The community vegetation composition and stability characteristics of alpine meadow under two grazing modes

doi:10.11686/cyxb2018571

Abstract

Abstract: Identifying the optimum grazing management regime is not only beneficial for maintenance of grassland health and productivity, but also for enhancing grassland stability. This research analyzed the importance value of species, the vegetation community characteristics, the biomass composition of functional groups, the Raunkiaer frequency coefficient of species, the degree of grassland succession, and the soil nutrient levels of alpine meadow under cold season grazing (CSG) and warm and cold season grazing (WCSG) in the northeast margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The aim in collecting these data was to clarify the characteristics of vegetation composition change and community stability of grazing grasslands subject to the two different grazing regimes, and provide evidence to identify the suitable grazing management regime. It was found that: 1) The dominant species were Poa crymophila for CSG grassland, and Kobresia humilis and Elymus nutans for WCSG grassland. The aboveground biomass dominated by grasses (86.5%) for CSG grassland, while it dominated by sedges (59.1%) for WCSG grassland. 2) The herbage height, vegetation cover and total aboveground biomass of the CSG grassland were significantly higher than those of the WCSG grassland (P<0.001 or P<0.01), with the CSG being about 6.5, 1.1 and 3.0 times as much as the WCSG, respectively. The number of species present in the WCSG grassland was 1.3 times higher (P<0.05) than in the CSG grassland. 3) The hemicryptophyte presence in the CSG grassland was 1.4 times higher (P<0.001) than in the WCSG grassland. However, the biomass proportion of geophytes and therophytes under the CSG grassland were lower than those under the WCSG grassland (P<0.01 or P<0.05), with the former being 18.2% and 6.8% of the latter for geophytes and therophytes, respectively. 4) The CSG management regime was beneficial to the soil organic C and total N contents of the grassland soils. 5) The Raunkiaer frequency coefficient of species of CSG grasslands was a typical anti- “J” diagram, and the CSG grassland community tended to be relatively mature and stable. This research suggests that the CSG management regime can encourage the alpine meadow succession from a sedge/forb community to a grass/forb community, and can further enhance the grassland community stability.

Key words: cold season grazing, warm and cold season grazing, species composition, biomass composition, Raunkiaer frequency coefficient, degree of succession, soil nutrients

SHI Ying, HU Ting-hua, GAO Hong-juan, LUO Qiao-yu, YU Ying-wen. The community vegetation composition and stability characteristics of alpine meadow under two grazing modes[J]. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2019, 28(9): 1-10.

