Effects of Land Use Change on Ecosystem Service Dynamics in the Guangxi Xijiang River Basin

This study assessed how spatiotemporal changes in land use dynamics affect ecosystem services responses using land use data (1990–2020) from the Guangxi Xijiang River Basin. The results indicate that cropland, forest, water, barren, and impervious areas increased 0.18%, 1.28%, 14.9%, 636.54%, and 208.03%, respectively, while shrubland and grassland decreased by 43.02% and 80.61%. Spatially, vegetation cover was higher in the eastern, northern, and western sections, whereas the central and southern regions were dominated by cropland and impervious surfaces. Water yield, habitat quality, carbon storage and soil conservation decreased by 13.38%, 9.75%, 7.43% and 10.77%, respectively, with notable decreases in the northeastern, eastern, and northwestern areas. The total amounts of these services were 15.06 × 1010 m3, 0.45, 17335TgC and 9.42 × 1010 t, respectively. Land use changes affected ecosystem services as follows: cropland and impervious areas enhanced water yield but reduced habitat quality, carbon storage and soil conservation; forests, shrublands, and grasslands promoted the regulation and support services related to carbon storage, habitat quality and soil conservation; wetlands improved habitat quality and soil conservation; and water and barren land had limited impacts relative to other land types. This study addresses a methodological gap in dynamic ecosystem service assessment in the Guangxi Xijiang River Basin and offers insights into integrated land and ecosystem management.