Improving the grassland management strategies of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau based on Israeli Noy-Meir’s grazing-system dynamics model

作者：Luming Ding, Changsheng Hu, Cuixia Jiang, Zalmen Henkin · 发表于：Chinese Science Bulletin (Chinese Version) · 年份：2020 · DOI：10.1360/tb-2020-0238 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology

Grassland is one of the important natural ecosystems in the world, which not only play an important ecological role, but is also the main source for livestock production. Because of overgrazing in many of these lands, degradation is extending, which is an overall key issue in China. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, which is often called the “roof of the world”, is known for its high altitude, low temperature and oxygen content, strong ultraviolet radiation and for its short-term grass growing season. This makes it a vulnerable system, while once damaged, it is very hard to recover. Therefore, it is essential to sustain the eco-function of this alpine grassland system. Reasonable grassland management practice is important for maintaining a sustainable healthy ecosystem. As overgrazing is one of the main causes for degradation of grassland, the proper management should take it account the balance between livestock and vegetation components, and it is essential to select an appropriate stocking rate strategy. Optimal production from pastures is gained only when animal needs and the productive capacity of the pasture are balanced. Stocking rate is usually defined as the number of animals per unit area for a given time period, but is affected by a series of factors, such as animal breeds, animal size and weight, animal performance, animal physiological state, climate environment, resources, grass growing rate and biomass and grass grazing tolerance. Therefore, it is challenging to sel...