Understanding Grassland Ecosystem Responses to Different Grazing Intensities

Samenvatting

My PhD research focused on the Inner Mongolian grasslands, where overgrazing by livestock has caused significant environmental damage. I studied how different grazing intensities affect plant and soil communities. Light grazing intensity was found to benefit plant diversity and soil health, while high grazing intensity reduced vegetation and disrupted soil ecosystems. Although intensive grazing increased meat production, it compromised the ecological stability of the grasslands. My work highlights the need for balanced grazing practices that maintain both livestock productivity and ecosystem health. These findings provide insights for sustainable grassland management, aiming to protect biodiversity and enhance ecological functions.