Sustainable Pasture Management Research Articles

The increase of an allelopathic and unpalatable plant undermines reindeer pasture quality and current management in the Norwegian tundra

Ongoing Arctic greening can increase productivity and reindeer pasture quality in the tundra. However, greening may also entail proliferation of unpalatable species, with consequences for pastoral social-ecological systems. Here we show extensive greening across 20 reindeer districts in Norway between 2003 and 2020, which has reduced pasture diversity. The allelopathic, evergreen dwarf-shrub crowberry increased its biomass by 60%, with smaller increases of deciduous shrubs and no increase in forbs and graminoids, the most species rich growth forms. There was no evidence for higher reindeer densities promoting crowberry. The current management decision-making process aims at sustainable pasture management but does not explicitly account for pasture changes and reduced diversity. Large-scale shifts towards evergreening and increased allelopathy may thus undermine the resource base for this key Arctic herbivore and the pastoral social-ecological system. Management that is sensitive to changes in pasture diversity could avoid mismanagement of a social-ecological system in transition.

Long-Term Response of Floodplain Meadow Normalized Difference Vegetation Index to Hydro-Climate and Grazing Pressure: Tamir River Plains, Mongolia

The greenery of floodplain meadows in arid regions, such as Mongolia, is influenced by climate, hydrology, and land use. In this study, we analyzed the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) of two floodplain meadows located along the South Tamir and Tamir Rivers using LANDSAT images. Our goal was to observe NDVI spatial changes, variations, and mean values in mid-August every six years from 1991 to 2015 and to identify the factors driving these differences. To achieve this, we conducted variance analysis to identify changes in NDVI and implemented Principal Component Analysis to determine the influence of hydro-meteorological factors and grazing intensity. Our findings indicate a significant decrease in greenness, as measured by pixel-scale NDVI, during the late summer period. This decrease was consistently observed, except for a series of harsh winters that followed relatively dry summers, resulting in a disastrous event called dzud, which led to the death of livestock. The decrease in NDVI was amplified by lower precipitation in June, higher temperatures and wind speed in July, and increased precipitation in August, along with a higher frequency of days with convective rain. Our findings have important implications for managing grazing in Mongolia’s grasslands, promoting sustainable land use, and mitigating sandstorms. The variance and average values of NDVI at the pixel level can serve as reliable markers of sustainable pasture management in areas where other vegetation measures are limited.

Changing pasture management practices on the Greek island of Samothraki: Obstacles and opportunities

ContextOn the Greek island of Samothraki, decades of overgrazing by the large domestic population of small ruminants accelerated soil degradation and surface erosion, with direct consequences for ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services. ObjectiveThis manuscript reports on a 5-year research project to achieve more sustainable pasture management practices among small ruminant farmers on the island, through the introduction of Sown Biodiverse Pastures (SBP). This practice, based on sowing a seed mixture of legumes and grasses that increase pasture productivity, has proven to be a successful tool to overcome degradation of ruminant pastures in Portugal. MethodsLocal small ruminant farmers on Samothraki, a difficult group when it comes to the acceptance of new practices and ideas, were engaged in the transdisciplinary research process, and trained in appropriate management practices of SBP. This led to the adoption and implementation of SBP by nine farmers on 13 parcels. Results and conclusionsQuantitative data on species composition and productivity shows that the performance and persistence of SBP on Samothraki is favourable, if soil preparation and sowing is practiced as recommended, and relevant management practices are adopted. Comparing with conventional agricultural practices, i.e. annual crop – fallow rotation, productivity in SBP outperformed the forage quantity in fallow land, while yield in the annual crop was approximately equal as compared to SBP. The increasing forage capacity of SBP instigates several environmental and economic benefits, such as a reduction of grazing pressure in vulnerable areas, and less expenditure on supplementary feed requirements. However, lack of will and trust in these new practices and seed mixtures among local farmers resulted in discontinuation in almost half of the parcels. The adoption of new management practices by the farming community on Samothraki required continuous efforts, and the short-term framework of the research project did not favour long-term success. SignificanceIt is recommended for any programs aiming at changing farming practices to engage with local stakeholders, especially farmers, and to closely collaborate with local institutional partners who can carry the work forward after scientific researchers have left.

