Shrub encroachment impaired the structure and functioning of alpine meadow communities on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

• DOI: 10.1002/ldr.4323
• Publication Date: 2022-05-03T17:51:29Z
• Authors: Zhenchao Zhang; Yi‐Fan Liu; Zeng Cui; Ze Huang; Yu Liu; Pedro A. M. Leite; Jingxue Zhao; Gao‐Lin Wu
• Keywords: Carex

Abstract Shrub encroachment has been rapidly occurring due to climate change, with profound ecological consequences for the alpine meadows of Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Here, we conducted field surveys along a shrub coverage gradient examine effects on structure and functioning meadows' plant communities. Our results showed that overall coverage, density, aboveground biomass, species richness, diversity meadow community gradually declined increasing levels encroachment, especially when exceeded 60%. Aboveground ecosystem multifunctionality also decreased gradient. With 90% relative importance value forbs functional group significantly increased while Cyperaceae opposite trend: originally dominant sedges Carex moorcroftii Kobresia myosuroides were replaced by Androsace umbellate Polygonum sparsipilosum . Additionally, had strong effect nonrandom herb extinction colonization. At coverages higher than 60%, there 9 absent 18 new colonizing—7 which only observed in coverage. Rare those lower stature more likely go extinct, taller shade‐tolerant tended colonize areas Overall, our indicate negatively affects herbaceous functioning, important implications management Plateau under ongoing change.