Eurasian Steppe Research Articles

An Examination of the Ming Empire’s Inner Asianness: Focusing on Qing Dynasty Analogies

Abstract Among overseas “New Qing History” scholars, the Ming Empire is typically interpreted as an ethnically Han-Chinese regime that lacked the characteristics of Inner Asian polities. This author, however, asserts that this view is incorrect. Like the Qing, the emperors of the Ming ruled as qaghans over their northern steppe subjects and as the incarnation of the bodhisattva Manjusri in the eyes of Tibetan-Mongolian Buddhists. Also like their Qing dynasty counterparts, the Ming Empire produced multilingual documents, combining Chinese and ethnic minority scripts, a potent symbol of their “universal” rule. Lastly, the Ming emperors also actively pursued a policy of promoting governance through religion, creating a cultural and political legacy that would come to directly shape later relations between the Qing empire and the frontier regions of their empire.

Grassland irrigation and grazing prohibition have significantly affected vegetation and microbial diversity by changing soil temperature and moisture, evidences from a 6 years experiment of typical temperate grassland

Grasslands are characterized by high primary productivity and offer a diverse array of ecosystem services that contribute to human well-being. The dynamic balance between vegetation-soil in grassland ecosystems is being affected by anthropogenic activities and climate change, in which soil microbial communities play a critical regulating role. However, how microbial biodiversity interacts with vegetation-soil and responds to environmental change remains unclear. We conducted a six-year field experiment in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia to study the effects of grazing and altered precipitation on major vegetation types (or species), soil properties, and microbial community composition. The results showed that increased precipitation influenced positive associations within microbial communities, which helped to increase vegetation diversity. The biomass of Stipa.sareptana increased by 0.054 % under reduced precipitation, while it significantly increased by 2.07 % under the combination of grazing ban and reduced precipitation. Grazing prohibition had a significant negative effect on bacterial diversity and Shannon's index, but a significant positive effect on fungal diversity and abundance. Increasing precipitation had no significant effect on bacterial diversity under grazing conditions, while decreasing precipitation significantly reduced the Shannon index of bacteria. Fungal communities were very sensitive to changes in precipitation, and both increasing and decreasing precipitation significantly affected the structure of fungal communities. In summary, our results highlight how grassland irrigation and moderate grazing can be employed as a management strategy to promote plant diversity and thereby improve ecosystem functioning and resilience.

The effect of nitrogen input on methane uptake in a wet and a dry year from a temperate desert steppe

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas, and soils in arid region can oxidise large amounts of atmospheric methane, thereby contributing to mitigating climate warming. Elevating input of atmospheric nitrogen (N) and precipitation change significantly affect the strength of methane sink (uptake from the atmosphere), but this is still unclear in the desert steppe. Therefore, a field simulation N input (Nip) control experiment with a wet year (2019) and a dry year (2021) was done to elucidate the impact of Nip on methane sink in a typical desert steppe of Eurasia. The result showed that this desert steppe was a net sink of atmospheric methane with annaul uptake rate of 3.88 kg CH4 ha−1. And found that methane uptake was much lower in a wet year (33.9 ± 1.6 μg C m−2 h−1, 2019) than that in a dry year (46.9 ± 3.1 μg C m−2 h−1, 2021), which was mainly mediated by soil water-filled pore space. The effect of Nip on methane uptake was varied, both promoting (0.4 % – 1317%) and inhibiting (0.5% – 270.5%). And the inconsistent response of methane uptake was observed to Nip in a wet and a dry year: the methane uptake was decreased significantly with the increase of Nip rate in a wet year (p < 0.05); however, Nip did not significantly affect methane uptake overall in a dry year (p > 0.05). This may attribute to the inhibitory effect of Nip on methane uptake depended on soil moisture (p < 0.01). The abundance ratio of pmoA to mcrA gene was identified as the most significant influencing factors of methane uptake rather than soil inorganic N (NH4+-N or NO3−-N) content. Furthermore, soil moisture had an important indirect effect on methane uptake, mainly through influncing the abundance ratio of pmoA to mcrA gene. Overall, we suggest that the role of soil water-filled pore space and the abundance ratio of pmoA to mcrA gene should be considered when developing biochemical models of methane uptake in arid areas.