Modeling of Sustainable Land Use of Mountain Pastures in Kyrgyzstan Based on Effective Management of Livestock Practices

On the example of complex analysis of rangeland systems of Kyrgyzstan located in different natural conditions (key objects “Balykchi (Kyok-Moynok),” “Kyok-Oy,” “Suu-Samir”) the possibility of applying the methodology of sustainable land management modeling for assessment and improvement of traditional mountain pastures is shown. The main parameters of sustainable pasture management models for the considered territories were defined including 3 main groups: land potential, adverse impacts (actual processes and phenomena), risk of degradation (potential processes), whose content is divided into 8 subgroups and includes natural conditions and expanded resource potential, ability to self-recovery and sufficiency of socioeconomic conditions, natural and anthropogenic impacts and risks defined for these groups. A systematic list of successful practices in the use of mountain rangelands in Kyrgyzstan has been compiled. The analysis of different practices and their role in maintaining the sustainability of specific models, depending on the baseline situation, biophysical and socioeconomic conditions, has been conducted. The results are summarized and presented in the petal diagrams’ form. It is shown that the effectiveness of sustainable rangeland management models is determined by a set of successful practices. The article reveals a natural growth of volume and diversity of applied practices as the growth of anthropogenic potential of rangeland systems. The proposed approaches can be used as part of the practical management of rangelands by pastoralist societies and are included as methodological recommendations for the development of rangeland legislation and the assessment of the effectiveness of rangeland livestock, taking into account the completeness of the set of practices and technologies applied in different natural conditions.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Cultivar, Endophyte and Environment on the Expression of Persistence in Perennial Ryegrass Populations Using High-Throughput Phenotyping

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a commonly grown pasture species in temperate agriculture, mainly serving as a primary energy source for dairy cows. However, its limited persistence often leads to missed production potential and early resowing, especially in countries that experience summer drought, e.g., Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, understanding the factors influencing perennial ryegrass pasture persistence is crucial for sustainable land management and climate resilience in pasture-based animal production systems. Significant gaps in knowledge exist regarding the factors influencing pasture persistence, as the number of conducted studies in this area remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the expression of persistence in perennial ryegrass populations using airborne and ground-based sensors. A field experiment was conducted in the southwest region of Victoria, Australia, involving ten commercial perennial ryegrass cultivar–endophyte combinations in two different populations. Persistence was evaluated using sensor-based and conventional pasture measurements over two consecutive autumns. The results revealed significant fixed effects of cultivar, endophyte, and environment and their interactions on persistence traits of perennial ryegrass. Cultivars Alto, Samson, and One50 exhibited high levels of persistence when infected with novel endophyte strains. Furthermore, prolonged environmental stresses were found to drive directional selection within pasture populations. The findings emphasise the importance of selecting appropriate cultivar–endophyte combinations and early detection of signs of poor persistence to optimise sward longevity and financial returns from pasture-based animal production systems. This study fills a knowledge gap regarding the factors influencing pasture persistence and provides valuable insights for sustainable pasture management strategies.

