Effects of landscape pattern changes on ecosystem services: a case study of Ruoergai Plateau

This study investigates the impact of landscape patterns on ecosystem services in the Ruoergai Plateau from 1990 to 2020. Ecosystem services play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of natural ecosystems and facilitating socio-economic development. Using the InVEST model, it quantifies and assesses carbon storage, soil conservation, water yield, and habitat quality. Correlation analysis is employed to explore the interrelationships and constraints among different ecosystem services, while stepwise regression analysis and bivariate spatial autocorrelation are utilized to investigate the impact mechanisms of landscape patterns on ecosystem services. Results indicate that the Ruoergai Plateau has experienced changes and transitions in land use, with grasslands being the primary type showing a decreasing trend. Landscape patterns have significantly altered, with a mitigation of fragmentation observed. Overall, ecosystem services show a declining trend initially followed by an increase. Carbon stock showed a decreasing trend from 1990 to 2010, with a significant increase from 2010 to 2020 and an increase of 0.41 × 10⁸ t. The average carbon density and stock in the study area in 2020 reached 78.48 t.hm^{- 2} and 3.64 × 10⁸ t, which were mainly concentrated in the wetland and forested land, distributed in the eastern and southwestern parts of the study area. There exist varied trade-offs and coordination among ecosystem services across different regions and temporal scales, while demonstrating a certain correlation with landscape indices. These findings enhance our understanding of how landscape pattern dynamics shape ecosystem service functions, providing valuable insights for regional ecological management and sustainable development.