the failure of slope vegetation restoration, or the restored communities lack naturalness and sustainability. At the same time, due to ignoring the adaptability brought by the characteristics of plant seeds, it is impossible to use nature to work, consuming a lot of manpower and material costs, and ultimately still unable to restore slope vegetation.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is: a slope vegetation restoration method based on seed functional traits described in the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0007] S1. Screening of suitable restoration plants based on plant seed characteristics and slope environment;

[0008] S2. Plan the planting pattern according to the slope substrate type and slope conditions;

[0009] S3. Design and construction of slope vegetation restoration and planting;

[0010] S4. Maintenance and management of slope vegetation after restoration and planting.

[0011] Preferably, the size of the seeds in step S1 affects their suitable range for growth on the slope. The smaller the seeds, the greater the slope gradient they can adapt to and the greater their tolerance to poor soil. Large seeds are more likely to roll on the slope. However, on slopes with underdeveloped cracks, small seeds are more likely to be carried away by surface runoff. The size range of suitable seeds is determined based on the environmental conditions of the slope, thereby screening suitable plants.

[0012] Preferably, the shape of the seeds in step S1 affects their persistence from sowing to germination; compared with round seeds, flat seeds are less likely to be removed by surface runoff; and plants suitable for slope environmental conditions can be screened by calculating the seed flatness index.

[0013] Preferably, the appendages of the seeds in step S1 play an important role in the successful colonization of plants on the slopes; the appendages of the seeds, such as the pappus, trichomes and wings, can fix the seeds on the soil surface. On the one hand, they anchor the soil in the vertical direction to achieve self-burial, thus avoiding insect feeding and loss; on the other hand, they promote the absorption of water by the seeds and improve the germination survival rate; in addition, the seeds of some plants can also stay firmly in place by secreting mucus; screening seeds with well-developed appendages is conducive to improving the success rate of recovery.

[0014] Preferably, the seed diffusion mode in step S1 affects the sustainability of community succession in the later stage of slope restoration; plants that diffuse over long distances can quickly produce sufficient seed sources as a supplement after the seeds sown on the slope are lost, thereby increasing the successful colonization rate of species on the slope.

[0015] Preferably, the type of slope matrix and slope surface conditions in step S2 affect the planting plan of plants; when the slope is less than 45°, sowing is carried out by direct sowing; when the slope is greater than 45° and there are cracks or platforms on the slope for seed development, direct sowing can be carried out; if there are no cracks or platforms for seed development, planting can be carried out by stamping, digging holes, setting steps or laying ecological vegetation blankets; laying the ecological vegetation blanket specifically includes first laying a layer of net at the bottom, then laying paper on top, then sowing, and then laying a layer of plant fiber on top, and finally laying a layer of net on top.

[0016] Preferably, in step S2, for the slope surface where the vegetation blanket is to be laid, the slope can be dug into a step shape, and the layers of the vegetation blanket are determined according to the difference in slope conditions so that it is in full contact with the slope surface, and fixed with wooden stakes, with the vegetation blankets overlapping each other.

[0017] Preferably, the design and construction requirements for the vegetation restoration in step S3 reflect naturalization, that is, native plants are mixed and sown, not in rows or columns, but reasonably matched, to achieve an effect that although it is done by humans, it looks like it grows naturally.

[0018] Preferably, the seed replenishment method and replenishment time in step S4 have an impact on the sustainability of community succession in the later stage of slope restoration; staged addition can overcome seed loss or diffusion limitation. At the same time, as the primary community improves the environmental conditions of the slope, traits related to light competition and other resource competition in the later stage of succession become more important. The staged addition of mixed seeds with different traits greatly improves the utilization rate of the slope ecological space.

[0019] The present invention is beneficial in that:

[0020] 1. Near-natural slope vegetation restoration based on seed functional traits is more adaptable, sustainable, and low-cost than general slope vegetation restoration projects. It also has a shorter recovery period and better landscape effects than natural restoration.