Sociotechnological Sustainability in Pasture Management: Labor Input and Optimization Potential of Smart Tools to Measure Herbage Mass and Quality

Investing labor time in herbage measurements is important for precision pasture management. In this study, the labor input of three smart herbage measurement tools—multispectral imagery linked to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a semi-automated rising plate meter (RPM), and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) of cut herbage samples—and of direct observation was modeled based on the REFA work element method. Three to five users were observed during work execution to identify best-practice workflows. Time measurements were conducted using video footage. The resulting standard times of work elements were used to model labor input for herbage measurements in different farm sizes (i.e., milking platforms of 6–100 ha) and subdivisions of a farm’s milking platform (i.e., 4–45 paddocks). Labor time requirement differed between the smart farming tools (0.7–5.9 h) depending on the farm size and milking platform scenario. The labor time requirement increased for all tools with an increase in farm size and was lowest for the RPM. For the UAV tool, it did not increase noticeably when the division of the milking platform changed. Nevertheless, the potential to save time was identified for the UAV and the NIRS. Therefore, the automation of certain steps in the workflows would contribute to sociotechnological sustainable pasture management.

Appraisal of the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep systems to the organic production model

AbstractIn the Mediterranean Basin, sheep meat production systems are based on grazing, and help to conserve biodiversity, mitigate the greenhouse gases emissions and maintain the population in rural areas. However, the lack of differentiation of pastoral systems, as opposed to the intensive model, puts its continuity at risk. In this sense, organic farming can be an alternative to sustain extensive sheep-cereal production systems in marginal Mediterranean drylands. The aim of this research was to evaluate the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep production systems to the organic production model in the Mediterranean Basin, working with the autochthonous Segureña breed sheep. 46 farms were studied, classified into four clusters by mean of multivariate analysis. In order to determine the degree to which farms approached the organic model, 60 variables, grouped into nine indicators were analyzed to obtain an Organic Conversion Index (OCI). The Nutritional management indicator has a high value of approaching the organic model, as well as Animal welfare and Food safety. Marketing and business management, Breeds and reproduction, Weed and pest control and Sustainable pasture management indicators also reach a good approximation level. Only the Breeds and reproduction indicator presented values with significant differences between clusters. The average value of the OCI for the 46 farms ranges from 63 to 70%, and therefore it can be concluded that extensive meat sheep herds in the region are close to this production model. Among the recommendations that can be made to improve the conversion possibilities to the organic model are: (i) to increase own fodder production or find a way to obtain it easily and economically; (ii) to complete the plant−soil−animal cycle, (iii) to seek greater marketing autonomy and (iv) to achieve closer contact with the final consumer. At the same time, government policy both in Spain and other parts of Europe should persevere to find more ways to support the progress of this type of production, in an effort to address limitations and overcome the lack of alternative markets.

Prediction of aboveground biomass and dry‐matter content in Brachiaria pastures by combining meteorological data and satellite imagery

AbstractAboveground biomass (AGB) data are important for profitable and sustainable pasture management. In this study, we hypothesized that vegetation indexes (VIs) obtained through analysis of moderate spatial resolution satellite data (Landsat‐8 and Sentinel‐2) and meteorological data can accurately predict the AGB of Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) pastures in Brazil. We used AGB field data obtained from pastures between 2015 and 2019 in four distinct regions of Brazil to evaluate (i) the relationship between three different VIs—normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index 2 (EVI2) and optimized soil adjusted vegetation index (OSAVI)—and meteorological data with pasture aboveground fresh biomass (AFB), aboveground dry biomass (ADB) and dry‐matter content (DMC); and (ii) the performance of simple linear regression (SLR), multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF) algorithms for the prediction of pasture AGB based on VIs obtained through satellite imagery combined with meteorological data. The results highlight a strong correlation (r) between VIs and AGB, particularly NDVI (r = 0.52 to 0.84). The MLR and RF algorithms demonstrated high potential to predict AFB (R2 = 0.76 to 0.85) and DMC (R2 = 0.78 to 0.85). We conclude that both MLR and RF algorithms improved the biomass prediction accuracy using satellite imagery combined with meteorological data to determine AFB and DMC, and can be used for Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) AGB prediction. Additional research on tropical grasses is needed to evaluate different VIs to improve the accuracy of ADB prediction, thereby supporting pasture management in Brazil.

