Interactive effects of grazing and climate on grassland vegetation
diversity in arid and semi-arid regions
Abstract
In arid and semi-arid regions, grassland vegetation is the most
important element in maintaining the basic functions of ecosystems.
Plateau in northwestern China is an important hotspot area for the
research of grassland ecosystems in the global arid areas, and is facing
the dual effects of high -intensity grazing activities and significant
climate change. Study the trend of changes in vegetation under the
double influence of grassland vegetation is of great significance to
environmental management and biodiversity protection in the region.
However, the current impact of climate change and human grazing
activities on vegetation lacks substantial evidence, and its impact
mechanism is currently unclear. We conducted vegetation surveys and
analyzed the dual pressure of plant diversity index under the dual
pressure of grazing intensity and climate factors to reveal the
mechanism of interaction impact on the intensity impact. The results
showed that the vegetation was more sensitive to the rainfall during the
rainy season, and under the pressure of low grazing, the stability of
vegetation should change the stability of precipitation in the rainy
season. In addition, precipitation in the rainy season is a more
important climatic factors affecting the diversity of vegetation in
drought and semi -arid areas. In the warm and dry climate mode,
vegetation is more sensitive to grazing interference and more vulnerable
to vegetation; in the cold and humid climate mode, the stability (or
elastic) of vegetation should be higher. The results of the research
provide direct evidence for the interaction between grazing and climate
on the interaction of vegetation diversity and stability, and provide a
scientific basis for the grazing management and vegetation protection in
the arid area.