[0021] 2. It breaks through the conventional one-time restoration method of traditional slope vegetation. According to the succession law of plant communities and targeting the restoration goals of different restoration stages, seed mixtures with different characteristics are added in stages, so that the restored community conforms to the natural succession law and achieves self-sustaining. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following will be combined with the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Example 1

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention provides a slope vegetation restoration method based on seed functional traits, comprising the following steps:

[0025] Step 1: Determine the slope and type of slope substrate of the slope to be repaired. For example, the slope to be repaired is a stable soil slope with a height of 3m and a slope of 50°, and the slope surface is flat.

[0026] Step 2: Imprint the slope to create a favorable habitat for plant seeds to germinate, with an impression spacing of 30-50 cm;

[0027] Step 3: Select shrub and herb seeds with a single seed dry weight of about 1 mg for mixed sowing, and the seed flatness index is greater than 4;

[0028] Step 4: Spray the slope surface before sowing to soak the seeds;

[0029] Step 5: Reseeding according to the seed germination situation;

[0030] Step 6: When the vegetation coverage of the slope reaches more than 30%, shrubs and trees with seed weight of about 10mg are used for reseeding in the appropriate season.

[0031] Example 2

[0032] An embodiment of the present invention provides a slope vegetation restoration method based on seed functional traits, comprising the following steps:

[0033] Step 1: Determine the slope and slope matrix type of the slope to be repaired. For example, the slope to be repaired is a rock slope with a height of 5m and a slope of 70°. The slope surface is uneven and has cracks of different sizes.

[0034] Step 2: Backfill a small amount of soil into the depressions and rock fissures on the slope surface. The backfill amount is determined according to the size of the depressions and fissures.

[0035] Step 3: At 10cm from the top of the slope, dig a 5-10cm wide trench parallel to the slope and bury an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer;

[0036] Step 4: Spray the slope surface before sowing, and use small-seeded plants with a dry mass of less than 1 mg / seed and well-developed accessory structures, such as the pappus, trichomes, and wings, for mixed sowing. Soak the seeds before sowing;

[0037] Step 5: During seed germination, atomized water spraying should be carried out according to the humidity of the slope surface;

[0038] Step 6: Reseeding according to the seed germination situation;

[0039] Step 7: When the slope vegetation coverage reaches more than 10%, shrubs and trees with mucus-secreting seeds are preferred, and the dry weight of the seeds of the selected species shall not exceed 10 mg / seed.

[0040] Example 3

[0041] An embodiment of the present invention provides a slope vegetation restoration method based on seed functional traits, comprising the following steps:

[0042] Step 1: Determine the slope and type of the slope substrate to be repaired. For example, the slope to be repaired is a gravel soil slope with a height of 3m and a slope of 35°.

[0043] Step 2: Spray the slope surface before sowing and sow a mixture of shrub and herb seeds with a dry mass of less than 10 mg per seed;

[0044] Step 3: During seed germination, atomized water spraying should be carried out according to the humidity of the slope surface;

[0045] Step 4: Reseeding according to the seed germination situation;

[0046] Step 5. When the slope vegetation coverage reaches more than 60%, give priority to shrubs and tree seed plants that can secrete mucus or have accessory structures such as pappus, sericea and wings. The dry weight of the seeds of the selected species shall not exceed 500 mg / seed.

[0047] Restoration method: The functional traits of seeds are closely related to the plant's suitable habitat; by grasping the characteristics of plant seeds that adapt to the slope's living environment in the natural ecological process, near-natural restoration of the slope can be achieved; small-seeded plants have stronger tolerance to the harsh environment of the slope, large seeds and round seeds are more likely to roll on the slope, and small seeds are easily carried away by surface runoff on slopes with underdeveloped cracks. Therefore, it is more scientifically meaningful to screen near-natural restoration plants based on the slope gradient, matrix type and degree of crack development. At the same time, the accessory structure of the seeds helps the seeds to bury themselves, avoid insect eating and loss, and can promote the seeds' absorption of water, thereby increasing the germination survival rate; near-natural vegetation restoration of slopes based on seed functional traits has better adaptability, stronger sustainability and low investment cost than general slope vegetation restoration projects; at the same time, it has the characteristics of a shorter recovery period and better landscape effect than natural restoration.