EVALUACIÓN DE LA CAPACIDAD DE CAMBIO DE LOS SISTEMAS GANADEROS DE CAMPECHE HACIA UN MODELO DE PRODUCCIÓN ORGÁNICA

<p><strong>Background. </strong>In Campeche, Mexico, livestock takes place in generally unfertilized grasslands and acahuales, where cattle rarely receive veterinary treatment. These characteristics suggest that some livestock producers could adopt organic production, but their availability for adoption is uncertain and there is little information to assess their feasibility.<strong> Objective.</strong> Evaluate the change capacity of the conventional livestock systems of Campeche with respect to the organic production model and specify the critical points in management that must be improved in the transition to organic farming.<strong> Methodology.</strong> Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 74 livestock producers belonging to the BioPaSOS-CATIE Campeche project, in locations in the municipalities of Escárcega, Champotón and Calakmul, as well as direct observations in cattle ranches. The information obtained was used in the Multi-criteria Organic Livestock Conversion Index (OLCI); built with 10 indicators and 35 variables.<strong> Results.</strong> OLCI showed a low level, but close to the intermediate level of organic standards. Indicators close to standards were: breeds and reproductive management, soil fertilization and feed management. Indicators that move away were: herd safety, ecological weed control in pastures and crops, pest and disease control in pastures and crops, veterinary prevention and treatment, animal welfare, sustainable pasture management and ecological management. <strong>Implications.</strong> The results obtained are useful for livestock producers in the state of Campeche, since strategies can be generated that allow the conversion of their production systems to an organic livestock model. They are also a benchmark for future research related to the subject of sustainability assessment or organic livestock using indicators. <strong>Conclusions. </strong>The evaluated livestock systems presented a low level of conversion to the organic production model. Critical points in management that hinder the transition to organic livestock are: sanitary hygiene control, application of synthetic herbicides and insecticides, breastfeeding up to eight months, appropriate stocking rate, use of a silvopastoral system and mainly advisory and training for organic certification, organic development plan and certification, internal control of the organic process and incentives for organic livestock production.</p>

Using a Citizen Science Approach with German Horse Owners to Study the Locomotion Behaviour of Horses on Pasture

Engaging farmers as citizen scientists may be a cost-efficient way to answering applied research questions aimed at more sustainable land use. We used a citizen science approach with German horse farmers with a dual goal. Firstly, we tested the practicability of this approach for answering ‘real-life’ questions in variable agricultural land-use systems. Secondly, we were interested in the knowledge it can provide about locomotion of horses on pasture and the management factors influencing this behaviour. Out of 165 volunteers, we selected 40 participants to record locomotion of two horses on pasture and provide information on their horse husbandry and pasture management. We obtained complete records for three recording days per horse from 28 participants, resulting in a dataset on more individual horses than any other Global Positioning System study published in the last 30 years. Time spent walking was greatest for horses kept in box-stall stables, and walking distance decreased with increasing grazing time. This suggests that restrictions in pasture access may increase stress on grass swards through running and trampling, severely challenging sustainable pasture management. Our study, involving simple technology, clear instructions and rigorous quality assessment, demonstrates the potential of citizen science actively involving land managers in agricultural research.

Sustainable management of natural pastures in Buryatia

The article deals with the issues of sustainable pasture resources management on the example of the Tunkinsky district of the Republic of Buryatia. Sustainable pasture management contributes not only to the preservation of forests, but also to the promotion of adaptation to climate change, the preservation of biodiversity, and the improvement of the living standards of the local population. The use of pasture resources provides a long-term balance between livestock numbers, fodder production and pasture productivity, while maintaining the functionality and structure of the entire ecosystem. Pasture ecosystems are dominated by plants from the families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Asteraceae. Lack of grazing leads to the decreasing share of forage species to 47% (on average), as it not used in the ecosystem. For sustainable pasture exploitation, the experimentally established structure of ecological groups is recommended: 70% for forage grass, 15% for medicinal, 7% for ruderal, 5% for poisonous, 1% for others. Unsystematic grazing of animals on pastures leads to a 2.5-3 fold reduction in species of biodiversity (27-30 species), and the family representation becomes 2 times lower. In relation to animal grazing, a total of 5 ecological groups of plants were identified. More than that, their structure, ecosystem, and economic role in stabilizing the ecological situation of pastures were established. In the course of the research conducted in the study area in environmental, economic, financial, and institutional aspects, three scenarios for the management of pasture resources are highlighted: unstable, extensive, and balanced.