Root‐Borne Microbial Necromass—An Overlooked Source of Grassland Soil Organic Carbon

AbstractRoot‐borne microbial necromass carbon (MNC) is an under‐investigated contributor to soil organic carbon (SOC) in grasslands. Here we conduct a benchmark assessment of root‐borne MNC based on amino sugars in the fresh roots of 27 dominant species and mixed roots (including dead ones) of mixed species in Inner Mongolian grasslands. We find that mixed roots contain 9.1−62.4 mg g−1 MNC, which may contribute ∼10% of MNC in surface soils (0−10 cm) if all enters the soil without degradation. Root (and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; AMF) turnover rather than AMF biomass controls root‐borne MNC accumulation. Based on a microcosm decomposition experiment of mixed roots in model soils under optimal conditions (∼22°C; 60% of maximum water holding capacity), we further estimate that 43%−75% of root‐borne MNC remains after 2‐year decomposition, implying that root‐borne MNC is relatively stable. Hence, root‐borne MNC may be an overlooked potential source of soil MNC and SOC in grasslands.

Spatio-Temporal Variation and the Associated Factor Analysis of Net Primary Productivity in Grasslands in Inner Mongolia

The grassland ecosystem in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR) serves as a vital ecological barrier in northern China, and the vegetation productivity in the grasslands exhibits considerable temporal and spatial variations. However, few studies have examined the long-term variations in the NPP in the IMAR and quantified the effects of natural factors and human activities on the NPP. The study modeled the net primary productivity (NPP) of the IMAR’s grasslands using the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) model and employed linear regression, trend analysis, and spatial statistics to analyze the spatio-temporal patterns in vegetation productivity and explore the impact on the NPP of natural and socio-economic factors over the past two decades. The results reveal that the average NPP value from 2001 to 2021 was 293.80 gC∙m−2 a−1, characterized by spatial clustering of a relatively high NPP in the east, a low NPP in the west, and an annual increase of 3.26 gC∙m−2 over the years. The NPP values varied significantly across different vegetation cover types, with meadows having the highest NPP, followed by typical steppe and desert grasslands. The spatial distribution pattern and temporal changes in the grassland productivity are the result of both natural factors and human activities, including topographical properties and socio-economic indicators such as gross domestic product, night-time light, and population. The results for the NPP in the IMAR were based solely on the CASA model and, therefore, to achieve improved data reliability, exact measurements in real field conditions will be conducted in the future. The findings from the spatial clustering and temporal trajectories of the NPP and the impacts from the factors can provide useful guidance to planning grassland vegetation protection policies for the IMAR.

Intensive grazing confounds the patterns of plant compositional change along a soil pH gradient, not an aridity gradient, in the Mongolian steppe

AbstractAridity, edaphic variables and livestock grazing are major drivers of plant community composition across arid rangelands. Accumulated knowledge exists on the impact of each driver on community composition. Although previous studies have demonstrated changes in direct grazing impacts on ecosystem functions and community composition at different aridity levels, ranging from mesic to arid grasslands, whether a regional‐scale and continuous spatial pattern of plant compositional change along a gradient of aridity or edaphic variables is altered by grazing remains controversial. We compared the determinants and patterns of compositional changes with/without highly intensive grazing in the semi‐arid/arid regions of Mongolia. The compositional changes based on Bray–Curtis dissimilarity were investigated using generalized dissimilarity modeling, including geographic distance, aridity, soil pH and soil texture as independent variables. Aridity consistently had a significant impact on community composition, regardless of the region and presence/absence of grazing. However, a difference in response patterns was observed between the regions. The compositional change was steeper at the upper (drier) limit of aridity than at the lower limit in the arid region. This pattern indicates the vulnerability of plant communities to aridity shifts owing to future climate change, especially in the desert steppe of Mongolia, although the predictions of shifts in aridity are not accurate. In addition, regardless of the region, the effects of soil pH on the community composition were eliminated by the presence of grazing. Grazing may homogenize community composition by not reflecting the spatial heterogeneity of soil pH or nutrient availability via selective herbivory. Despite the potential indirect impacts of climate change on community composition via soil pH, the observations for only plant communities under intensive grazing might overlook regional biodiversity changes caused by global change drivers.