[0048] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention are shown and described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits, characterized by: The following steps are involved: S1. Screening suitable plants for restoration based on plant seed traits and slope environment; the seed traits include: seed size, shape, appendages, and dispersal pattern; S2. Plan the planting pattern according to the slope substrate type and slope conditions; S3. Design and construction of slope vegetation restoration; S4. Maintenance and management of slope vegetation after restoration and planting.

2. The method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size of the seeds in S1 affects their suitable range for growth on the slope. The smaller the seeds, the steeper the slope they can adapt to and the greater their tolerance to poor soil. Large seeds are more likely to roll on the slope. However, on slopes with underdeveloped fissures, small seeds are easily carried away by surface runoff. The size range of suitable seeds is determined based on the environmental conditions of the slope, thereby screening suitable plants.

3. The method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape of the seeds in S1 affects their persistence from sowing to germination; compared with round seeds, flat seeds are less likely to be removed by surface runoff; by calculating the flatness index of seeds, plants suitable for slope environmental conditions can be screened.

4. The method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits according to claim 1, characterized in that: The appendages of the seeds in S1 play an important role in the successful colonization of plants on the slopes. The pappus, trichomes and wing appendages of the seeds can fix the seeds on the soil surface. On the one hand, they anchor the soil in the vertical direction to achieve self-burial, avoiding insect feeding and loss. On the other hand, they promote the absorption of water by the seeds and improve the germination survival rate. In addition, the seeds of some plants can also stay firmly in place by secreting mucus. Screening seeds with well-developed appendages is conducive to improving the success rate of recovery.

5. The method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seed diffusion pattern in S1 affects the sustainability of community succession in the later stage of slope restoration; plants that diffuse over long distances can quickly produce sufficient seed sources as a supplement after the seeds sown on the slope are lost, thereby increasing the successful colonization rate of species on the slope.

6. The method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits according to claim 1, characterized in that: The type of slope matrix and slope conditions in S2 affect the planting plan of plants; when the slope is less than 45°, sowing is carried out by direct sowing; when the slope is greater than 45° and there are cracks or platforms on the slope for seed development, direct sowing can be carried out; if there are no cracks or platforms for seed development, planting can be carried out by stamping, digging holes, setting steps or laying ecological vegetation blankets; laying the ecological vegetation blanket specifically includes first laying a layer of net at the bottom, then laying paper on top, then sowing, and then laying a layer of plant fiber on top, and finally laying a layer of net on top.

7. The method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits according to claim 1, characterized in that: In S2, for the slope surface where the vegetation blanket is to be laid, the slope can be dug into steps. The layers of the vegetation blanket are determined according to the slope conditions so that the blanket is in full contact with the slope surface. The blanket is then fixed with stakes and overlapped with the other blankets.

8. The method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits according to claim 1, characterized in that: The design and construction requirements for vegetation restoration in S3 are to reflect naturalization, that is, to use mixed sowing of native plants, not in rows or columns, but in natural combinations, to achieve an effect that although it is done by humans, it seems to grow naturally.

9. The method for restoring near-natural vegetation on slopes based on seed functional traits according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seed replenishment method and replenishment time in S4 have an impact on the sustainability of community succession in the later stage of slope restoration; staged addition can overcome seed loss or diffusion limitation. At the same time, as the primary community improves the environmental conditions of the slope, traits related to light competition and other resource competition in the later stage of succession become more important. The staged addition of mixed seeds with different traits greatly improves the utilization rate of the slope ecological space.