Good fences are key to sustainable pasture management and harmonious pastoral society of Merak and Sakteng in Bhutan

There is limited knowledge about the traditional tsamdro management practice, particularly the building of walls and fences by the pastoral nomads of Merak and Sakteng. Conflicts related to tsamdro resource access are not a new phenomenon in Bhutanese pastoral communities. In the recent past, as an adaptive response to external economic, political, social and ecological changes, the tsamdro was nationalized. This change in policies brought a host of challenges specifically in managing the existing and building new tsamdro border structures.The objective of the study was to elucidate the motives and purposes behind the building of tsamdro structures, and to explore the historical development, significance and future of yak farming by Brokpas. We used a semi-structured questionnaire and face-to-face interview for collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from 40 yak herders opportunistically selected from both Merak and Sakteng gewogs, village block, refers to a group of villages in Bhutan Trashigang district.The study revealed that tsamdro border structures were primarily built to ensure harmony within the Brokpa society by reducing conflicts caused by livestock trespassing, but structures indirectly assisted in tsamdro management. The structures were one of the encashable family assets passed across generations and played a critical role in shaping the socio-economic developments of Brokpas. Though the tsamdro was nationalized, the Brokpas still continue to hold tsamdro ownership rights and build new tsamdro border structures to protect their livelihood. The contradiction between the government’s policy and Brokpas’ livelihood pattern will have a detrimental effect on both the social harmony of nomadic herders and the traditional tsamdro management practice. We suggest the government develop nomadic-centered policies that encourage tsamdro resource sharing within the Brokpa communities. Socio-economic development incentives are required to address the trespassing conflicts.

Effect of <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i> and <i>Burkholderia pyrrocinia</i> on the Growth Improvement and Physiological Responses in <i>Brachiaria brizantha</i>

The use of beneficial microorganisms in forage grasses is a potentially advantageous technique for a more sustainable pasture management by decreasing the need for chemical fertilization. Our aims were to determine the best method of microorganism inoculation on Brachiaria (Syn. Urochloa) brizantha cv. BRS Piata, compare the responses of inoculated plants of this forage grass with fertilized and unfertilized controls and examine its effect on some morphological, physiological and biochemical responses. On the first experiment, three inoculation methods were tested: in the seed, seed and soil, and soil, with Pseudomonas fluorescens (BRM-32111) and Burkholderia pyrrocinia (BRM-32113). In the second experiment, fertilized and unfertilized plants were either inoculated with BRM-32111, BRM-32113 and co-inoculated (BRM-32111 + BRM-32113). In a final experiment, B. brizantha was inoculated by soil drenching with BRM-32111, BRM-32113 and co-inoculated (BRM-32111 + BRM-32113), and compared to fertilized- and unfertilized-controls. The inoculation by soil drenching, at seedling stage, was more effective than inoculation only in the seed or both in the seed and by soil drenching. The fertilizer may have suppressed the beneficial bacterial effects on the growth of B. brizantha. P. fluorescens and B. pyrrocinia co-inoculated increased nitrate, protein, nitrogen concentration, Spad index (chlorophyll content), leaf area, number of tillers, net photosynthesis and total biomass production of B. brizantha plants. Our results point out to a potentially valuable source of practical information in the search of an eco-friendlier approach to increase pasture productivity.