Spatial Heterogeneity Affects the Spatial Distribution Patterns of Caragana tibetica Scrubs

Caragana tibetica is a common species in the shrub-encroached desert grasslands of Inner Mongolia, China. Studying its distribution and factors can improve our grasp of shrub-encroached grassland dynamics and aid in regional biodiversity conservation. This study examined eight C. tibetica communities using point pattern analysis to assess the spatial distribution pattern (SDP) and the influencing factors of C. tibetica scrubs. We also propose a new index, i.e., the degree of deviation index (DoDI), to quantify the SDP of scrubs. The results revealed the following: (1) The shrubland of C. tibetica in the study area showed aggregated distribution on the scale of 0–30 m. On the scale of 30–50 m, the degree of aggregation gradually weakened and random distribution appeared. (2) There was not a significant correlation between SDP and environmental factors; however, DoDI showed that habitat heterogeneity had a certain impact on C. tibetica in the study area. Our research indicates that spatial heterogeneity contributes to the SDP of shrub plants in the shrub-encroached grasslands of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, and the use of DoDI enhances the ability to quantify and isolate the role of spatial heterogeneity. This study helps to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of shrub encroachment formation in grasslands.

Cultural exchange and technical artistry: Gold ornaments found in pre-imperial Qin Tomb at Ta’erpo, Shaanxi

The current study investigates the use of precious metals, aesthetic taste, manufacturing techniques, and craftworking practices in the pre-imperial Qin period before the unification of China, focusing on an interdisciplinary study of gold ornaments discovered at the Ta’erpo cemetery in Xianyang, dating to the 4th-3rd centuries BCE. Employing multi-spectral analytical methods, including 3D Digital Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), we conducted non-invasive analyses and technological study of a selection of gold artefacts. The results reveal the mastery of sophisticated techniques, including granulation and filigree, which were rarely seen in central China prior to the 2nd century BCE. These delicate decorative techniques required precision, skill and deep understanding of gold metalworking, which demonstrated a high level of technological competence among Qin craftsmen. The investigated ornaments were crafted from very pure gold with content reaching up to 99.62 wt% gold, a rarity among early Chinese gold artefacts. Examining pre-imperial Qin goldwork within a broader Eurasian context reveals that these innovative artistic styles and decorative techniques were originally intertwined with wider influences from the Hellenistic world and the central Asian steppes. This research enriches the understanding of ancient civilization's interconnectedness and the ability of local goldsmith to adapt and integrate foreign influences into their own artistic traditions.

Responses of plant stoichiometric niche to locust disturbance with different densities in Inner Mongolia grasslands

