"Prospects of Grassland Carbon Sink in Inner Mongolia, China"

Abstract

Grassland is one important terrestrial ecosystem to play the essential role in global carbon cycle. With vast grassland, Inner Mongolia is one important base of animal husbandry in China. Due to irrational and immoderate cultivation and overgrazing, grassland degradation has become a severe issue for grassland ecosystem protection, as well as sharp decreasing of grassland carbon pool. However, through effective and efficient management practices, grassland ecosystem can be improved, degraded grassland can be restored, grassland carbon pool can be reinstated, and economic values of grassland carbon sink can be promoted. In this study, first, the situation of grassland degradation in Inner Mongolia was analyzed and carbon sink potential of degraded grassland was evaluated. Second, in order to choose the most suitable grassland management practices for different vegetation types, three representative sites, Siziwangqi (desert steppe), Maodeng Pasture Farm (typical steppe) and Etuokeqianqi (degraded grassland restoration), were selected to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of various grassland management practices. Finally, some suggestions for grassland management and carbon pool enhancement were proposed, accordingly.