The Relationship Between Linpan Settlements and Plant Diversity

Linpan settlements are characterized by rich biodiversity and play a critical role in the region's ecological and economic systems. They are significant carrier of agricultural civilization in the Chengdu Plain. However, rapid urbanization has resulted in the degradation of Linpan settlements, with the gradual reduction and even disappearance of natural landscape elements such as traditional agricultural land, woodlands, and water systems. Hence, this paper aims to explore the relationship between Linpan settlements and plant diversity to identify how plant diversity influences Linpan elements and supports biodiversity. This study investigates the distribution characteristics of Linpans in the Chengdu Plain by selecting 60 representative Linpans, categorized into four types: ecological, agricultural, agritourism, and functional industrial. Moreover, plant diversity and landscape unit characteristics were examined, and plant communities were analyzed using the Margalef richness index, Hurlbert diversity index, and Pielou evenness index. The findings indicate the agricultural Linpans exhibit significant advantages in species diversity, plant variety, and community structural integrity. Functional industrial and agritourism Linpans demonstrate lower vegetation coverage and simplified community structures, primarily due to anthropogenic disturbances. Additionally, the complexity of landscape unit structures positively influences the stability and diversity of plant communities. However, rational adjustments to land use patterns and an increased proportion of natural landscape elements are essential to improving landscape continuity and enhancing ecological functionality. Finally, the findings emphasize the number of landscape elements has a measurable impact on species diversity indices, relatively complex landscape structures promote the stable development of plant communities and Linpan settlements.