Producers, consumers, decomposers and their relationships are all important biological components of a healthy ecosystem. Grasshoppers (including locusts) have been extensively studied as a group of members of grassland ecosystems. However, the effects of different degrees of locust disturbance on plant niches remain unclear. We carried out a field experiment by manipulating locust (Oedaleus asiaticus) grazing at different densities in the Inner Mongolia Grassland Ecosystem Research Station in northern China, to investigate the outcome of locust plague on plant C:N:P stoichiometric niche. Based on the Copula function with improved modelling methods to simulate the stoichiometric niche projection map of different plants, we found that Leymus chinensis and Stipa grandis, after being disturbed by locusts, had a relatively larger niche space and niche overlap among the seven plant species, indicating that they remained the dominant species in the area. Achnatherum sibiricum, Cleistogenes squarrosa, and Koeleria cristata showed little change in their C:N:P stoichiometric niche in response to locust plague, while the mechanisms involving stoichiometric niche variation were not the same in these plants; food importance to locust and physiology (e.g., photosynthesis pathway type) may account for this. Our results suggest that a heavy degree of locust plague might benefit the expansion of chemical niche space (species' niche in chemical resource utilization) in some plants in Inner Mongolian grasslands, but does not necessarily increase their physical niche (species' niche under abiotic environmental conditions like temperature and humidity). To our knowledge, the present work is the first to study C:N:P stoichiometric niche variation in response to locust disturbance and may have significance in theoretical studies and provide guidance for the protection of biodiversity and grassland ecosystem management.

Impact of livestock activity on near-surface ground temperatures in central Mongolian grasslands

Abstract. Grazing by livestock can alter the surface conditions at grassland sites, impacting the transfer of energy between the atmosphere and ground and consequentially ground temperatures. In this study, we investigate surface cover in summer and winter and measure ground surface temperatures over 14 months at sites in central Mongolia that feature different grazing intensities (intensely and ungrazed) and topographic aspects (north- and south-facing). Overall, intense grazing leads to a substantially reduced vegetation cover, altered snow conditions, and lack of surface litter accumulation. Comparing intensely grazed and ungrazed plots shows large seasonal differences in ground surface temperatures, with grazed plots being up to +5.1 °C warmer in summer and −5.4 °C colder in winter at a south-facing site. We also find that the effect of grazing intensity depends on topographic aspect, with smaller seasonal differences of +1.4 °C and −2.5 °C found between grazed and ungrazed plots at a north-facing site. This relates to the lower available solar radiation at north-facing sites, which reduces the differences in vegetation cover between open and fenced plots. For both aspects, the seasonal differences largely offset each other, with both a small net cooling and warming depending on effects in spring and autumn. Our study suggests that livestock management could be used to modify the annual ground temperature dynamics, possibly even influencing local permafrost dynamics.

Climatic factors, but not geographic distance, promote genetic structure and differentiation of Cleistogenes squarrosa (Trin.) Keng populations.

Climate can shape plant genetic diversity and genetic structure, and genetic diversity and genetic structure can reflect the adaptation of plants to climate change. We used rbcl and trnL-trnF sequences to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic structure of C. squarrosa under the influence of different environmental factors in Inner Mongolia grassland. The results showed that the genetic diversity of this species was low. (The trnL-trnF sequences have higher genetic diversity than rbcl sequences.) C. squarrosa had low genetic diversity compared to other prairie plants, but had a more pronounced genetic structure. The haplotype network diagram of the combined sequences could be divided into two categories, and the results of the NJ, MP, and ML trees also showed that the haplotypes were divided into two branches. The results of genetic structure analysis showed that that the populations located in the desert steppe fall into exactly one cluster, and the populations located in the typical steppe fall into exactly another cluster. The neutrality tests were all negative and the mismatch distribution also showed a single peak across the population, suggesting that C. squarrosa had undergone population expansion and was well adapted to the local environment. The results of the mantel test showed that climate had a greater influence on the genetic distance of C. squarrosa, with annual precipitation having a higher influence than mean annual temperature. This study provided basic genetic information on the genetic structure of C. squarrosa and contributes to the study of genetic adaptation mechanisms in grassland plants.

Aridity and Soil Properties Drive the Shrub–Herb Interactions Along Drought Gradient in Desert Grassland in Inner Mongolia

Environmental conditions can control the structure and composition of plant communities by changing the direction and intensity of plant–plant interactions. In extreme arid regions, accompanied by water and soil nutrient limitation, positive shrub–herb interactions may vary along an aridity gradient, leading to changes in the ecological consequences of shrub encroachment. We investigated the vegetation and soil within 60 shrub patches and their paired interspaces at 20 sites from the northeast to southwest desert steppe of Inner Mongolia, China, encroached by the Caragana microphylla shrub. The results show that aridity, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil total phosphorus (TP) were the main factors driving shrub–herb interactions. The positive shrub–herb interaction first increased and then decreased with increasing aridity (in the range of De Martonne Index (DMI) 0.54 to 1.85). The DMI indirectly affected shrub–herb interaction through TP, and the facilitation of shrubs on herbs coverage and biomass increased with the increase in TP. The SOM can directly affect the shrub–herbs interaction, and the facilitation of shrubs on herb diversity decreases with the increase in SOM. Our results indicate that the shrub–herb interaction changes along the environmental stress gradient; in general, shrubs have a positive effect on herbaceous communities along the aridity gradient. This study underscores the positive effects of shrubs on vegetation restoration in desert steppes, and changing environmental conditions by increasing precipitation, increasing TP content, and reducing SOM content can enhance the facilitation of shrub on herbs to accelerate the ecological restoration of degraded desert steppe.

Effects of individual characteristics and seasonality and their interaction on ectoparasite load of Daurian ground squirrels in Inner Mongolia, China

Understanding the drivers of parasite distribution is vital for ecosystem health, disease management, and vector monitoring. While studies note the impact of host sex, size, behavior, and season on parasite load, concurrent assessments of these factors and their interactions are limited. During the spring, summer and autumn seasons from 2021 to 2023, we trapped Daurian ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus), a small rodent species that inhabits eastern Asian grasslands in Inner Mongolia and collected their ectoparasites. Using machine learning Lasso regression, we pinpointed factors affecting tick and flea abundance on S. dauricus. We then analyzed these factors and their seasonal interactions with a mixed negative binomial generalized linear model. Our study revealed significant but inconsistent seasonal effects on the load of ectoparasites. The tick load was significantly higher in spring and summer compared to autumn, while the flea load was higher in summer and autumn but lacked statistical significance. Furthermore, individual factors that influence the flea and tick load were moderated by seasonal effects, with a male bias in flea parasitism observed in spring. Significant interactions were also found among seasonality, sex, and body weight. The load of male squirrel fleas was positively correlated with body weight, with the highest increase observed in spring. On the contrary, the flea load of female squirrels showed a negative correlation with body weight, significantly decreasing in the autumn with increasing weight. Significant interactions were observed between season and survival status, with hosts exhibiting higher tick load during autumn survival. Our findings underscore the importance of considering seasonal variation in parasitism and the interactions between seasonal dynamics and host biological traits in shaping parasite distributions.

Steppe development and mammalian adaptation in the middle Miocene, North Junggar Basin, Central Asia

The Central Asian (CA) steppe ecosystem and its fauna experienced a marked transition during the Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO), though the exact process and dynamics remain elusive. We selected the Duolebulejin (DLB) section within the Junggar Basin to reconstruct vegetation and climate changes, using proxies such as particle size, mammalian fossils, and previously reported data including pollen, δ13CTOC, and magnetic susceptibility. The results reveal three distinct phases of transformation in regional vegetation and fauna from 18.8 to 13.2 Ma. During the pre-MCO (18.8–17.0 Ma), the landscape was dominated by desert scrubland, primarily inhabited by rodents. The MCO (17.0–14.5 Ma) saw a shift towards steppe vegetation, initially with herbaceous taxa followed by the establishment of C4 plants, alongside a diversity of large mammals adapted to open habitats. This suggests the emergence of savanna-like woodland steppes. In the post-MCO (14.5–13.2 Ma), the region transitioned to a dry steppe, with diminished animal populations, although a continued high proportion of species adapted to steppe environments. These findings underscore a co-evolutionary relationship between the development of steppe ecosystems and mammalian adaptations, driven by global MCO warming and subsequent cooling and with regional hydroclimatic changes acting as a modulating factor. The steppe-fauna biome emerged in the Junggar Basin during the MCO warming, a development whose mechanisms resemble those of tropical savannas in the late Miocene. These insights enhance our understanding of early steppe ecosystem evolution through past warming periods, shedding light on the pathways to modern steppe formation.

