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Journal of Desert Research ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (3): 210-221.DOI: 10.7522/j.issn.1000-694X.2025.00087

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Plant diversity and community stability in forest ecosystems of Ningxia, China

Weihong Zhang1(), Juan Ma1, Ruizhi Zhao1, Wei Zhou1, Xinyi Zhao1, Yanxia Pan2()   

  1. 1.Ningxia Environmental Monitoring Center,Yinchuan 750002,China
    2.Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station / National Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences,Lanzhou 730000,China
  • Received:2025-02-21 Revised:2025-04-24 Online:2025-05-20 Published:2025-06-30
  • Contact: Yanxia Pan

Abstract:

This study systematically analyzed the plant diversity and community stability of forest ecosystems in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region based on survey data from 10 forest ecosystem plots. A total of 202 plant species were recorded, belonging to 54 families and 124 genera, including 23 species in the arboreal layer, 31 species in the shrub layer, and 148 species in the herbaceous layer. By calculating the Sprenson similarity coefficient, importance value index, diversity index, and applying the Godron stability measurement method, the species composition differences, species importance, diversity levels, and stability characteristics of different forest communities were assessed. The study found significant differences in species richness and diversity indices among forest communities in Ningxia, with the richness index ranging from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 72, and the diversity index (Shannon-Wiener index) ranging from a minimum of 1.33 to a maximum of 3.42. The community stability analysis revealed that the Picea crassifolia community had the highest stability index (Godron stability measurement), closely approaching the stability point (20, 80), while the Larix principis-rupprechtii community had the lowest stability index, deviating significantly from the stability point. A significant positive correlation was found between species diversity and community stability. The results of this study provide scientific guidance and decision-making support for the management of forest ecosystems in Ningxia and similar arid regions, emphasizing the importance of protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem stability.

Key words: Ningxia, forest ecosystem, plant diversity, community stability, ecological management

CLC Number: