Method for near-natural restoration of Ula grass marsh plant community in abandoned farmland

Abstract

A method for near-natural reconstruction of Ula grass marsh plant communities on derelict land relates to a method for near-natural reconstruction of Ula grass marsh plant communities. The present invention is to solve the problem that Ula grass marsh plant communities are difficult to restore. The methods are as follows: 1. Removal of topsoil and micro-topography reconstruction of derelict land; 2. Acquisition and transplantation of Ula grass rhizomes; 3. Collection and transplantation of natural wetland soil seed banks; 4. Hydrological management of restored land and creation of microhabitats. In this method, the top 30 cm of cultivated soil in derelict land is removed, reducing the interference of weed seeds in farmland soil on the reconstruction of Ula grass plant communities; in the second year of restoration, the average coverage of Ula grass reached more than 42%, close to the level of natural communities. In the second year of restoration, the total coverage of plant communities reached more than 87%, close to the level of 92% of natural communities. The richness of native plant species reached 11.2 species / m 2 , close to the natural community 13.4 species / m 2 The present invention belongs to the field of Ula grass swamp plant community reconstruction in abandoned farmland.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for nearly natural reconstruction of a Ula grass swamp plant community. Background Art

[0002] The Ula grass marsh plant community is one of the most important herbaceous marsh vegetation types in my country, once widely distributed across marsh areas such as the Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains, the Sanjiang Plain, and the Changbai Mountain area. As a carbon-producing plant, Ula grass plays a vital role as a carbon sink. Furthermore, the ubiquitous microtopography and microhabitats of Ula grass communities contribute to their rich plant diversity. Over the past sixty years, intensive agricultural development has destroyed much of the Ula grass marsh and converted it into farmland. With increasing awareness of the importance of marsh wetlands, my country has implemented wetland restoration projects such as returning farmland to wetlands. However, methods for reestablishing Ula grass marsh plant communities in near-natural environments on derelict land are currently lacking. Two existing restoration methods exist: one is transplanting Ula grass rhizomes. This method fails to consider the minimum rhizome size required to ensure Ula grass survival and restoration effectiveness, resulting in high economic and ecological costs. Furthermore, the restored communities suffer from a monoculture of species, lack of plant diversity, and poor community stability. The other approach involves rewetting derelict land and allowing it to be naturally abandoned and restored. This approach makes it difficult to restore Ula grass due to the lack of propagules such as rhizomes. Furthermore, the lack of wetland provenance and suitable microhabitats makes it difficult to restore plant diversity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a method for recreating Ula grass marsh plant communities in near-natural environments on reclaimed farmland, restoring reclaimed farmland to an ecosystem with a plant community structure and diversity similar to those of the native Ula grass marsh. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the technical problem that the Ula grass swamp plant community is difficult to restore, and to provide a method for nearly natural reconstruction of the Ula grass swamp plant community on abandoned farmland.

[0004] The methods for nearly natural restoration of the Ula grass marsh plant community on abandoned farmland are as follows:

[0005] 1. Removal of topsoil from abandoned farmland and reconstruction of micro-landforms:

[0006] In mid-to-late April, we selected abandoned farmland for vegetation ecological reconstruction. We used mechanical measures to remove the top 30 cm of cultivated soil from the abandoned farmland. The abandoned farmland was divided into 100 m × 100 m plots. Soil ridges of more than 20 cm were built around the plots. Micro-relief was carried out in each plot, with a mound constructed every 1 m. The mounds were 10 cm high, 15 cm wide at the top, and had a slope of 30°.

[0007] 2. Obtaining and transplanting rhizomes of Ula grass:

[0008] From late April to early May, rhizomes were obtained from a natural swamp of Ula grass. In the natural swamp wetland, after removing the above-ground dead material from the grass mound (tower head) that had not yet turned green, a vertical cut was made along the middle position to obtain half of the grass mound, with a cutting depth of 20 cm. After the cutting was completed, the obtained half of the grass mound was further cut vertically to cut the grass mound into 4 equal parts, each with a size of 6 cm wide and 20 cm long. After the cutting was completed, the rhizomes of each cut grass mound were transplanted immediately, and the rhizomes of each cut grass mound were planted in the center of the soil mound of the field in step 2, with the underground part and the above-ground part each being 10 cm;

[0009] 3. Collection and transplantation of natural wetland soil seed banks:

[0010] From late April to early May, soil seed bank collection and transplantation were carried out simultaneously. Surface soil seed bank samples were collected using soil sampling tools within the natural swamp community of Ula grass. The soil sample size was 10 cm × 10 cm, and the depth was 10 cm. The distance between adjacent soil samples was greater than 5 m. The soil samples were mixed and stirred with a blender until loose. The stirred soil was then spread on the surface of each field constructed in step 2, with a soil layer thickness of 1-2 cm.