The rise and transformation of Bronze Age pastoralists in the Caucasus

The Caucasus and surrounding areas, with their rich metal resources, became a crucible of the Bronze Age1 and the birthplace of the earliest steppe pastoralist societies2. Yet, despite this region having a large influence on the subsequent development of Europe and Asia, questions remain regarding its hunter-gatherer past and its formation of expansionist mobile steppe societies3–5. Here we present new genome-wide data for 131 individuals from 38 archaeological sites spanning 6,000 years. We find a strong genetic differentiation between populations north and south of the Caucasus mountains during the Mesolithic, with Eastern hunter-gatherer ancestry4,6 in the north, and a distinct Caucasus hunter-gatherer ancestry7 with increasing East Anatolian farmer admixture in the south. During the subsequent Eneolithic period, we observe the formation of the characteristic West Eurasian steppe ancestry and heightened interaction between the mountain and steppe regions, facilitated by technological developments of the Maykop cultural complex8. By contrast, the peak of pastoralist activities and territorial expansions during the Early and Middle Bronze Age is characterized by long-term genetic stability. The Late Bronze Age marks another period of gene flow from multiple distinct sources that coincides with a decline of steppe cultures, followed by a transformation and absorption of the steppe ancestry into highland populations.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of the Pest Galeruca daurica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larvae in Response to Six Main Metabolites from Allium mongolicum (Liliaceae).

Plants are important ecological factors and food resources, which can significantly affect the occurrence and distribution of insects. The metabolites in host plants can affect the feeding, spawning, and avoidance behaviors of herbivorous insects. Galeruca daurica (Joannis) is a phytophagous pest that has seriously occurred in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia in recent years, only infesting the leaves of Allium plants. In order to clarify the effects of plant metabolites on the gene expression in G. daurica larvae at the transcriptome level, we fed the larvae of G. daurica with Allium tuberosum leaves soaked in 10% DMSO solutions containing d-galactose, β-d-glucopyranose, l-rhamnose, isoquercitrin, isoflavone, and rutin, respectively, used the larvae fed on A. tuberosum leaves soaked in a 10% DMSO solution as the control, and screened out the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by performing high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. The results showed that a total of 291 DEGs were identified compared to the solvent control (DMSO), including 130, 34, 29, 21, 72, and 97 in the isoquercitrin, isoflavone, rutin, d-galactose, β-d-glucopyranose, and l-rhamnose treatment groups, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that most DEGs were enriched in various metabolic pathways, implying that these six main primary and secondary metabolites in Allium plants may affect various metabolic processes in the larvae of G. daurica.

Multiple Maternal Lineages of &lt;i&gt;Strauchbufo raddei&lt;/i&gt; (Strauch, 1876) in Mongolia Revealed by Mitochondrial DNA

The Mongolian toad Strauchbufo raddei (Strauch, 1876) is one of widely distributed and dominated amphibian species in eastern Asian, including Mongolia. In this study, we amplified and sequenced a total of 50 samples of S. raddei, from three main regions in its Mongolian distribution range namely, Northern, Eastern, and Gobi regions. Our phylogenetic trees (Bayesian inference; BI and time-calibrated) and network analysis clearly support presence of multiple maternal mitochondrial DNA lineages for S. raddei in Mongolia. As expected, samples from these three regions were clustered separately in BI tree (Bayesian posterior probability (BPP 0.52). In addition, the population specific haplotypes, estimated genetic distances (e.g. uncorrelated p distance; ranged from 1% to 25%) and hierarchical AMOVA suggested relatively strong population genetic structure of S. raddei across Mongolia. Time-calibrated tree and ancestral range analysis showed that the first colonization of S. raddei may have occurred in Northern part of Mongolia approximately 9.63 mya, then dispersed over other parts of the country. Estimated approximate time for crossing event of S. raddei over dry steppe and semi-desert regions in Mongolia was 5.02 – 2.50 mya. Finally, high level of genetic diversity (overall; haplotype diversity, Hd = 0.93; nucleotide diversity, π = 0.011) of S. raddei were observed in Mongolia. Importantly, through this study, we contributed to closing sampling gaps in distribution range of S. raddei in Eastern Asia, which is key to better understanding species history, as well as describing cryptic lineages.

