Ecological service value multi-dimensional evaluation and optimization of typical sand fixation land governance modes in the middle reaches of the Heihe river

To reveal the spatial differentiation law of the ecological service value of typical sand-land governance modes in the middle reaches of the Heihe river, the characteristics of the adaptability of the six sand-land governance modes, and to provide a scientific basis for the optimization of the models and spatial optimization allocation of regional sand-land governance, and to promote the maximization of ecological restoration benefits and regional sustainable development.

This study analyzed the spatial differentiation characteristics of different governance modes through the processes of questionnaire survey, expert scoring, literature review, field investigation, indoor detection and data analysis. A multi-level ecological service value assessment mode for governance patterns was constructed based on the principles of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the weights of evaluation indicators. According to the weighted quantitative scoring and ranking of the 11 indicators in the evaluation system with 5 dimensions, the governance effect, economic benefit, and service value of the land desertification governance modes in the study area are analyzed and evaluated, and the preferred modes are selected.

1) The ecological service values of different modes exhibit significant differences: the grape-based integrated mode stands out in economic value; the Haloxylon ammodendron-Cistanche deserticola mode demonstrates the best ecological benefits; the Lycium barbarum complex mode shows good balance, with clear coordinated development of economic and ecological benefits; the Jerusalem artichoke complex mode performs exceptionally well under specific site conditions, achieving the highest soil improvement and water-saving efficiency among all modes, although its economic output is relatively low; the Xanthoceras sorbifolium complex mode maintains balanced and stable performance across all indicators, lacking outstanding advantages but being an ideal choice for transitional zones due to its drought tolerance and woody oilseed potential; the ecological livestock farming mode delivers notable short-term benefits through a “forage-livestock-fertilizer” cycle that enables rapid returns, though carrying capacity must be strictly controlled; 2) Based on the comprehensive evaluation of ecological service value based on AHP, the order of the ecological service value scores of the 6 ecological governance modes is: Haloxylon ammodendron-Cistanche deserticola mode (comprehensive score of 88.9) > grape composite mode (85.6) > Jerusalem artichoke complex mode (82.8) > Lycium barbarum complex mode (80.5) > ecological farming mode (78.6) > X. sorbifolia complex mode (75.2).

Different governance modes exhibit significant complementarity in their ecosystem service functions: the Haloxylon ammodendron-Cistanche icola mode excels in ecological barrier function, the grape composite mode leads in economic output, and the Jerusalem artichoke composite mode demonstrates excellent performance in saline-alkali improvement and water conservation, while the remaining modes possess applicable value under specific site conditions. Based on multi-criteria comprehensive evaluation using the AHP, the Haloxylon amodendron-Cistanche deserticola mode, the grape composite mode, and the Jerusalem artichoke composite mode were selected as the optimal regional governance paradigms. Accordingly, a spatial scheme based on ecological functional zoning is proposed: developing a Haloxylon ammodendron-Cistanche deserticola ecological-economic system in the transition, deploying water-saving grape industries in the water-proximal zone, and promoting Jerusalem artichoke-Xanthoceras sorbifolia composite restoration in the salt-alkali zone.