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An early warning signal for grassland degradation on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Author

Listed:
  • Qiuan Zhu

    (Hohai University)

  • Huai Chen

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Changhui Peng

    (University of Quebec at Montreal
    Hunan Normal University)

  • Jinxun Liu

    (Western Geographic Science Center)

  • Shilong Piao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jin-Sheng He

    (Peking University)

  • Shiping Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xinquan Zhao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jiang Zhang

    (Hohai University)

  • Xiuqin Fang

    (Hohai University)

  • Jiaxin Jin

    (Hohai University)

  • Qi-En Yang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Liliang Ren

    (Hohai University)

  • Yanfen Wang

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS))

Abstract

Intense grazing may lead to grassland degradation on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, but it is difficult to predict where this will occur and to quantify it. Based on a process-based ecosystem model, we define a productivity-based stocking rate threshold that induces extreme grassland degradation to assess whether and where the current grazing activity in the region is sustainable. We find that the current stocking rate is below the threshold in ~80% of grassland areas, but in 55% of these grasslands the stocking rate exceeds half the threshold. According to our model projections, positive effects of climate change including elevated CO2 can partly offset negative effects of grazing across nearly 70% of grasslands on the Plateau, but only in areas below the stocking rate threshold. Our analysis suggests that stocking rate that does not exceed 60% (within 50% to 70%) of the threshold may balance human demands with grassland protection in the face of climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiuan Zhu & Huai Chen & Changhui Peng & Jinxun Liu & Shilong Piao & Jin-Sheng He & Shiping Wang & Xinquan Zhao & Jiang Zhang & Xiuqin Fang & Jiaxin Jin & Qi-En Yang & Liliang Ren & Yanfen Wang, 2023. "An early warning signal for grassland degradation on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-42099-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42099-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Shiyomi, Masae & Akiyama, Tsuyoshi & Wang, Shiping & Yiruhan, & Ailikun, & Hori, Yoshimichi & Chen, Zuozhong & Yasuda, Taisuke & Kawamura, Kensuke & Yamamura, Yasuo, 2011. "A grassland ecosystem model of the Xilingol steppe, Inner Mongolia, China," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(13), pages 2073-2083.
    3. Pfeiffer, Mirjam & Langan, Liam & Linstädter, Anja & Martens, Carola & Gaillard, Camille & Ruppert, Jan C. & Higgins, Steven I. & Mudongo, Edwin I. & Scheiter, Simon, 2019. "Grazing and aridity reduce perennial grass abundance in semi-arid rangelands – Insights from a trait-based dynamic vegetation model," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 395(C), pages 11-22.
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