Understanding alpine meadow ecosystems

Abstract

This chapter introduces the alpine meadow and its distribution in the headwater region of the Yellow River, including subtypes of alpine meadow, species composition and productivity, soil types and their properties. Various views on causes of grassland degradation are summarized. The shortcomings of current criteria for evaluating alpine meadow ecosystem health are outlined. Underlying causes, processes and mechanism of alpine meadow degradation are examined. Protection or restoration strategies of degraded grassland are discussed. Many factors influence alpine meadow degradation in the Yellow River Source Zone. Vegetation degradation caused by overgrazing may result in soil degradation and soil erosion, impacting upon hydrological processes and carbon sequestration. Fencing and resting pastures are key management strategies in preventing overgrazing. Reseeding degraded meadows may increase productivity and boost a higher above- and below-ground biomass input, prospectively enhancing long-term soil carbon storage. However, such measures may cause severe soil organic carbon and nitrogen loss.