Dang Hongzhong

Prof.  Dang Hongzhong

Organization: Research Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry

Research category: Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Combating

Research field: Sheltbelt forestry; ecohydrology in dryland; tree sapflow; forest regeneration

E-mail: hzdang@caf.ac.cn

Main work

Developed a new direction for ecological regeneration research on shelterbelt forest. Based on the interdisciplinary science such as shelterbelt forest, tree physiology, and forestry ecology etc., the growth process curves, water use characteristics and protective maturity ages of major shelterbelt tree species in northern China were studied. Environmental barrier mechanisms as well as key artificial measures to break through it during the treesregeneration process were analyzed, which supported developing a new direction for ecological regeneration of shelterbelts in arid areas.

  • Constructed a methodology for studying the forest-water relationships in arid areas. Based on the long-term application of different sapflow measurement technologies of thermal tracer such as Thermal Diffusion Probe (TDP), Heat Ratio Mehthod (HRM), Heat Field Deformation (HFD), etc., the applicable objects and environmental conditions of these technologies have been clarified, and accumulated the experience and key technical parameters at each stage from installation and operationto data quality judgment, and carried out extensive cooperation with international Sapfluxnet members. We constructed a set of methodologies for the study of forest-water relationships in arid areas, providing methods for studying eco-hydrological processes in arid areas.

  • Revealed the mechanism for maintaining the stability of sand-fixing plantations. Taking Mongolian Scots pine  in sandy land as the research object, we clarified the low water holding capacity and non-leaching characteristics of sandy soil; revealed the strategies of water regulating of Mongolian Scots pines in sandy land in response to drought stress (short-term) and efficient use of precipitation to adapt to climate changes (medium and long-term); determined the low water consumption characteristics (individuals ) and typical water-saving characteristics (stands) of Mongolian Scots pine in sandy land; proposed the comprehensive mechanism of stand stability self-sustaining, characterized by "water saving + water controlling + turnover +early thinning" of Mongolian Scots pine in sandy land. This provides a theoretical basis for implementing the scientific greening policy of "determining forests quanlity based on water conditions".

Key research projects

  • National Natural Science Foundation Project "Mechanism and key ecological thresholds of interrupted natural regeneration of Mongolian Scots pine plantations" (No.32371968), 2024-2027

  • National Natural Science Foundation Project "Water regulation mechanism and potential of Mongolian Scots pine in adapting to different geographical environments and the changes with growth and succession" (No.32071836), 2021-2024

  • National Natural Science Foundation Project "Study on the mechanism and threshold value of sap flow response of Mongolian Scots pine tree trunks to soil water deficit in sandy land" (No.31570704), 2016-2019

  • National Key Basic Research and Development Plan(973 Plan) "Temporal and spatial distribution patterns and regional differentiation patterns of soil moisture in sandy areas" (2013CB429901), 2013-2017

  • National Natural Science Foundation Project "Radial differences in trunk sap flow of oasis poplar trees and their response to root and crown moisture regulation" (31070628), 2011-2013

Awards & achievements

  • "Water mechanism and management technologies of sand-fixing plantations of Mongolian Scots pine to adapt to changing environment" (2022-KJJ-2-03-R01), Liang Xi Science and Technology Progress Award (Second prize, rank 1)

  • "Research and technology demonstration of soil and water conservation function oriented forests optimization and special forest industry development in the Loess Plateau" (SBXH2022-J-1-01-R03), China Soil and Water Conservation Society Science and Technology Award (First prize, rank 3)

  • "Research and application of technologies for restoring and managementing efficiently degraded and multi-functional oriented plantations of Mongolian Scots pine" (2021-J-2-06-R08), Liaoning Province Science and Technology Progress Award (Second prize, rank 8)

  • "Research and demonstration of wind prevention and sand fixation technology models based on low-coverage-density sand control theory and water balance" (2017-J1-003-R7)，Gansu Province Science and Technology Progress Award (First prize, rank 7)

