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.
Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem is a raised ifeld agriculture system with typical water-land utilization. It was identiifed as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems （GIAHS） site by FAO in April 2014. Based on a literature review and ifeld investigations, we analyzed the history and development, structure and characteristics, functions and values of the Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem in this research. The system has a long history, rich biodiversity, important ecosystem services, traditional adapted agricultural technologies and a folk culture. Altogether, these features form an attractive landscape created by its special water-land utilization. It also has great importance for the livelihood maintenance of the local people. However, the inheritance and conservation effort of Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem is facing great threats from modern agriculture, urbanization and labor loss. This paper wil provide insight into the Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem, and provide scientiifc support for the conservation and development of this special system. It will also provide a good example for similar areas in China and worldwide.
In recent years, with climate change, many agricultural systems are facing severe environmental stress, which are seriously threatening the food security and sustainable development of agricultural system. Although mainstream agro-system can effectively reduce the adverse agro-production effect rapidly by using modern technology, but many of them bring serious ecological crisis at the same time. For the sustainable development of agro-systems, the stress mitigation options must give full consideration to ecological protection. The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems （GIAHS） sites, relying on its unique land use, water conservancy facilities, traditional crops, etc., form unique production system creating a better match with local natural conditions. Based on disaster mitigation system theory and practice, this paper analyzes environmental stress counter-measures of several GIAHS sites in China. The water requirement of milet, a drought-tolerant crop in Aohan Dryland Farming System （recognized as a GIAHS pilot site in 2012）, has a better match with local water conditions. By reducing vulnerability of crops, agriculture survived healthily in semi-arid regions. Honghe Hani Rice Terraces System （recognized as a GIAHS pilot site in 2010）, relying on the unique land and water use patterns, has successfully reshape disaster inducing environment, and effectively reduce the risk/effects of droughts. Besides, due to the high price, rich crop diversity and variety of income channel, the Agricultural Heritage sites can ensure the economic income and agro-system health when facing environmental stress. Stress counter-measures of traditional agricultural systems make full use of the regulation and spontaneity ability of the natural system, which is an important way to achieve sustainable development of ecological agriculture.
