Effects of Different Grazing Intensities on Vegetation Community Structure and Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Alpine Meadow

Abstract:

Grazing is the most basic utilization method of alpine meadows on the QinghaiTibet Plateau. The sustainable use of alpine meadow ecosystem is closely related to the intensity of grazing. In this study, three grazing intensity treatments and one control were set up in Luqu County on the eastern edge of the QinghaiTibet Plateau, and the responses of vegetation community structure and soil physical and chemical properties to grazing intensity were analyzed. The results showed that vegetation cover, height and aboveground biomass all decreased with the increase of grazing intensity. Species richness was highest under moderate grazing. Moderate grazing can significantly increase the proportion of sedge. Weeds increased with grazing intensity. Soil water content and organic matter decreased with the increase of grazing intensity. There was no significant change in pH and total phosphorus, and the soil bulk density changed irregularly. Total nitrogen, total potassium and available potassium increased first and then decreased with the increase of grazing intensity. Available phosphorus increased with the increase of grazing intensity. According to the comprehensive analysis, moderate grazing can significantly improve the vegetation community structure and soil physical and chemical properties, which is beneficial to the sustainable use of alpine meadows.