Published articles & books

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhang Xueli, HanHui, Chen Shuai, Li Mingyang. 2021. Water use by Chinese pine is less conservative but more closely regulated than in Mongolian Scots pine in a plantation forest, on sandy soil, in a semi-arid climate. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12:598, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2021.635022.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Han Hui, Chen Shuai, Li Mingyang. 2021. A fragile soil moisture environment exacerbates the climate change-related impacts on the water use by Mongolian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) in northern China: Long-term observations. Agricultural Water Management, 251:106857, doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2021.106857.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Lu Ping, Yang Wenbin, Han Hui, Zhang Jun. 2019. Drought-induced reductions and limited recovery in the radial growth, transpiration, and canopy stomatal conductance of Mongolian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv): A five-year observation. Forests, 10(12): 1143. doi:10.3390/f10121143.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhang Lizhen, Yang Wenbin, Feng Jinchao, Han Hui, Chen Yiben. 2019. Severe drought strongly reduces water use and its recovery ability of mature Mongolian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv.) in a semi-arid sandy environment of northern China. Journal of Arid Land, 11(6): 880-891. doi: 10.1007/s40333-019-0029-2.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Han Hui, Zhang Xueli, Chen Shuai, Li Mingyang, Liu Chunying. 2022. Key strategies underlying the adaptation of Mongolian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) in sandy land under climate change: A review. Forests, 13(6): 846.doi: 10.3390/f13060846.

  • Li Mingyang, Dang Hongzhong*, Chen Shuai, et al. 2023. Sap flow variation in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantation at the southern margin of Mu Us sandy land and its response to environmental factors. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment, 37(04): 153-161.

  • Liu Chunying, Dang Hongzhong*, Chen Shuai, et al. 2023.  Differences and mechanisms on water use of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forests with different origins. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 34(10): 2619-2628.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhang Xueli, Han Hui, et al. 2022. Research advances on forest-water relationships in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantations for sand dune immobilization and guidance to forest management practices. Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology, 46(9): 971-983.

  • Chen Shuai, Dang Hongzhong*, Cong Richun, et al. 2022. Laws of transpiration conductance variables driven by atmospheric were compared in apple orchards on the Loess Plateau. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 42(18): 7553-7564.

  • Chen Shuai, Dang Hongzhong*, Mu Biaobiao, et al. 2021. Heat characteristics and its variation with growing stages in non-irrigat-ed apple orchard system of the Loess Plateau. Journal of Fruit Science, 38(2): 783-792.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Feng Jinchao, Wang Mengmeng, et al. 2020. A study on water demand characteristics of apple trees in different growing stages in the Loess Plateau Area. Journal of Fruit Science, 37(05): 659-667.

  • Chi Linlin, Han Hui, Dang Hongzhong*, et al. 2020. Relationships between stem sap flow rate of Pinus densiflora var. zhangwuensis and environmental factors. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment, 34(01): 186-191.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Que Xiaoe, Feng Jinchao, et al. 2020. Effeet of soil moisture on water potential gradients in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC) of apple orchards in the Loess Plateau, northwest China. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 31(3): 829-836.

  • Feng Jinchao, Dang Hongzhong*, Wang Mengmeng, et al. 2020. Dynamics of soil moisture in apple orchards in the growing season in the Loess Region of western Shanxi. Research of Soil and Water Conservation, 27(1): 139-145.

  • Han Hui, Zhang Xueli, Dang Hongzhong*, et al. 2020. Inter-annual variation of transpiration intensity of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica stand on the southern margin of Horqin sandy land and its relationship with precipitation and groundwater level. Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 56(11): 33-42.

  • Wang Mengmeng, Dang Hongzhong*, Li Gangtie, et al. 2020. Sap flux density characteristics of apple orchards and their relationship with environmental factors in gully region of Loess Plateau. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 22(5): 1-8.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Feng Jinchao, Han Hui. 2020. Characteristics of azimuthal variation of sap flux density in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica grown in sandy land. Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 56(01): 29-37.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Feng Jinchao, Dong Ruixiang, et al. 2019.  Effects of late frost damage on water use of apple trees in Loess Plateau area. Forest Research, 32(04): 137-143.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Feng Jinchao, Que Xiaoe, et al. 2019. Study on azimuthal variation of sap flow velocity of apple trees in Loess Plateau area, western Shanxi Province. Forest Research, 32(02): 46-52.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Que Xiaoe, Feng Jinchao, et al. 2019. Response of sap flow rate of apple trees to environmental factors in Loess Platea of western Shanxi Province, China. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 30(03): 823-831.

  • Feng Jinchao, Dang Hongzhong*, Cong Richun, et al. 2019.  Dynamic characteristics of soil moisture under different land use types in Loess Region. Journal of Shandong Agricultural University (Natural Science Edition), 50(04): 729-734.

  • Han Hui, Zhang Xueli, Dang Hongzhong*, et al. 2019. Azimuthal variation of the sap flow rate in the trunk of Pinus densiflora planted in sandy land. Forest Research, 32(02): 39-45.

  • He Xiudao, Dang Hongzhong*, Wang Li, et al. 2016. Simulation and analysis of soil water retention curves within and between hedgerows in northern China farm systems. Acta Prataculturae Sinica (07): 42-51.