[0011] 4. Hydrological management and microhabitat creation in restored sites:

[0012] Use river water or groundwater to carry out hydrological management of the restoration site. After irrigating the fields to a water depth of 15 cm, stop irrigating to allow surface water to seep in naturally. Two weeks later, irrigate the fields a second time to a water depth of 15 cm. One month later, irrigate the fields a third time to a water depth of 15 cm. At this point, the Ula grass community has basically recovered and the community can maintain itself, thus completing the near-natural reconstruction of the Ula grass marsh plant community in the abandoned farmland.

[0013] The method of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. The method of the present invention removes the top 30 cm of cultivated soil from the abandoned farmland, reducing the interference of weed seeds in the farmland soil on the reconstruction of the Ula grass plant community;

[0015] 2. The minimum rhizome size for Ula grass is 6 cm wide and 20 cm long, which is the minimum size for rhizome survival. The rhizome survival rate exceeds 95%. In the second year of restoration, the average coverage of Ula grass reached over 42%, approaching the level of a natural community. When the rhizome width is less than 6 cm, the rhizome survival rate drops significantly to below 70%.

[0016] 3. Through micro-geomorphological reconstruction and micro-habitat creation, different hydrological micro-habitats were created, ensuring the habitats required for seed germination and seedling establishment of native plants with different water requirements, such as aquatic, hygrophilous, and mesophytic plants. Combined with the transplantation of Ula grass rhizomes and the introduction of soil seed banks, the total plant community coverage reached over 87% in the second year of restoration, close to the 92% level of natural communities. The native plant species richness reached 11.2 species / m 2 , close to the natural community 13.4 species / m 2 level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention's near-natural reconstruction of the Ula grass marsh plant community on abandoned farmland;

[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the restoration effect after the near-natural reconstruction of the Ula grass swamp plant community on the abandoned farmland according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The technical solution of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments listed below, but also includes any combination of the specific embodiments.

[0020] Specific implementation method 1: The method of nearly natural reconstruction of the Ula grass marsh plant community on the abandoned farmland in this implementation method is as follows:

[0021] 1. Removal of topsoil from abandoned farmland and reconstruction of micro-geomorphology

[0022] In mid-to-late April, we selected abandoned farmland for vegetation ecological reconstruction. We used mechanical measures to remove the top 30 cm of cultivated soil from the abandoned farmland. The abandoned farmland was divided into 100 m × 100 m plots. Soil ridges of more than 20 cm were built around the plots. Micro-relief was carried out in each plot, with a mound constructed every 1 m. The mounds were 10 cm high, 15 cm wide at the top, and had a slope of 30°.

[0023] 2. Obtaining and transplanting rhizomes of Ula grass:

[0024] From late April to early May, rhizomes were obtained from a natural swamp of Ula grass. In the natural swamp wetland, after removing the above-ground dead material from the grass mound (tower head) that had not yet turned green, a vertical cut was made along the middle position to obtain half of the grass mound, with a cutting depth of 20 cm. After the cutting was completed, the obtained half of the grass mound was further cut vertically to cut the grass mound into 4 equal parts, each with a size of 6 cm wide and 20 cm long. After the cutting was completed, the rhizomes of each cut grass mound were transplanted immediately, and the rhizomes of each cut grass mound were planted in the center of the soil mound of the field in step 2, with the underground part and the above-ground part each being 10 cm;

[0025] 3. Collection and transplantation of natural wetland soil seed banks:

[0026] From late April to early May, soil seed bank collection and transplantation were carried out simultaneously. Surface soil seed bank samples were collected using soil sampling tools within the natural swamp community of Ula grass. The soil sample size was 10 cm × 10 cm, and the depth was 10 cm. The distance between adjacent soil samples was greater than 5 m. The soil samples were mixed and stirred with a blender until loose. The stirred soil was then spread on the surface of each field constructed in step 2, with a soil layer thickness of 1-2 cm.

[0027] 4. Hydrological management and microhabitat creation in restored sites:

[0028] Use river water or groundwater to carry out hydrological management of the restoration site. After irrigating the fields to a water depth of 15 cm, stop irrigating to allow surface water to seep in naturally. Two weeks later, irrigate the fields a second time to a water depth of 15 cm. One month later, irrigate the fields a third time to a water depth of 15 cm. At this point, the Ula grass community has basically recovered and the community can maintain itself, thus completing the near-natural reconstruction of the Ula grass marsh plant community in the abandoned farmland.