Characteristics, impacts and future research directions of Mongolian peatlands

Mongolia is an important peatland distribution area in the world. Over the past few decades, Mongolian peatlands have undergone significant degradation due to climate change and human activities, yet there remains substantial uncertainty about the impacts of Mongolian peatland changes on regional environment and human society. Here, compiling the data of peatland distribution, climate, human activity, as well as the permafrost, we systematically review the distribution, changes, and the ecosystem service values of the Mongolian peatlands in the face of climate warming and intensifying human activities. The current data show that the total area of peatland in the Mongolian is 15500~27000 km2, and most of the peatlands are distributed in permafrost regions, while the accuracies of these maps were not assessed. In addition to climate warming, overgrazing, mining activities, and transportation, we suggest permafrost degradation also poses significant threatens on the peatlands. Although the importance of Mongolian peatlands has been recognized, the ecosystem service values, including water provision, habitat quality, carbon fixation, soil conservation, and wind erosion prevention largely remain unknown. Currently, efforts have been made to protect the Mongolian grassland, but there are no specific measures to combat peatland degradation. To better understand the changes and roles of peatland ecosystems in regulating regional development, we propose three research directions for future studies: 1) produce a detailed map of peatland distribution based on field survey data, new remote sensing data, and new algorithms; 2) Unveil the mechanisms underlying the interaction of peat, vegetation, and permafrost; 3) Evaluate the ecosystem services of Mongolian peatlands. These knowledges are the scientific foundation to propose and implement measures to protect, maintain, and sustainably utilize peatlands in Mongolia.

Soil pH and drought affect nutrient resorption of Leymus chinensis in the Inner Mongolian grasslands along a 1200-km transect

Soil pH and drought affect nutrient resorption of Leymus chinensis in the Inner Mongolian grasslands along a 1200-km transect

Assessment of Prospects for Sustainable Cross‐Border Cooperation of the Russian Post‐Virgin Regions of the Urals and Siberia with the Republic of Kazakhstan

Aim. Comprehensive assessment of the stability of cross‐border cooperation between the Russian steppe regions of the Urals and Siberia and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of foreign trade and migration. To achieve the goal, a model has been developed to assess the prospects for sustainable cross‐border interaction of the Russian steppe regions of the Urals and Siberia with the Republic of Kazakhstan.The research conducted using the methodology developed made it possible to identify the problems of cross‐border interaction of Russian steppe regions with the Republic of Kazakhstan. Against the background of a decrease in general mobility of the population of the Russian steppe regions, the share of those who left for the Republic of Kazakhstan among the total number of those who left abroad had a positive trend during the period analysed in the vast majority of steppe regions of the Russian Federation. In five of the eight regions considered, the interaction is characterized as "stable" and "steady", "unstable" interaction in the field of migration only in the Altai Territory.The Tyumen Region was the leader in terms of the share in the country's export‐import operations among the steppe regions of the Russian Federation for 2015–2021. In the period under review, foreign trade turnover had a stimulating effect on the economy of the Chelyabinsk region, the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Novosibirsk region. At the same time, the most active foreign trade activity with the Republic of Kazakhstan was observed in the Altai Territory and Omsk and Kurgan regions. Stable cross‐border cooperation in the field of foreign trade with the Republic of Kazakhstan is only in place in the Kurgan region.