Diversity and Distribution Characteristics of Spontaneous Plants in Urban Industrial Wasteland in Harbin

: [Objective] In the context of urban densification and continuous expansion, the creation of new green spaces faces enormous financial and spatial challenges, placing considerable strain on urban biodiversity conservation efforts. The ongoing process of urbanization brings forth a multitude of wastelands, characterized by the exuberance of spontaneous plants due to poor management and utilization. These plants offer a range of ecosystem services such as regulation, aesthetics, and recreation for the city. Taking Harbin, a representative old industrial city, as an example, this research investigates the species diversity of spontaneous plants in urban industrial wastelands, with a focus on the influence of habitat type, succession stage, disturbance intensity, and surface type on diversity distribution of spontaneous plants. Additionally, the research explores the potential of utilizing spontaneous plants in industrial wastelands as a strategy for creating sustainable and low-maintenance landscape while safeguarding biodiversity. [Methods] Utilizing historical maps from Google Earth 7.3.0, along with urban and rural planning data, the research selects seven industrial wasteland sites within Harbin City’s Third Ring Road for investigation. The research, spanning from September 2020 to June 2021, involves a combination of desk analysis and fieldwork. Employing both the grid system sampling method and the typical sample plot method, the research records a total of 875 quadrats, and meticulously documents. information on the species name, height, cover, habitat type, succession stage, disturbance intensity, and surface type of spontaneous plants. Specifically, habitat types are classified as grassland, woodland, building periphery, wall edge, road edge, and forest edge habits. Succession stages are classified as pioneer, intermediate, mature, and spontaneous woodland stages. Surface types are classified as soil, gravel, cinder, railroad track, and waterlogging surfaces. Disturbance intensity, based on human trampling and occupancy