Grassland degradation and its response to drought in the western Songnen Plain based on comprehensive remote sensing index

doi:10.6046/zrzyyg.2023235

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Abstract

The grassland ecosystem is one of the most important and widely distributed terrestrial ecosystems. Analyzing the grassland degradation and its influential factors holds great significance for guiding the conservation and sustainable use of grassland resources, as well as the restoration and reconstruction of degraded ecosystems. This study extracted information on the distribution of grassland in western Songnen Plain using an object-oriented classification method and a multi-layer decision tree while comprehensively considering the degradation of vegetation and soils. Using Landsat TM image data, this study constructed a comprehensive grassland degradation index (GDI) for 11 even years from 2000 to 2020, followed by the assessment of the spatiotemporal dynamics of grassland degradation. Using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) as an indicator of drought, this study analyzed the responses of grassland degradation to the spatiotemporal changes in climate-induced drought. The results indicate that from 2000 to 2020, grassland in the western Songnen Plain decreased to 1 024 700 hm² from 1 051 700 hm², with an annual decreasing rate of 0.1%. The grassland degradation showed a nonsignificant downward trend, with 81.7% of the grassland exhibiting a stable or downward degradation trend. The SPEI exhibited an increasing trend in both spring and summer, representing a downward drought trend with significant regional differences. Besides, there was a nonsignificant weak positive correlation between GDI and SPEI in both spring and summer. The results of this study will provide data support for the conservation and sustainable use of grasslands in the western Songnen Plain, while also holding active significance for managing and controlling the ecological and economic benefits of grasslands in this region.

Keywords grassland degradation comprehensive remote sensing index SPEI drought degree western Songnen Plain

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Issue Date: 17 February 2025

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	Wenhui LIU
	Xinye LI
	Xiaoyan LI

Cite this article:

Wenhui LIU,Xinye LI,Xiaoyan LI. Grassland degradation and its response to drought in the western Songnen Plain based on comprehensive remote sensing index[J]. Remote Sensing for Natural Resources, 2025, 37(1): 232-242.

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https://www.gtzyyg.com/EN/10.6046/zrzyyg.2023235 OR https://www.gtzyyg.com/EN/Y2025/V37/I1/232

Fig.1 Geographical location of the study region

Tab.1 Drought classification based on SPEI

Fig.2 Grassland distribution in western Songnen Plain

Fig.3 Statistic of grassland area during 2000—2020

Fig.4 Spatial distribution of GDI

Fig.5 Interannual variation of GDI

Fig.6 Spatial distribution for grassland degradation trend

Tab.2 Area and proportion of grassland degradation trend for each level

Fig.7 Spatial distribution of drought frequency in western Songnen Plain during 2000—2020

Fig.8 Temporal changes of SPEI in spring and summer

Fig.9 Spatial distribution of drought trend in spring and summer

Fig.10-1 Spatial correlation and correlation significance of GDI and SPEI in spring and summer in western Songnen Plain during 2000—2020

Fig.10-2 Spatial correlation and correlation significance of GDI and SPEI in spring and summer in western Songnen Plain during 2000—2020

Tab.3 Ratio of correlation significance for SPEI and GDI in spring and summer

Tab.4 Correlation between GDI and SPEI for steppe and meadow in spring and summer

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