Pastoral property rights in Central Asia

This paper examines the roles of the state, international organisations and the public in pastoral land reform in the Central Asian republics and Mongolia. In recent years new legislation has been passed in most of these countries, often driven by environmental concerns. In the development of these laws, international organisations tend to promote common property regimes, whilst governments usually emphasise individual security of tenure, each using environmental arguments taken from quite different bodies of theory. With the exception of Mongolia, pressure for reform from users themselves has been weak and focussed more on social and economic issues than on environmental problems. Across the region informal grazing practices facilitate the matching of stocking pressure to forage resources; legal frameworks which build on these are most likely to lead to sustainable pasture management.

Pasture canopy, photosynthesis and grass forage yield

O manejo eficiente e sustentável das pastagens pode ser caracterizado como o controle das relações do sistema pastoril, visando sua maior produção, melhor utilização e persistência, com reflexos positivos no desempenho zootécnico dos animais. A produção de forragem decorre da transformação de energia solar em compostos orgânicos através da fotossíntese, onde o carbono do dióxido de carbono (CO2) da atmosfera é combinado com a água e convertido em carboidratos com a utilização da energia solar, processo responsável por mais de 90% do acúmulo de biomassa nas plantas. Fatores como temperatura, luz, água e nutrientes influenciam o potencial fotossintético da planta forrageira, como decorrência de modificações no seu índice de área foliar e na sua capacidade fotossintética do dossel. A radiação luminosa, considerando-se sua ilimitada disponibilidade, é um dos fatores determinantes ao crescimento das plantas, através dos seus efeitos sobre a fotossíntese e outros processos fisiológicos, como a transpiração e a absorção de água e nutrientes. A seleção de germoplasma forrageiro com arquitetura de plantas e estrutura de dossel que maximizem a interceptação e utilização da luz é uma vantagem competitiva, proporcionando maior eficiência na transformação de energia luminosa em química. Neste contexto, práticas de manejo adequadas são essenciais para otimizar a geração e a dinâmica do fluxo de tecidos no ecossistema de pastagem, de modo a equilibrar a conflitante demanda das plantas por área foliar e a sua constante remoção através do consumo animal.

Mountain pastures of Qilian Shan: plant communities, grazing impact and degradation status (Gansu province, NW China)

Abstract Environmental degradation of pasture areas in the Qilian Mountains (Gansu province, NW China) has increased in recent years. Soil erosion and loss of biodiversity caused by overgrazing is widespread. Changes in plant cover, however, have not been analysed so far. The aim of this paper is to identify plant communities and to detect grazing-induced changes in vegetation patterns. Quantitative and qualitative relevé data were collected for community classification and to analyse gradual changes in vegetation patterns along altitudinal and grazing gradients. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was used to analyse variation in relationships between vegetation, environmental factors and differential grazing pressure. The results of the DCA showed apparent variation in plant communities along the grazing gradient. Two factors - altitude and exposure - had the strongest impact on plant community distribution. Comparing monitoring data for the most recent nine years, a trend of pasture deterioration, plant community successions and shift in dominant species becomes obvious. In order to increase grassland quality, sustainable pasture management strategies should be implemented.

Possibilities for converting conventional cattle production to the organic model in the Grijalva River Basin, Mexico

AbstractThe possibilities for converting conventional cattle production to the organic model were evaluated in the Grijalva River Basin, Mexico, and possible interventions were identified. A multi-criteria organic livestock conversion index (OLCI) with 10 indicators comprising 35 variables was used. Information was obtained through participatory workshops, direct observation, and interviews to 91 farmers of 11 different communities in the municipalities of Mazapa de Madero (n = 17), Huitiupan (n = 30), and Tacotalpa (n = 44). Results show higher OLCI values in Mazapa (56.8%) and Tacotalpa (56.7%) than in Huitiupan (49.0%). The production units evaluated show: (i) limitations with respect to indicators ecological weed control in pastures and crops, veterinary prevention and treatment, food safety, and ecological management, and (ii) strengths to reach the organic standards are: feed management, sustainable pasture management, soil fertilization, ecological pest and disease control in pastures and crops, br...

