The Shandong Xiajin Yellow River Ancient Mulberry Trees System is a model of desertification control in the floor area in the Luxibei Plain,and of sustainable development.The current study about ancient mulberry trees in Xiajin county is mainly qualitative representation,lack of quantitative research.In addition,the relevant important ecological functional assessment should not only confine to quantitative assessment which illustrate the current condition,but also analyze the eco-service changes,derived from ecosystem structure develop,from the time dimension.Based on quantitative eco-service assessment of the ancient mulberry tree group,this paper intend to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ecological functions of ancient mulberry group focuses on the perspective of system structure and function evolution.Quantitative evaluation results show that the system has significant eco-efficiency in water conservation,reducing sediment loss,adjust atmosphere,etc.On timescale,thanks to mulberry cultivation,ecosystem structure and services have also undergone a corresponding change.In ecosystem structure:Planting pioneer trees such as mulberries and other species which can tolerate hostile site conditions,improves the micro-environment.This makes it possible for other crops to grow.The mixed forests and the combination of forestry and agriculture protect biodiversity.What's more,they make the structure of the ecosystems more robust,giving full play to their functions.In terms of ecosystem services:ecosystem services of Xiajin Yellow River Ancient Mulberry Trees have shown diversified development.And its main function has transferred from supply products to leisure and entertainment functions.
As one kind of land use practice, traditional agroforestry systems already have a long history of hundreds of years in practice and still play a significant role in the world today, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas. In this era of globalization and food in security, more and more governments and non-governmental organizations are paying attention to traditional agroforestry systems because of their economic, ecological and socio-culture beneifts. These beneifts are also in accord with the characteristics of Globaly Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). So far, four typical traditional agroforestry systems from five countries have been designated as GIAHS. These traditional agroforestry systems have rich agricultural and associated biodiversity, multiple ecosystem services and precious socio-culture values at a regional and global level. Although traditional agroforestry systems are confronted with many threats and challenges, such as population growth, migration, market impact, climate change and so on, as long as governments and non-governmental organizations, local communities and smallholders can cooperate with each other, traditional agroforestry systems will be effectively protected and wil remain in the future a sustainable global land use practice.