Spatial heterogeneity of plant diversity-productivity-carbon nexus in eastern Loess Plateau grasslands

作者：Haiyan Pang, Jia Mi, Yanjun Su, Jincheng Shi, Jincheng Shi, Zonghao Zhou, Jing Shi, Jing Shi, Shencong Hu, Xiang Zhao, Kuanhu Dong · 发表于：PLoS ONE · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1371/journal.pone.0346057 · 被引用次数：1 · 研究领域：Forest, Soil, and Plant Ecology in China、Environmental Changes in China、Plant Ecology and Soil Science

This study investigated a grassland ecosystem in the eastern part of the Loess Plateau. Based on the field investigation data from 70 typical grassland sample points in Shanxi Province, we systematically analyzed the regional differentiation characteristics. This analysis revealed the relationship between environmental factors and these key ecological indicators, and established a model for prediction. The results showed that: (1) plant diversity presented a significant altitude-differentiation pattern. The Margalef richness index increased significantly with increasing altitude, whereas the Pielou evenness index decreased significantly. This is closely related to the restricted water and heat conditions, weakened human interference, and changes in the competitive patterns of functional groups in high-altitude areas. (2) There were significant differences in the diversity, biomass, and soil properties among the different grassland types. Temperate shrub grasslands and mountain meadows had high plant diversity and soil carbon-nitrogen ratio. Their complex vegetation structures and refractory litter are conducive to soil carbon sequestration. (3) Soil organic carbon density (SOCd) and net primary productivity above ground (ANPP) show a spatially coordinated distribution pattern. The southern part of the Taihang Mountains and the southwestern section of the Luliang Mountains are high-value areas. The loess hilly area in the northwest of Shanxi Province is characterized as a low-...