From arid deserts to mesic meadows: divergent pathways regulating microbial respiration under grassland enclosure.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

As a pivotal restoration strategy for alleviating grassland degradation, long-term enclosure practices effectively eliminate livestock disturbances while facilitating ecosystem self-recovery. Understanding the dynamics of soil microbial respiration under enclosure management is crucial, as it provides a scientific foundation for optimizing grassland utilization and contributes to global research on the terrestrial carbon cycle.

Methods

We conducted a comparative study across three distinct enclosed grassland ecosystems in Xinjiang, China: temperate desert, temperate steppe, and mountain meadow. Through analyzing microbial community structure, diversity, assembly processes, and respiration rates between 9-year enclosed and grazed areas, we identified key ecologic

SUBMITTER: Julihaiti A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12598781 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature