Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use.The Xilin Gol ste...Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use.The Xilin Gol steppe is an important native grassland resource in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China.This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of the forage-livestock balance in the Xilin Gol steppe during the period 2000–2015.We evaluated the forage production and corresponding livestock carrying capacity(LCC)in the growing seasons of 2000–2015 using remote sensing data and field surveys.The spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance were then assessed at regional,city(including city,county and banner),and village scales using statistical and household survey data.The results showed that both forage production and LCC decreased in the Xilin Gol steppe from east to west.During the period 2000–2015,the regional average forage production and corresponding LCC fluctuated without following a distinct trend,but were consistent with the variations in precipitation.The forage-livestock balance varied with time,space,and scale.At the regional scale,steppes were overgrazed in the early 2000s,but a forage-livestock balance or even grazing potential was achieved in other years.At the city scale,approximately half of the region exhibited a"forage-livestock balance"since 2000.However,about half of the region still experienced overgrazing,which mainly located in the southwest sandy zones.Such changes may have been affected by the variations in grassland quality,forage production,compensation payment,and so on.We suggest a location-specific management scheme for grazing constraints,ecological compensation payment,and industry development to aid in harmonizing animal husbandry and environmental restoration,while promoting sustainable development goals by 2030.展开更多
Livestock grazing is one of primary way to use grasslands throughout the world, and the forage-livestock balance of grasslands is a core issue determining animal husbandry sustainability. However, there are few method...Livestock grazing is one of primary way to use grasslands throughout the world, and the forage-livestock balance of grasslands is a core issue determining animal husbandry sustainability. However, there are few methods for assessing the forage-livestock balance and none of those consider the dynamics of external abiotic factors that influence forage yields. In this study, we combine long-term field observations with remote sensing data and meteorological records of temperature and precipitation to quantify the impacts of climate change and human activities on the forage-livestock balance of alpine grasslands on the northern Tibetan Plateau for the years 2000 to 2016. We developed two methods: one is statical method based on equilibrium theory and the other is dynamic method based on non-equilibrium theory. We also examined the uncertainties and shortcomings of using these two methods as a basis for formulating policies for sustainable grassland management. Our results from the statical method showed severe overgrazing in the grasslands of all counties observed except Nyima(including Shuanghu) for the entire period from 2000 to 2016. In contrast, the results from the dynamic method showed overgrazing in only eight years of the study period 2000–2016, while in the other nine years alpine grasslands throughout the northern Tibetan Plateau were less grazed and had forage surpluses. Additionally, the dynamic method found that the alpine grasslands of counties in the northeastern and southwestern areas of the northern Tibetan Plateau were overgrazed, and that alpine grasslands in the central area of the plateau were less grazed with forage surpluses. The latter finding is consistent with field surveys. Therefore, we suggest that the dynamic method is more appropriate for assessment of forage-livestock management efforts in alpine grasslands on the northern Tibetan Plateau. However, the statical method is still recommended for assessments of alpine grasslands profoundly disturbed by irrational human activities.展开更多
Under the conditions of climate warming,grassland degradation,frequent sandstorms,and fast increases in livestock numbers,coordinating animal husbandry and ecological protection is an important issue facing Mongolia.U...Under the conditions of climate warming,grassland degradation,frequent sandstorms,and fast increases in livestock numbers,coordinating animal husbandry and ecological protection is an important issue facing Mongolia.Using Khutag-Undur as an example,this study explores the dynamic process,future scenarios,and optimization strategies of the animal husbandry system in a typical Soum of Mongolia from 2015 to 2050 under three future climate socioeconomic scenarios of CMIP 6:SSP1-RCP2.6,SSP2-RCP4.5,and SSP5-RCP8.5.First,the animal husbandry system was deconstructed into three subsystems:grassland primary production,livestock secondary production,and herder consumption.Based on the negative feedback mechanism of forage-livestock balance,a system dynamics model for the Khutag-Undur Soum animal husbandry system was developed.This model integrates spatial data such as land cover and NPP,as well as statistical data on livestock,herder income and expenditures,sample plot surveys,and herder questionnaires.The model was used to simulate the historical changes(2015-2022)in forage production and carrying capacity,livestock stock,and livestock output of Khutag-Undur,and then to forecast the future scenarios of those variables for 2022-2050.Second,the most suitable future scenario for the Soum was identified by comparing the three future scenarios using a pastural system sustainability evaluation method.Finally,based on three indicators of livestock numbers,a two-step livestock reduction strategy was proposed.The main conclusions are that the rapid growth of livestock numbers in Khutag-Undur places considerable pressure on the grassland,and the SSP1-RCP2.6 scenario is the most suitable future scenario for the Soum.However,even in this suitable scenario,grassland overloading remains evident.The continuous implementation of a livestock reduction strategy is recommended to maintain the sustainable development of animal husbandry and grassland conservation.展开更多