Soil carbon stocks after conversion of Amazonian tropical forest to grazed pasture: importance of deep soil layers

Recent studies suggest that carbon (C) is stored in the topsoil of pastures established after deforestation. However, little is known about the long-term capacity of tropical pastures to sequester C in different soil layers after deforestation. Deep soil layers are generally not taken into consideration or are underestimated when C storage is calculated. Here we show that in French Guiana, the C stored in the deep soil layers contributes significantly to C stocks down to a depth of 100 cm and that C is sequestered in recalcitrant soil organic matter in the soil below a depth of 20 cm. The contribution of the 50–100 cm soil layer increased from 22 to 31 % with the age of the pasture. We show that long-term C sequestration in C4 tropical pastures is linked to the development of C3 species (legumes and shrubs), which increase both inputs of N into the ecosystem and the C:N ratio of soil organic matter. The deep soil under old pastures contained more C3 carbon than the native forest. If C sequestration in the deep soil is taken into account, our results suggest that the soil C stock in pastures in Amazonia would be higher with sustainable pasture management, in particular by promoting the development of legumes already in place and by introducing new species.

Efecto del cambio de manejo de una pradera degradada sobre la resiliencia física de un suelo en la precordillera andina de la Araucanía

Although there is a broad base of information about the negative effects of grazing on pastures and soil, there are few studies that recorded a positive change in soil functioning and pasture response. Such studies are relevant because they allow analyzing the impact of management strategies on the pasture and soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery of physical properties of an Andisol in the short term, after the implementation of sustainable pasture management. Soil samples were collected at 5 cm deep in an Acrudoxic Melanudand next to the Andes in grasslands under different grazing management in the last six years (Degraded Grassland: DG and Improved Grassland: IG) and in a site used as a control (Native Forest: NF). Chemical and physical properties as well as the mechanical and functional soil resilience were determined. Soils under pastures presented higher bearing capacity, penetration resistance and bulk density. Additionally, a decrease in coarse porosity and air conductivity was observed in soils under pastures when compared to the soil under NF, which reflects the structural differences of the soil when subjected to different uses. No significant differences were found but the observed trend showed an improvement in the physical attributes of IG when compared to DG due to changes in grazing management, expecting that these differences will be accentuated in a larger period of time.

Precipitation and species composition primarily determine the diversity–productivity relationship of alpine grasslands on the Northern Tibetan Plateau

Understanding the biodiversity–productivity relationship is essential for sustainable pasture management. We performed a multi-site transect survey across three alpine grassland types, meadow, steppe and desert steppe to get some initial insights into how biotic and abiotic factors drive both aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and species richness (SR). We first explored the SR–ANPP relationship at different scales, then examined the relationship between diversity, productivity and environmental factors, and finally decomposed the relative contribution of each term to observed variations by analyses of covariance with general linear models (GLMs). The unimodal pattern, with lower corrected Akaike information criterion values, was found slightly better fitted than the positive linear one within steppe and across all three grassland types, whereas no obvious relationship was observed in meadow or desert steppe. We evaluated plant functional group composition (FGC), with species scored as 1-xerophytes, 2-mesophytes and 3-hygrophytes. Both ANPP and SR exponentially increased with growing season precipitation (GSP) and logarithmically with FGC. Results from GLMs showed that local species pool (LSP) explained 57.5 % of variation in SR and that FGC had an equal power as GSP in explaining variation in ANPP (about 31 %). Results indicate that the SR–ANPP curve is an aggregate of concurrent relationships across spatial scales and ecological levels. The relationship of the LSP and FGC with precipitation indicated a strong dependence between plants and alpine climate. Therefore, changes in species composition should be seriously considered in alpine vegetation response to potential climate change and anthropogenic disturbance.