[0029] Specific embodiment 2: This embodiment differs from specific embodiment 1 in that the soil layer thickness in step 3 is 1 cm. Other aspects are the same as specific embodiment 1.

[0030] Specific embodiment 3: This embodiment differs from specific embodiment 1 or 2 in that the soil layer thickness in step 3 is 2 cm. Other aspects are the same as specific embodiment 1 or 2.

[0031] The following experiments were used to verify the effects of the present invention:

[0032] Experiment 1:

[0033] This experiment was conducted in the Dayishan Nature Reserve in Huinan, Jilin Province, covering an area of ​​10 hectares. Before reconstruction, the area was a rice field that had been cultivated for more than 10 years.

[0034] The methods for nearly natural restoration of the Ula grass marsh plant community on abandoned farmland are as follows:

[0035] 1. Removal of topsoil from abandoned farmland and reconstruction of micro-geomorphology

[0036] In mid-to-late April, we selected abandoned farmland for vegetation ecological reconstruction. We used mechanical measures to remove the top 30 cm of cultivated soil from the abandoned farmland. The abandoned farmland was divided into 100 m × 100 m plots. Soil ridges of more than 20 cm were built around the plots. Micro-relief was carried out in each plot, with a mound constructed every 1 m. The mounds were 10 cm high, 15 cm wide at the top, and had a slope of 30°.

[0037] 2. Obtaining and transplanting rhizomes of Ula grass:

[0038] From late April to early May, rhizomes were obtained from a natural swamp of Ula grass. In the natural swamp wetland, after removing the above-ground dead material from the grass mound that had not yet turned green, a vertical cut was made along the middle to obtain half of the grass mound, with a cutting depth of 20 cm. After the cutting was completed, the obtained half of the grass mound was further cut vertically to cut the grass mound into 4 equal parts, each with a size of 6 cm wide and 20 cm long. After the cutting was completed, the rhizomes of each cut grass mound were planted in the center of the soil mound of the field in step 2, with the underground part and the above-ground part each being 10 cm;

[0039] 3. Collection and transplantation of natural wetland soil seed banks:

[0040] From late April to early May, soil seed bank collection and transplantation were carried out simultaneously. Surface soil seed bank samples were collected using soil sampling tools within the natural swamp community of Ula grass. The soil sample size was 10 cm × 10 cm, and the depth was 10 cm. The distance between adjacent soil samples was greater than 5 m. The soil samples were mixed and stirred with a blender until loose. The stirred soil was then spread on the surface of each field constructed in step 2, with a soil layer thickness of 1 cm.

[0041] 4. Hydrological management and microhabitat creation in restored sites:

[0042] Use river water or groundwater to carry out hydrological management of the restoration area. After irrigating the fields to a water depth of 15 cm, stop irrigating and allow surface water to seep in naturally. Two weeks later, irrigate the fields a second time to a water depth of 15 cm. One month later, irrigate the fields a third time to a water depth of 15 cm, thus completing the near-natural reconstruction of the Ula grass marsh plant community in the abandoned farmland.

[0043] During the same period, only the rhizome transplantation method was used. In the second year of recovery, the vegetation cover of the community was less than 40%, and other native plant species disappeared.

[0044] During the same period, the abandoned land was restored naturally. In the second year after restoration, the vegetation coverage of the community was less than 40%, and all native plant species disappeared.

[0045] The following year after restoration using this method, the total coverage of the Ula grass community in the restored area reached 87%. Among them, the coverage of the dominant species Ula grass reached 42%. The native plant species richness reached 11.2 species / m 2 , are close to the level of Wula Grass Natural Wetland.

[0046] Experiment 2:

[0047] This experiment restored 10 hectares of land in the Cricket River National Wetland Park in Tonghua, Jilin Province.

[0048] The methods for nearly natural restoration of the Ula grass marsh plant community on abandoned farmland are as follows:

[0049] 1. Removal of topsoil from abandoned farmland and reconstruction of micro-geomorphology

[0050] In mid-to-late April, we selected abandoned farmland for vegetation ecological reconstruction. We used mechanical measures to remove the top 30 cm of cultivated soil from the abandoned farmland. The abandoned farmland was divided into 100 m × 100 m plots. Soil ridges of more than 20 cm were built around the plots. Micro-relief was carried out in each plot, with a mound constructed every 1 m. The mounds were 10 cm high, 15 cm wide at the top, and had a slope of 30°.