References

[1] Wang W Y, Wang Q J.The structure and plant species diversity of the degraded ecosystems in alpine Kobresia meadow. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2001, 10(3): 8-14.
王文颖, 王启基. 高寒嵩草草甸退化生态系统植物群落结构特征及物种多样性分析. 草业学报, 2001, 10(3): 8-14.
[2] Liu X Y, Long R J, Shang Z H.Interactive mechanism of service function of alpine rangeland ecosystems in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2012, 32(24): 7688-7697.
刘兴元, 龙瑞军, 尚占环. 青藏高原高寒草地生态系统服务功能的互作机制. 生态学报, 2012, 32(24): 7688-7697.
[3] Lin L, Cao G M, Li Y K, et al. Effects of human activities on organic carbon storage in the Kobresia hummilis meadow ecosystem on the Tibetan Plateau. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2010, 30(15): 4012-4018.
林丽, 曹广民, 李以康, 等. 人类活动对青藏高原高寒矮嵩草草甸碳过程的影响. 生态学报, 2010, 30(15): 4012-4018.
[4] Ren Q J, Wu G L, Ren G H.Effect of grazing intensity on characteristics of alpine meadow communities in the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2009, 18(5): 256-261.
仁青吉, 武高林, 任国华. 放牧强度对青藏高原东部高寒草甸植物群落特征的影响. 草业学报, 2009, 18(5): 256-261.
[5] Pachauri R, Reisinger A.Climate change 2007: Synthesis report. Contribution of working groups I, II and III to the fourth assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change. Speculum, 2007, 77(2): 586-588.
[6] Kotzé E A, Sandhage-Hofmann J A, Meinel W, et al. Rangeland management impacts on the properties of clayey soils along grazing gradients in the semi-arid grassland biome of South Africa. Journal of Arid Environments, 2013, 97(12): 220-229.
[7] Li W, Cao W X, Li X L, et al. Effect of different grazing management on soil nutrient characteristics in alpine meadow-steppe. Grassland and Turf, 2016, 36(2): 8-13.
李文, 曹文侠, 李小龙, 等. 放牧管理模式对高寒草甸草原土壤养分特征的影响. 草原与草坪, 2016, 36(2): 8-13.
[8] Liu Y, Liu Z H, Deng L, et al. Species diversity and functional groups responses to different seasonal grazing in alpine grassland. Pratacultural Science, 2016, 33(7): 1403-1409.
刘玉, 刘振恒, 邓蕾, 等. 季节性放牧对草地植物多样性与功能群特征的影响. 草业科学, 2016, 33(7): 1403-1409.
[9] Grace J B.The factors controlling species density in herbaceous plant communities: An assessment. Perspectives in Plant Ecology Evolution and Systemaics, 1999, 2(1): 1-28.
[10] Zhao K, Baoyin T G T. Effect of seasonal grazing use on productivity of grassland community. Chinese Journal of Grassland, 2014, 36(1): 109-115.
赵康, 宝音陶格涛. 季节性放牧利用对典型草原群落生产力的影响. 中国草地学报, 2014, 36(1): 109-115.
[11] Yang Y, Liu A J, Li L H, et al. Effects of different disturbance types on plant species composition and functional group characteristics of typical steppe in Inner Mongolia, China. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2016, 27(3): 794-802.
杨勇, 刘爱军, 李兰花, 等. 不同干扰方式对内蒙古典型草原植物种组成和功能群特征的影响. 应用生态学报, 2016, 27(3): 794-802.
[12] Li Y Q, Zhao J B.Effects of overgrazing on ecological and environmental construction and measurement. Journal of Desert Research, 2005, 25(3): 404-408.
李瑜琴, 赵景波. 过度放牧对生态环境的影响与控制对策. 中国沙漠, 2005, 25(3): 404-408.
[13] Cao W X, Li W, Li X L, et al. Effect of nitrogen fertilization on plant community structure and soil nutrient in alpine meadow-steppe. Journal of Desert Research, 2015, 35(3): 658-666.
曹文侠, 李文, 李小龙, 等. 施氮对高寒草甸草原植物群落和土壤养分的影响. 中国沙漠, 2015, 35(3): 658-666.
[14] Shan G L, Xu Z, Ning F, et al. Influence of seasonal exclosure on plant and soil characteristics in typical steppe. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2009, 18(2): 3-10.
单贵莲, 徐柱, 宁发, 等. 围封年限对典型草原植被与土壤特征的影响. 草业学报, 2009, 18(2): 3-10.
[15] Li Y Y, Dong S K, Li X Y, et al. Effect of grassland enclosure on vegetation composition and production in headwater of Yellow River. Acta Agrestia Sinica, 2012, 20(2): 275-279.
李媛媛, 董世魁, 李小艳, 等. 围栏封育对黄河源区退化高寒草地植被组成及生物量的影响. 草地学报, 2012, 20(2): 275-279.
[16] Zhang H S, Shao X Q, Liu G H, et al. Effects of enclosing and shallow ploughing as improvement technologies on the vegetation restoration of degraded Leymus chinensis (Trin.) tzvel meadow grassland. Acta Agrestia Sinica, 2010, 18(3): 339-351.
张洪生, 邵新庆, 刘贵河, 等. 围封、浅耕翻改良技术对退化羊草草地植被恢复的影响. 草地学报, 2010, 18(3): 339-351.
[17] Gao Y H, Chen H, Luo P, et al. Effect of grazing intensity on biomass of alpine meadow and its allocation in the Northwestern Sichuan. Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment, 2008, 24(3): 26-32.
高永恒, 陈槐, 罗鹏, 等. 放牧强度对川西北高寒草甸植物生物量及其分配的影响. 生态与农村环境学报, 2008, 24(3): 26-32.
[18] Li J Q, Zhao M, Wei B, et al. Effect of fairy ring formation on community vegetation structures and stability in alpine meadows. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2018, 27(4): 1-9.
