Estimation of Terrestrial Net Primary Productivity in the Yellow River Basin of China Using Light Use Efficiency Model

Fengjin Xiao, Qiufeng Liu and Yuqing Xu
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Fengjin Xiao: National Climate Center, China Meteorological Administration, 46 Zhonguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China
Qiufeng Liu: National Climate Center, China Meteorological Administration, 46 Zhonguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China
Yuqing Xu: National Climate Center, China Meteorological Administration, 46 Zhonguancun South Avenue, Beijing 100081, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: The net primary productivity ( NPP ) of vegetation is an essential factor of ecosystem functions, including the biological geochemical carbon cycle, which is often impacted by climate change and human activities. It plays a significant role in comprehending the nature of carbon balance in an ecosystem and demonstrates the global and regional carbon cycle dynamics. The present study used an upgraded CASA model to calculate the NPP in the Yellow River Basin (YRB), China. The model’s simulation ability was improved by changing the model parameters. Further, the CASA model was validated by comparing with MODIS- NPP and in situ observed NPP , wherein the accuracy of the CASA model estimation was found satisfactory to estimate NPP changes in the study area. The simulated results of the improved CASA model showed that the mean annual NPP value of vegetation in the YRB was 283.4 gC m –2 a –1 from 2001 to 2020, with a declining trend in spatial distribution from south to north. In contrast, the NPP appeared as an increasing trend in the YRB temporally from 212 gC m –2 a –1 in 2001 to 342 gC m –2 a –1 in 2020, with a mean annual growth rate of 4.6 gC m –2 a –1 . The total NPP in the YRB increased by 40,088.3 GgC between 2001 and 2020, from 226.06 TgC to 266.15 TgC. This rise can be attributed to the increase in forests. The average grassland area has reduced by 4651 km 2 during the last two decades, significantly impacting the total NPP of grasslands. Although the increase in NPP in wetlands was minimal, accounting for 815.53 GgC, the highest change percentage of 79.78%, could be observed among the six vegetation types due to the anthropogenic influences and climate change. The conditions favorable for vegetation growth and a sustained environment were enhanced by the increased precipitation and temperature and the reinforced ecological protection by the government.

Keywords: net primary productivity; CASA model; estimation; trend; Yellow River Basin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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