A vegetation ecological restoration method in high-cold high-altitude permafrost regions

Abstract

The present application relates to ecological environment restoration and alpine region ecological management technical field, disclose a kind of alpine high altitude permafrost region vegetation ecological restoration method, it is characterized in that, including following steps: S1, plant selection and combination: S2, soil improvement and microenvironment optimization: S3, low temperature adaptability cultivation technique;S4, ecosystem dynamic monitoring and management, pertinence is strong, adapt to alpine high altitude permafrost region environment: select local cold-resistant frost-resistant plant, construct three-layer composite planting system, fully adapt to the environmental characteristics of permafrost region low temperature, infertile, serious wind erosion, solve the problem of low plant survival rate in prior art, plant survival rate can be increased to 85% or more, soil improvement and microenvironment optimization are combined, effect is remarkable: adopt permafrost friendly organic compound fertilizer, avoid destroying permafrost structure, while through lightweight heat preservation material, micro windbreak and water collection system, improve the microenvironment of plant growth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ecological environment restoration and ecological governance in high-altitude and cold regions, and in particular to a vegetation ecological restoration method applicable to high-altitude and cold permafrost regions. Background Technology

[0002] High-altitude permafrost regions are characterized by unique natural environments such as high altitude, low temperatures, large diurnal temperature variations, short growing seasons, infertile soil, and intense freeze-thaw cycles. Vegetation in these regions is crucial for maintaining permafrost stability, preventing soil erosion, and regulating regional ecological balance. However, influenced by global climate change and human activities (such as overgrazing and engineering projects), vegetation degradation in these regions is becoming increasingly prominent. This manifests as decreased vegetation cover, reduced biodiversity, and intensified soil erosion, even triggering a chain reaction of ecological problems such as permafrost thawing and desertification, seriously threatening regional ecological security and sustainable development.

[0003] Currently, existing vegetation ecological restoration technologies are mostly applicable to conventional climate and soil conditions. When applied to high-altitude permafrost regions, they have many limitations: First, plant selection lacks specificity, often using non-native species with weak cold resistance and extremely low survival rates. Second, soil improvement methods are unreasonable; conventional fertilizers easily damage the permafrost structure and are difficult to adapt to the nutrient release requirements under low-temperature conditions. Third, cultivation techniques do not fully consider the low-temperature stress in permafrost regions, making it difficult for seedlings to adapt to the extreme environment after planting, resulting in slow growth or even death. Fourth, there is a lack of a comprehensive dynamic monitoring system, making it impossible to promptly grasp changes in vegetation growth and the soil environment, hindering the scientific adjustment of restoration strategies, leading to poor restoration effects and lack of sustainability.

[0004] Therefore, developing a vegetation ecological restoration method that takes into account the environmental characteristics of high-altitude permafrost regions and takes into account adaptability, stability and sustainability, in order to solve the problems of low survival rate, poor restoration effect and difficulty in long-term maintenance in existing technologies, has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides a method for vegetation ecological restoration in high-altitude, cold, permafrost regions, specifically comprising the following steps: S1. Plant Selection and Combination The core principle is to select native plants that are cold-resistant, frost-resistant, drought-resistant, and tolerant of poor soil, avoiding the introduction of alien species that could lead to ecological invasion. Simultaneously, a three-layered composite planting system of "pioneer plants, soil-improving plants, and soil-stabilizing plants" is constructed. Each layer of plants works synergistically to achieve an organic combination of rapid coverage, soil improvement, and long-term soil stabilization, as detailed below: Pioneer plants: Perennial herbs and dwarf shrubs are selected, with priority given to species that are widely distributed in the local natural environment, grow rapidly, and are highly resistant to low temperatures, such as Kobresia alpina, Kobresia dwarfii, and sea buckthorn seedlings. Their core function is to quickly cover the ground surface during the short growing season, reduce surface exposure, mitigate wind erosion and freeze-thaw erosion, and improve the surface microclimate, creating suitable environmental conditions for subsequent plant growth.

[0006] Plant selection: Select cold-resistant legumes and symbiotic plants with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Stipa purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus, and Hippophae rhamnoides. These plants can increase soil nitrogen content through nitrogen fixation by rhizobia. At the same time, the decomposition of their roots can increase soil organic matter, promote soil microbial activity, improve the problem of soil infertility and low microbial count in permafrost areas, and provide nutrient support for the growth of soil-fixing plants.

[0007] Soil-stabilizing plants: Select deep-rooted shrubs or herbaceous plants, such as juniper, willow, and crested wheatgrass. These plants have well-developed root systems that penetrate deep into the ground, enabling them to penetrate shallow frozen soil, stabilize the frozen soil structure, enhance the soil's resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, and effectively intercept surface runoff to prevent soil erosion and achieve long-term stability of ecological restoration.

[0008] The plant combination ratio can be adjusted according to the specific environment of the restoration area (such as altitude, permafrost type, degree of degradation). Generally, the planting ratio of pioneer plants, improvement plants and soil-stabilizing plants is 4:3:3 to ensure that the synergistic effect of the three-layer system is fully exerted.

[0009] S2, Soil Improvement and Microenvironment Optimization To address the challenges of poor soil quality, low temperatures, severe wind erosion, and insufficient moisture in permafrost regions, soil improvement and microenvironment optimization are implemented to provide suitable soil conditions and a suitable growing environment for plants. Specific measures are as follows: Application of Frozen Soil-Friendly Organic Compound Fertilizer: Select a frozen soil-friendly organic compound fertilizer containing slow-release nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and humus. The ratio of slow-release nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be 2:1:1, and the humus content should be no less than 30%. This compound fertilizer uses slow-release technology, which allows nutrients to be released slowly in low-temperature environments, avoiding soil nutrient loss and frozen soil structure damage caused by the rapid release of conventional fertilizers. At the same time, humus can improve soil aggregate structure, enhance soil water and fertilizer retention capacity, and improve the long-term nutrient status of frozen soil. The application method is to spread it evenly at a rate of 20-30 kg / mu (approximately 13-10 kg / acre). After application, shallowly till to a depth of 5-10 cm to avoid deep tilling which could damage the frozen soil structure.

[0010] Lightweight thermal insulation mulch: After fertilization and shallow tilling, a biodegradable biopolymer blanket is applied to the ground surface as a lightweight thermal insulation mulch, with a thickness of 23cm, covering the entire planting area. This material has excellent thermal and water retention properties, reducing the impact of diurnal temperature variations on plant roots and minimizing soil moisture evaporation. It is also biodegradable, causing no environmental pollution, and its degradation cycle matches the plant growth cycle, avoiding subsequent cleanup work.

[0011] Construction of Miniature Windbreaks and Surface Moisture Harvesting System: The miniature windbreaks utilize a highly permeable mesh structure made of low-temperature resistant and aging-resistant polypropylene fiber. They are 50-80 cm high and spaced 5-10 m apart in a grid pattern. This effectively blocks strong winds, reducing wind erosion damage to the ground and seedlings, while ensuring air circulation and preventing localized temperature and humidity anomalies. The surface moisture harvesting system is integrated with the miniature windbreaks. Shallow trenches are constructed at the base of the windbreaks, spaced 10-15 m apart and 10-15 cm deep. An impermeable membrane is laid at the bottom of the trenches to collect surface runoff and melted snow, guiding water to the plant root zone, increasing soil moisture, and addressing the problem of insufficient water in permafrost areas.

[0012] S3, Low-temperature adaptability cultivation technology To address the challenges of low temperatures and short growing seasons in permafrost regions, a method combining modular seedling cultivation with transplanting to permafrost plots was employed, along with low-temperature acclimatization treatments, to improve the frost resistance and survival rate of seedlings. The specific steps are as follows: Modular seedling cultivation: Modular seedling cultivation is carried out using temperature-controlled seedling boxes or seedbeds. The seedling environment temperature is controlled at 10-15℃, humidity at 60-70%, and light duration at 8-10 hours per day. The seedling substrate (humus + garden soil + river sand in a ratio of 3:2:1) is selected, consistent with the soil type of the remediation area. Seedlings grow for 36 weeks under suitable conditions. When the seedlings have 35 true leaves and a plant height of 5-10cm, temperature control is stopped, and the seedling environment temperature is gradually reduced to harden the seedlings in preparation for subsequent transplanting to the permafrost region.

[0013] Low-temperature adaptation treatment: During the hardening-off period or before transplanting, seedlings can undergo low-temperature adaptation treatment. One or more of the following methods can be selected: Plant hormone soaking: Use frost-resistant plant hormones such as gibberellin and abscisic acid to prepare a solution with a concentration of 50-100 mg / L, and soak the seedling roots for 12-24 hours to enhance the seedlings' frost resistance; Mycorrhizal symbiotic fungi inoculation: Select mycorrhizal fungi that live in symbiosis with native plants, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, prepare a fungal agent, and spray it evenly on the surface of the seedling roots at an inoculation amount of 5-10 g / seedling. Mycorrhizal symbiotic fungi can promote the absorption of nutrients and water by plant roots and improve the plant's tolerance to low temperatures and poor soil conditions; Short-term low-temperature pretreatment: Place the seedlings in a low-temperature environment of 0-5℃ for 35 days to gradually adapt to the low-temperature environment of the frozen soil area and reduce the stress response after transplanting.

[0014] Planting in frozen soil: Planting should be carried out during the thawing period of the frozen soil (generally May to June each year), when the soil temperature is relatively high, which is conducive to the growth of seedling roots. Planting should be done using the hole planting method, with a hole depth of 10-15cm. The spacing between holes should be adjusted according to the plant species: 20-30cm for herbaceous plants and 50-80cm for shrubs. When planting, place the seedling in the hole, spread out the roots, cover with soil and gently compact it, and water thoroughly (a small amount of mycorrhizal fungicide can be added). After planting, cover again with a biodegradable biopolymer blanket to ensure the seedling roots are kept warm and moist.

[0015] S4. Dynamic monitoring and management of ecosystems To ensure the sustainability and stability of the restoration effect, a comprehensive dynamic ecosystem monitoring system should be established to monitor the soil environment and plant growth status in real time, and to dynamically adjust the restoration strategy based on the monitoring results. Specific measures are as follows: Monitoring System Construction: The monitoring system includes ground temperature and humidity sensors, a UAV remote sensing monitoring system, and a data analysis platform. Ground temperature and humidity sensors are evenly distributed throughout the planting area at intervals of 50-100m to monitor soil temperature and humidity changes in real time. The UAV remote sensing monitoring system conducts monthly monitoring to acquire data such as vegetation coverage, plant height, and growth status. The data analysis platform summarizes and analyzes the monitoring data, generating monitoring reports to provide data support for adjusting restoration strategies.

[0016] Monitoring content: The main monitoring indicators include: Soil indicators: soil temperature, soil moisture, soil organic matter content, soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content, and frozen soil thawing depth; Plant indicators: plant survival rate, plant height, canopy coverage, biomass, and species diversity; Environmental indicators: wind speed, precipitation, and air temperature.

[0017] Dynamic Management and Adjustment: Based on monitoring results, the restoration strategy will be evaluated and adjusted quarterly. If the plant survival rate is below 80%, the cause will be analyzed. If it is caused by low temperature stress, the thickness of the insulation cover can be increased or frost-resistant plant hormones can be applied. If it is due to insufficient soil nutrients, appropriate amounts of frost-friendly compound fertilizer can be added. If the soil moisture is low, the surface water collection system can be optimized and the number or depth of shallow ditches can be increased. If the vegetation cover growth is slow, pioneer plants can be planted to accelerate surface cover. If pests and diseases are found, biological control methods (such as introducing natural enemies or applying biological pesticides) will be adopted to avoid pollution of the permafrost environment by chemical pesticides.

[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Highly targeted and adapted to the environment of high-altitude permafrost regions: Selecting native cold-resistant and frost-resistant plants to construct a three-layer composite planting system, which fully adapts to the environmental characteristics of low temperature, barrenness and severe wind erosion in permafrost regions, solves the problem of low plant survival rate in existing technologies, and can increase the plant survival rate to more than 85%.

[0019] 2. The combination of soil improvement and microenvironment optimization yields significant results: The use of permafrost-friendly organic compound fertilizer avoids damaging the permafrost structure. At the same time, the use of lightweight insulation materials, micro windbreaks, and water collection systems improves the microenvironment for plant growth, enhances the soil's water and fertilizer retention capacity and wind erosion resistance, and provides stable conditions for plant growth.

[0020] 3. Scientific and reasonable cultivation techniques enhance growth stability: The combination of modular seedling raising and low-temperature adaptation treatment effectively improves the frost resistance and survival rate of seedlings, shortens the seedling recovery period, promotes rapid plant growth, and achieves rapid vegetation coverage and rapid ecosystem restoration.

[0021] 4. Dynamic monitoring and management to ensure the sustainability of restoration: Establish a comprehensive dynamic monitoring system to keep abreast of changes in the ecosystem in real time, and adjust restoration strategies dynamically based on monitoring results. This avoids the drawbacks of "one-off restoration" and ensures the long-term stability of the vegetation ecosystem, thus achieving the sustainability of ecological restoration.

[0022] 5. Environmentally friendly and pollution-free with significant ecological benefits: The entire restoration process uses biodegradable materials, biological control methods, and native plants, with no chemical pollution. It not only restores vegetation but also consolidates the permafrost structure, prevents soil erosion, and improves the regional ecological environment, resulting in good ecological and social benefits. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example 1

[0024] This embodiment was applied to a high-altitude permafrost region on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (altitude 4500m, average annual temperature -5℃, permafrost type is seasonally frozen, vegetation is severely degraded, and surface cover is less than 30%). The specific restoration method is as follows: S1. Plant Selection and Combination A three-layer composite planting system was constructed using native cold-resistant and frost-resistant plants: Pioneer plants: Select alpine Kobresia and dwarf Kobresia, with a planting ratio of 40%, for rapid ground cover; Planting improvement: Select purple needlegrass and astragalus, with a planting ratio of 30%, to improve soil nitrogen content and microbial activity; Soil-stabilizing plants: Select juniper seedlings and crested wheatgrass, with a planting ratio of 30%, to stabilize the frozen soil structure and prevent soil erosion.

[0025] S2, Soil Improvement and Microenvironment Optimization Apply frozen soil-friendly organic compound fertilizer containing slow-release nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (ratio 2:1:1) and humus (content 35%) at a rate of 25 kg / mu. After spreading, shallowly till the soil to a depth of 8 cm. The ground is covered with a 2.5cm thick biodegradable polymer blanket, covering the entire planting area; Miniature windbreaks were constructed using a polypropylene fiber mesh structure, 60cm high and spaced 8m apart in a grid pattern. Shallow trenches were set at the bottom of the windbreaks, spaced 12m apart and 12cm deep, with an impermeable membrane laid at the bottom of the trenches to create a surface water collection system.

[0026] S3, Low-temperature adaptability cultivation technology Modular seedling cultivation: A temperature-controlled seedling box is used, with the temperature controlled at 12℃, humidity at 65%, and light duration at 9 hours. The seedling substrate is humus + garden soil + river sand (3:2:1). Seedlings are hardened off after 4 weeks of growth, when they have 4 true leaves and a plant height of 7cm. Low temperature adaptation treatment: Soaking seeds with plant hormones (gibberellin concentration 80mg / L, soaking for 18 hours) + inoculation with mycorrhizal symbiotic fungi (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi agent, 8g / plant). Planting: Plant in mid-May (during the thawing period of the frozen soil) using the hole planting method. The spacing between holes should be 25cm for herbaceous plants and 60cm for shrubs. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the roots and cover with a biopolymer blanket again.

[0027] S4. Dynamic monitoring and management of ecosystems Monitoring system: Ground temperature and humidity sensors are spaced 80m apart, drones monitor once a month, and the data analysis platform processes the data in real time; Monitoring content: Monthly monitoring of soil temperature and humidity, quarterly monitoring of soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content, monthly monitoring of plant survival rate and plant height, and semi-annual monitoring of vegetation cover and species diversity; Dynamic adjustments: Three months after planting, the plant survival rate was monitored to be 88%, and the soil moisture was low. The water collection system was optimized and the depth of the shallow trenches was increased to 15cm. Six months after planting, the vegetation coverage increased to 65%, and a small amount of alpine kohlii was planted to accelerate the ground cover.