李佳琪, 赵敏, 魏斌, 等. 蘑菇圈形成对高寒草甸群落植被结构及稳定性的作用. 草业学报, 2018, 27(4): 1-9.
[19] Wang W Y, Wang Q J, Wang G, et al. Effects of land degradation and rehabilitation on vegetation carbon and nitrogen content of alpine meadow in China. Journal of Plant Ecology, 2007, 31(6): 1073-1078.
王文颖, 王启基, 王刚, 等. 高寒草甸土地退化及其恢复重建对植被碳、氮含量的影响. 植物生态学报, 2007, 31(6): 1073-1078.
[20] Niu L, Liu Y H, Li Y, et al. Microbial community structure of the alpine meadow under different grazing styles in Naqu prefecture of Tibet. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2015, 26(8): 2298-2306.
牛磊, 刘颖慧, 李悦, 等. 西藏那曲地区高寒草甸不同放牧方式下土壤微生物群落结构特征. 应用生态学报, 2015, 26(8): 2298-2306.
[21] Niu Y J, Yang S W, Wang G Z, et al. Relation between species distribution of plant community and soil factors under grazing in alpine meadow. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2017, 28(12): 3891-3898.
牛钰杰, 杨思维, 王贵珍, 等. 放牧作用下高寒草甸群落物种分布与土壤因子的关系. 应用生态学报, 2017, 28(12): 3891-3898.
[22] Yang Z M, Li J L, Du G M, et al. Grassland unitization and feed budget of tan-sheep under grazing conditions in Ningxia arid grassland. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2010, 19(1): 35-41.
杨智明, 李建龙, 杜广明, 等. 宁夏滩羊放牧系统草地利用率及草畜平衡性研究. 草业学报, 2010, 19(1): 35-41.
[23] Ren J Z.Research methods of grassland science.Beijing:China Agricultural Press, 1998: 45-56.
任继周. 草业科学研究方法. 北京:中国农业出版社, 1998: 45-56.
[24] Nanjing Institute of Soil Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Soil physicochemical analysis.Shanghai:Shanghai Science and Technology Publishing House, 1983.
中国科学院南京土壤研究所. 土壤理化分析. 上海:上海科学技术出版社, 1983.
[25] Tainton N M.The relative contribution of overstocking and selective grazing to the degeneration of tall grassveld in natal. Proceedings of the Annual Congresses of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa, 1972, 7(1): 39-43.
[26] Hopkins D W, Shiel R S, O'Donnell A G. The influence of sward species composition on the rate of organic matter decomposition in grassland soil. European Journal of Soil Science, 1988, 39(3): 385-392.
[27] Gu C, Du Y F, Wu L J, et al. Effects of stocking rates on the biomass of desert steppe community and plant functional group. Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2015, 24(12): 1962-1968.
古琛, 杜宇凡, 乌力吉, 等. 载畜率对荒漠草原群落及植物功能群生物量的影响. 生态环境学报, 2015, 24(12): 1962-1968.
[28] Zhang X Y, Hu Y K, Li K H, et al. The changes of community structure and above ground biomassin Stipa purpurea steppe of enclosure. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment, 2009, 23(1): 197-200.
张晓艳, 胡玉昆, 李凯辉, 等. 围封条件下紫花针茅群落主要结构特征和地上生物量变化. 干旱区资源与环境, 2009, 23(1): 197-200.
[29] Sun T, Bi Y F, Zhao X S, et al. Diversity and biomass of shrub-grasser vegetation of mountain grassland under enclosure. Journal of Yunnan Agricultural University, 2007, 22(2): 246-250.
孙涛, 毕玉芬, 赵小社, 等. 围栏封育下山地灌草丛草地植被植物多样性与生物量的研究. 云南农业大学学报, 2007, 22(2): 246-250.
[30] Wei B, Wang Y, Guan S Q, et al. The vegetation composition and interspecific association of patches distributing in Polygonum viviparum alpine meadow on Northeast Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Pratacultural Science, 2016, 33(8): 1618-1624.
魏斌, 王莹, 关士琪, 等. 青藏高原东北缘高寒草甸珠芽蓼斑块植被构成和种间关联. 草业科学, 2016, 33(8): 1618-1624.
[31] Li X R, Zhang J G, Liu L C, et al. Plant diversity in the process of succession of artificial vegetation types and environment in an arid desert region of China. Acta Phytoecologica Sinica, 2000, 24(3): 257-261.
李新荣, 张景光, 刘立超, 等. 我国干旱沙漠地区人工植被与环境演变过程中植物多样性的研究. 植物生态学报, 2000, 24(3): 257-261.
[32] Dong Q M, Li Q Y, Ma Y S, et al. Effect of yak stocking rates on aboveground and belowground biomass on Kobrecia parva alpine meadows. Prataculture & Animal Husbandry, 2004, (2): 20-27.
董全民, 李青云, 马玉寿, 等. 牦牛放牧率对小嵩草高寒草甸地上、地下生物量的影响初析. 草业与畜牧, 2004, (2): 20-27.
[33] Tilman D, Wedin D.Plant traits and resource reduction for five grasses growing on a nitrogen gradient. Ecology, 1991, 72(2): 685-700.
[34] Ruiz-Jaen M C, Mitchell Aide T. Restoration success: How is it being measured? Restoration Ecology, 2010, 13(3): 569-577.
[35] Cao J J, Wang X Y, Li M T, et al. Effects of grassland management on soil nutrients and their spatial distribution on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018, 29(6): 1839-1845.
曹建军, 王雪艳, 李梦天, 等. 青藏高原草地管理方式对土壤养分及其空间分布的影响. 应用生态学报, 2018, 29(6): 1839-1845.
[36] Wang C T, Long R J, Ding L M, et al. Species diversity, community stability and ecosystem function-extension of the continuous views. Pratacultural Science, 2005, 22(6): 1-7.
王长庭, 龙瑞军, 丁路明, 等. 草地生态系统中物种多样性、群落稳定性和生态系统功能的关系. 草业科学, 2005, 22(6): 1-7.