Grazing exclusion—An effective approach for naturally restoring degraded grasslands in Northern China

• DOI: 10.1002/ldr.3191
• Publication Date: 2018-10-10T18:14:34Z
• Authors: Li Wang; Yantai Gan; Martin Wiesmeier; Guiqin Zhao; Ruiyang Zhang; Guodong Han; Kadambot H.M. Sid...; Fujiang Hou
• Keywords: Soil carbon; Grassland Degradation

Abstract Nearly 90% of the 390 million ha grasslands in northern China are degraded. ‘Grazing exclusion’ has been implemented as a nature‐based solution to rejuvenate degraded grasslands, but effectiveness rejuvenation processes is uncertain. Here, we investigated effects grazing exclusion on aboveground plant community traits, soil physiochemical and biological properties, mechanisms responsible for enhanced grassland rejuvenation. A meta‐analysis across various studies was used assess effectiveness. On average, improved vegetation coverage by 18.5 percentage points increased biomass 1.13 t −1 root 1.27 , which represent an increase 84%, 246%, 31%, respectively, compared with continuous practices. Grazing reduced bulk density 13.7% water content 68.9%. Grasslands under organic carbon (SOC) 0‐ 15‐cm depth 3.95 (±0.35 Std err) total N, available P 40‐cm 2.39 (±0.14), 0.83 (±0.37), 1.96 (±0.44) grazing; these values 25%, 23%, 14%, respectively. Prolonging duration (years) practices enlarged differences SOC N between grazing. traits properties thus, this ‘nature‐based’ approach can serve effective means grasslands.