Asymmetric effects of grazing intensity on macroelements and microelements in grassland soil and plants in Inner Mongolia Grazing alters nutrient dynamics of grasslands.

ABSTRACT: Grazing is a traditional grassland management technique and greatly alters ecosystem nutrient cycling. The effects of grazing intensity on the nutrient dynamics of soil and plants in grassland ecosystems remain uncertain, especially among microelements. A 2-year field grazing experiment was conducted in a typical grassland with four grazing intensities (ungrazed control, light, moderate, and heavy grazing) in Inner Mongolia, China. Nutrient concentration was assessed in soil and three dominant plant species (Stipa krylovii, Leymus chinensis, and Cleistogenes squarrosa). Assessed quantities included four macroelements (carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg)) and four microelements (copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)). Soil total

SUBMITTER: Hou D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7452780 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature