Spatiotemporal evolution of farmland ecosystem stability in the Fenhe River Basin China based on perturbation-resistance-response framework
Wenbao Lv, Liqi Yang, Zhanjun Xu, Qiang Zhang
Abstract
Farmland is the foundation for maintaining national food security. Slow-acting, long-term press perturbations (such as soil erosion and pollution) can considerably influence fragile farmland ecosystems. In accordance with the ecosystem stability theory, a Perturbation (such as soil erosion, salinization, and desertification) -Resistance (remote sensing ecological index) -Response (net primary productivity) framework was constructed to assess farmland ecosystem stability (FES) and clarify the interactions between different subsystems after perturbations. Within this framework, an innovative and dynamic FES evaluation model was established. Moreover, the spatiotemporal variations of FES in the Fenhe River Basin were quantified by GIS and RS platforms, and its driving mechanisms were explored through path analysis. The results reveal that FES in the Fenhe River Basin increased by a total of 889 units from 2011 to 2021, covering 76.00 % of the total farmland. Perturbation mitigation was observed in 99.03 % of the farmland, with the most significant decreases in desertification and salinization. Furthermore, 69.00 % of the farmland exhibited enhanced resistance, and 87.00 % demonstrated significant improvements in productivity. Particularly, resistance was the core factor affecting FES, while soil salinization and pollution were the main perturbation indicators weakening FES. Enhanced ecological management and conservation brought about boosted farmland productivity, resistance and resilience, and ultimately FES. This study leverages spatial data to assess and monitor ecosystem stability, laying a scientific foundation for identifying ecological priority conservation areas and production restoration zones. Simultaneously, it enlightens the sustainable use and conservation of farmland. • A framework and model for assessing farmland ecosystem stability have been developed. • Perturbation, resistance, productivity, and overall farmland ecosystem stability in the Fenhe River Basin have generally improved. • Ecological environment quality is a key factor influencing farmland ecosystem stability. • GIS and RS provide unique tools for quantifying changes in ecosystem stability following perturbations.