[0051] 2. Obtaining and transplanting rhizomes of Ula grass:

[0052] From late April to early May, rhizomes were obtained from a natural swamp of Ula grass. In the natural swamp wetland, after removing the above-ground dead material from the grass mound that had not yet turned green, a vertical cut was made along the middle to obtain half of the grass mound, with a cutting depth of 20 cm. After the cutting was completed, the obtained half of the grass mound was further cut vertically to cut the grass mound into 4 equal parts, each with a size of 6 cm wide and 20 cm long. After the cutting was completed, the rhizomes of each cut grass mound were planted in the center of the soil mound of the field in step 2, with the underground part and the above-ground part each being 10 cm;

[0053] 3. Collection and transplantation of natural wetland soil seed banks:

[0054] From late April to early May, soil seed bank collection and transplantation were carried out simultaneously. Surface soil seed bank samples were collected using soil sampling tools within the natural swamp community of Ula grass. The soil sample size was 10 cm × 10 cm, and the depth was 10 cm. The distance between adjacent soil samples was greater than 5 m. The soil samples were mixed and stirred with a blender until loose. The stirred soil was then spread on the surface of each field constructed in step 2, with a soil layer thickness of 2 cm.

[0055] 4. Hydrological management and microhabitat creation in restored sites:

[0056] Use river water or groundwater to carry out hydrological management of the restoration area. After irrigating the fields to a water depth of 15 cm, stop irrigating and allow surface water to seep in naturally. Two weeks later, irrigate the fields a second time to a water depth of 15 cm. One month later, irrigate the fields a third time to a water depth of 15 cm, thus completing the near-natural reconstruction of the Ula grass marsh plant community in the abandoned farmland.

[0057] The following year after restoration using this method, the total coverage of the Ula grass community in the restored area reached 90%. Among them, the coverage of the dominant species Ula grass reached 43%. The native plant species richness reached 12.1 species / m 2, are close to the level of Wula Grass Natural Wetland.

Claims

1. A method for nearly natural restoration of the Ula grass marsh plant community on abandoned farmland, characterized in that The method for carrying out near-natural restoration of the Ula grass marsh plant community on the abandoned farmland is as follows:

1. Removal of topsoil from abandoned farmland and reconstruction of micro-landforms: In mid-to-late April, we selected abandoned farmland for vegetation ecological reconstruction. We used mechanical measures to remove the top 30 cm of cultivated soil from the abandoned farmland. The abandoned farmland was divided into 100 m × 100 m plots. Soil ridges of more than 20 cm were built around the plots. Micro-relief was carried out in each plot, with a mound constructed every 1 m. The mounds were 10 cm high, 15 cm wide at the top, and had a slope of 30°.

2. Obtaining and transplanting rhizomes of Ula grass: From late April to early May, rhizomes were obtained from a natural swamp of Ula grass. In the natural swamp wetland, after removing the above-ground dead material from the grass mound that had not yet turned green, a vertical cut was made along the middle to obtain half of the grass mound, with a cutting depth of 20 cm. After the cutting was completed, the obtained half of the grass mound was further cut vertically to cut the grass mound into 4 equal parts, each with a size of 6 cm wide and 20 cm long. After the cutting was completed, the rhizomes of each cut grass mound were planted in the center of the soil mound of the field in step 2, with the underground part and the above-ground part each being 10 cm; 3. Collection and transplantation of natural wetland soil seed banks: From late April to early May, soil seed bank collection and transplantation were carried out simultaneously. Surface soil seed bank samples were collected using soil sampling tools within the natural swamp community of Ula grass. The soil sample size was 10 cm × 10 cm, and the depth was 10 cm. The distance between adjacent soil samples was greater than 5 m. The soil samples were mixed and stirred with a blender until loose. The stirred soil was then spread on the surface of each field constructed in step 2, with a soil layer thickness of 1-2 cm.

4. Hydrological management and microhabitat creation in restored sites: Use river water or groundwater to carry out hydrological management of the restoration area. After irrigating the fields to a water depth of 15 cm, stop irrigating and allow surface water to seep in naturally. Two weeks later, irrigate the fields a second time to a water depth of 15 cm. One month later, irrigate the fields a third time to a water depth of 15 cm, thus completing the near-natural reconstruction of the Ula grass marsh plant community in the abandoned farmland.

2. The method for nearly natural restoration of Ula grass marsh plant communities on abandoned farmland according to claim 1, characterized in that The soil layer thickness in step 3 is 1 cm.

3. The method for nearly natural restoration of Ula grass marsh plant communities on abandoned farmland according to claim 1, characterized in that The soil layer described in step 3 is 2 cm thick.

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