Monitoring and evaluation of the effects of Grain for Green Project on the Loess Plateau: A case study of Wuqi County in China

Abstract

The Loess Plateau plays a significant role in the implementation of China’s Grain for Green Project due to severe ecological damage in the region. In order to monitor and evaluate the effects of Grain for Green Project, a study was conducted in Wuqi County, which is representative of the Loess Plateau. The study utilized remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) technologies to analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of Grain for Green Project and assess its effects. The findings indicate that the Grain for Green Project resulted in notable improvements in Wuqi County from 2000 to 2018. Firstly, there was a significant increase in vegetation coverage, accompanied by a reduction in soil erosion intensity. Secondly, approximately 64 % of cropland was converted, leading to an expansion of forest and grassland areas. Thirdly, the focus of vegetation restoration was primarily on converting cropland to grassland, indicating its suitability for the county compared to forestation. Lastly, the conversion of steep cropland (>25°) was influenced by the density of less steep cropland (<25°). This study emphasizes the importance of guiding farmers in selecting appropriate vegetation restoration strategies and finding a balance between erosion control and agricultural production within the Grain for Green Project. Furthermore, the study recognizes that the project’s significant effects are not solely attributed to land use conversion but also to the self-restoration of vegetation. This shift towards a self-restoration perspective is crucial for the future high-quality development of the Grain for Green Project.

Keywords

• Grain for Green Project
• Vegetation coverage
• Land use pattern
• Sloping cropland
• Soil erosion intensity
• Loess Plateau