Loss of grassland ecosystem service values based on potential vegetation in China

Abstract

Grassland resources in China have diverse categories and span extensive areas. Existing studies have estimated the value of ecosystem services in China at different scales, but there are few reports on the potential loss of grassland ecosystem services in China. On the basis of the class-level compatibility of the two existing grassland classification systems, this study separately estimated the ecosystem service valves (ESVs) of Chinese potential grassland ecosystems (Comprehensive Sequential Classification System, CSCS) and existing grassland ecosystems (Vegetation Habitatology Classification System, VHCS). In addition, we also calculated the loss of ESVs between the two grassland classification systems and further analysed the reasons for the loss. The results are as follows: (1) the total amount of ESVs provided by the existing grassland in China was 64 929.87 × 108 Ren Min Bi (RMB) per year, in which lowland meadow and alpine meadow provide higher ESVs than the other 16 grassland classes; (2) the total ESV of Chinese potential grasslands was 83 632.88 × 108 RMB per year, of which IE29 (frigid temperate humid tundra, alpine meadow) and IF36 (frigid perhumid rain tundra, alpine meadow) contributed most to the total ESV (16.9%); (3) the ESVs of grassland in China decreased by 18 703.01 × 108 RMB per year compared with the potential value; the ESV loss mainly occurred in areas where the original grassland decreased and the secondary grassland increased; and (4) anthropogenic disturbances such as grazing, felling and indiscriminate cultivation and climate change are the main reasons for loss of ESV owing to grassland degradation.