  • Lv Wenqiang, Dang Hongzhong*, Wang Li, et al. 2016. The spatial differentiation of soil properties under banded vegetation systems on the Loess Plateau. Acta Prataculturae Sinica (10): 21-30.

  • Lv Wenqiang, Dang Hongzhong*, Zhou Zefu, et al. 2015. The differential characteristics of soil moisture-physical properties under banded hedgerows in northern China. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 29(03): 86-91.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Yang Wenbin, Li Wei, et al. 2015. Radial pattern and time lag of sap flow in Populus alba var. pyramidalis. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 35(15): 5110-5120.

  • Han Hui, Zhang Xueli, Dang Hongzhong*, et al. 2015. Study on proper stand density of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantation in sandy land based on stem sap flow velocity. Forest Research, 28(6): 797-803.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Dang Hanjin, Li Wei, et al. 2015. Comparison of soil water retention characteristics for different part of two kinds of hedgerow system in Loess Area. Bulletin of Soil and Water Conservation, 35(03): 78-84.

  • Wang Linhe, Dang Hongzhong*, Zhang Guosheng, et al. 2014.  Distribution and biomass of natural Juniperus sabina community in China. Journal of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University (Natural Science Edition) (01): 37-45.

  • Wang Yongsheng, Dang Hongzhong*, Wang Linhe, et al. 2014. Preliminary analysis on the geographical differences of growth characteristics of Juniperus sabina Ant. in China. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment (11): 98-102.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Yang Wenbin, Li Wei, et al. 2014. Radial variation and time lag of sap flow of Populus gansuensis in Minqin Oasis, Northwest China. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 25(09): 2501-2510.

  • Dang Hanjin, Dang Hongzhong*, Li Yonghua, et al. 2014. Soil water redistribution pattern of Caragana intermedia hedgerow system in semi-arid area. Forest Research, 27(06): 745-751.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Li Wei, Li Yonghua, et al. 2012. Difference of sap flow rate of Populus bolleana Lauche along trunk axial direction. Forest Research, 25(06): 739-744.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Li Wei, Zhang Youyan, et al. 2012. Impacts of water stored in sapwood Populus bolleana on its sap flux. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 32(24): 7801-7807.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhang Jinsong, Zhao Yusen. 2010.   Application of the thermal dissipation probe technique in studying the sap flow in taproot of Caragana korshinskii. Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 46(3): 29-36.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhou Zefu, Zhang Jinsong, et al. 2010. The relationships between ΔT(max) and meteorological factors and determining a suitable ti me step in calculating taproot sap flow of Caragana korshinskii. Acta Ecologica Sinica (03): 587-593.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhang Jinsong, Li Wei. 2009. Preliminary study on relationship between taproot sap flow and leaf area of Caragana korshinskii. Forest Research, 22(05): 635-640.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Dong Tieshi, Zhao Yusen. 2008. Study on canopy interception of Fraxinus mandshurica. Forest Research (05): 657-661.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Dong Tieshi, Zhao Yusen. 2007. Canopy interception of Pinus koraiensis. Journal of Northeast Forestry University (10): 4-6.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhou Zefu, Zhao Yusen, et al. 2006. Soil hydrological characteristics of water conservation forest in Qilian Mountains. Forest Research (01): 39-44.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhou Zefu, Zhao Yusen. 2005. Study on forest interception of Picea crassif olia. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation (04): 60-64.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhou Zefu, Zhao Yusen. 2005. Drought resistibility of main tree species in water conservation forest of Qilian Moutains. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology (12): 2241-2247.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhao Yusen, Chen Xiangwei, et al. 2004. Soil water characteristics in Picea crassifolia forestry lands in Qilian Mountains. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology (07): 1148-1152.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhao Yusen, Chen Xiangwei. 2004. Law of the water transfer process of water-conversation forest in Qilian Mountains. Chinese Journal of Eco-Agriculture (02): 48-51.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhao Yusen. 2003. Application of water-harvesting, water-keeping and water-supplying technologies to afforestation in arid＆semi-arid areas. Journal of Northeast Forestry University (03): 8-10.

  • Dang Hongzhong, Zhao Yusen, Chen Xiangwei. 2003. Study on drought resistance of tree species on Plateau Hill in Gansu. Science of Soil and Water Conservation (03): 21-25.

Other results

  • Patent "Recorder of deep soil water leakage" (ZL201110252184.7) (rank 2)

  • Group Standard "Technical specifications for recycling biomass materials in northern orchards" (T/CNSC 001-2021) (rank 1)

  • Group Standard "Technical specifications for coupling water and fertilizer in mountainous apple orchards on the Loess Plateau" (T/CNSC 002-2021) (rank 1)