Frontiers in Plant Science (Aug 2024)
Initiation of rest-grazing during soil thawing improves interspecific relationships and stability of plant communities on alpine grassland
Abstract
IntroductionGrazing management is essential to maintain the stability of grassland ecosystems.MethodsTo determine the optimal rest-grazing period of alpine meadow, five rest-grazing periods were set based on soil thawing and plant re-greening in this study. The niche, interspecific relationships, and stability of plant communities at different rest-grazing periods were investigated.ResultsRest-grazing during soil thawing resulted in a small niche width and niche overlap of plants, overall positive interspecific associations, and a high stability of plant communities. Delayed rest-grazing time to plant re-greening resulted in a large niche width and niche overlap of plants, overall negative interspecific associations, and a low stability of plant communities.DiscussionRest-grazing in alpine meadows should begin as soon as possible to promote healthy and sustainable utilization of grasslands.
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