[0028] One year after restoration, the vegetation coverage in the area increased to 85%, the plant survival rate remained above 86%, the soil organic matter content increased by 20%, the permafrost structure stabilized, soil erosion was effectively controlled, and the ecological environment was significantly improved. Example 2

[0029] This embodiment is applied to a permafrost degradation area in a high-latitude cold region (altitude 1500m, average annual temperature -8℃, permafrost type is the edge of permafrost, vegetation is mainly low shrubs and herbs, and desertification has occurred after degradation). The specific restoration method is as follows: S1. Plant Selection and Combination Pioneer plants: Select sea buckthorn seedlings and sheepgrass, with a planting ratio of 40%; Improved plant species: Astragalus membranaceus and alfalfa were selected, with a planting ratio of 30%; Soil-stabilizing plants: Select alpine willow and ice grass, with a planting ratio of 30%.

[0030] S2, Soil Improvement and Microenvironment Optimization Apply a frozen soil-friendly organic compound fertilizer containing slow-release nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (in a ratio of 2:1:1) and humus (content 30%) at a rate of 20 kg / mu, and shallowly till to a depth of 5 cm. The ground is covered with a 2cm thick biodegradable biopolymer blanket. Miniature windbreaks, 50cm high and spaced 5m apart, and shallow ditches, spaced 10m apart and 10cm deep, are used to construct a water collection system.

[0031] S3, Low-temperature adaptability cultivation technology Modular seedling raising: a seedling bed is used, with the temperature controlled at 10℃, humidity at 60%, and light for 8 hours. The seedling substrate is the same as in Example 1. The seedlings grow for 3 weeks and are then hardened off and subjected to short-term low-temperature pretreatment (0-5℃ treatment for 3 days). Planting: Plant in early June, with a spacing of 20cm between herbaceous plants and 50cm between shrubs, and water thoroughly to help the roots settle.

[0032] S4. Dynamic monitoring and management of ecosystems The monitoring system and monitoring content are the same as in Example 1. After one year of restoration, the vegetation coverage increased from 25% to 82%, desertification was curbed, the rate of permafrost thawing slowed down, and the ecosystem tended to be stable.

[0033] In addition, throughout this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Claims

1. A method for ecological restoration of vegetation in high-altitude, cold, permafrost regions, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Plant Selection and Combination: Cold-resistant and frost-resistant native plants are selected, and a three-layer composite planting system is constructed, including pioneer plants, improvement plants, and soil-stabilizing plants, among which: Pioneer plants are used to quickly cover the ground and improve the microclimate; Plant improvement is used to increase soil organic matter and promote soil microbial activity; Soil-stabilizing plants are used to grow root systems to stabilize frozen soil structure and prevent soil erosion. S2. Soil improvement and microenvironment optimization: Apply frozen soil-friendly organic compound fertilizer to the planting area and cover the ground with lightweight insulation material, while constructing a micro windbreak and surface water collection system; S3. Low-temperature adaptability cultivation technology: The method of combining modular seedling raising with planting in frozen soil is adopted to treat plants with cold or apply cold-resistant plant hormones and mycorrhizal symbiotic fungi to improve the survival rate. S4. Dynamic monitoring and management of ecosystems: Soil temperature, humidity and plant growth status are monitored through ground and drone sensors, and plant combinations, fertilization and mulching strategies are dynamically adjusted based on the monitoring results.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pioneer plants include perennial herbs and low shrubs to form ground cover during the short growing season.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The improved plants include cold-resistant legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria symbiotic plants, used to improve soil nitrogen content and promote microbial activity.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soil-stabilizing plants include deep-rooted shrubs or herbaceous plants, used to enhance soil structure and freeze-thaw resistance.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lightweight thermal insulation covering material is a biodegradable biopolymer blanket, used to reduce the impact of day-night temperature differences on plant roots.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The miniature windbreaks employ a highly breathable mesh structure and are integrated with a surface moisture collection system to reduce wind erosion and increase soil moisture.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Modular seedling cultivation includes temperature-controlled seedling boxes or seedling beds, and seedlings are transplanted to frozen soil areas after growing for 36 weeks under suitable conditions.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dynamic monitoring system includes ground temperature and humidity sensors, UAV remote sensing monitoring systems, and a data analysis platform, which are used to guide the adjustment of plant management and ecological restoration plans.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frozen soil-friendly organic compound fertilizer contains slow-release nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and humus, and is used to improve the nutrient status of frozen soil in the long term.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Low-temperature adaptation treatments include seed soaking with plant hormones, inoculation with mycorrhizal symbiotic fungi, or short-term low-temperature pretreatment, which are used to improve the plant's frost resistance.