Grasslands have critically important ecological and economic values while most of them have been suffering from various degrees of degradation in China due to overgrazing. The “Forage-Livestock Balance”(FLB)policy h...Grasslands have critically important ecological and economic values while most of them have been suffering from various degrees of degradation in China due to overgrazing. The “Forage-Livestock Balance”(FLB)policy has been implemented for more than a decade, aims to balance the relationship between forage productivity and grazing consumption of grasslands by livestock. According to the review of statistical data and literatures on policy evaluation, FLB-dominated subsidies for grassland ecological conservation policies are ineffective on grassland restoration, livestock reduction in some overloaded areas and improvement on herdsmen livelihood. To deal with the dilemma, we suggest a fundamental shift of strategy from controlling livestock numbers to maintaining and improving grassland health(MIGH) based on ecological theories, and promote the sustainable development of grassland in China. The results show that, FLB policy failed to obtain expected benefits mainly because it interfered with the herders’ autonomous use of contracted grasslands along with the defects of its underlying theory and methodologies. Implementing reward and punishment based on ecosystem health will not only motivate herders to manage their grassland autonomously, but also be more scientific and feasible than FLB.展开更多
Some principles and methods for the dynamic monitoring of forage-livestock bal-ance in the grazing system on the temperate grassland of China were discussed in thispaper. To prepare a dynamic monitoring system or the ...Some principles and methods for the dynamic monitoring of forage-livestock bal-ance in the grazing system on the temperate grassland of China were discussed in thispaper. To prepare a dynamic monitoring system or the forage livestock balance of grazingrangeland system, the following theoretical bases will be observed in this work.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41971130)。
文摘Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use.The Xilin Gol steppe is an important native grassland resource in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China.This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of the forage-livestock balance in the Xilin Gol steppe during the period 2000–2015.We evaluated the forage production and corresponding livestock carrying capacity(LCC)in the growing seasons of 2000–2015 using remote sensing data and field surveys.The spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance were then assessed at regional,city(including city,county and banner),and village scales using statistical and household survey data.The results showed that both forage production and LCC decreased in the Xilin Gol steppe from east to west.During the period 2000–2015,the regional average forage production and corresponding LCC fluctuated without following a distinct trend,but were consistent with the variations in precipitation.The forage-livestock balance varied with time,space,and scale.At the regional scale,steppes were overgrazed in the early 2000s,but a forage-livestock balance or even grazing potential was achieved in other years.At the city scale,approximately half of the region exhibited a"forage-livestock balance"since 2000.However,about half of the region still experienced overgrazing,which mainly located in the southwest sandy zones.Such changes may have been affected by the variations in grassland quality,forage production,compensation payment,and so on.We suggest a location-specific management scheme for grazing constraints,ecological compensation payment,and industry development to aid in harmonizing animal husbandry and environmental restoration,while promoting sustainable development goals by 2030.
基金The National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFC0502001)The Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA20010201,DA19050502)。
文摘Livestock grazing is one of primary way to use grasslands throughout the world, and the forage-livestock balance of grasslands is a core issue determining animal husbandry sustainability. However, there are few methods for assessing the forage-livestock balance and none of those consider the dynamics of external abiotic factors that influence forage yields. In this study, we combine long-term field observations with remote sensing data and meteorological records of temperature and precipitation to quantify the impacts of climate change and human activities on the forage-livestock balance of alpine grasslands on the northern Tibetan Plateau for the years 2000 to 2016. We developed two methods: one is statical method based on equilibrium theory and the other is dynamic method based on non-equilibrium theory. We also examined the uncertainties and shortcomings of using these two methods as a basis for formulating policies for sustainable grassland management. Our results from the statical method showed severe overgrazing in the grasslands of all counties observed except Nyima(including Shuanghu) for the entire period from 2000 to 2016. In contrast, the results from the dynamic method showed overgrazing in only eight years of the study period 2000–2016, while in the other nine years alpine grasslands throughout the northern Tibetan Plateau were less grazed and had forage surpluses. Additionally, the dynamic method found that the alpine grasslands of counties in the northeastern and southwestern areas of the northern Tibetan Plateau were overgrazed, and that alpine grasslands in the central area of the plateau were less grazed with forage surpluses. The latter finding is consistent with field surveys. Therefore, we suggest that the dynamic method is more appropriate for assessment of forage-livestock management efforts in alpine grasslands on the northern Tibetan Plateau. However, the statical method is still recommended for assessments of alpine grasslands profoundly disturbed by irrational human activities.
基金The National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFE0119200)The National Natural Science Foundation of China(32161143025,42371283)The Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(STEP),China(2019QZKK0603)。
文摘Under the conditions of climate warming,grassland degradation,frequent sandstorms,and fast increases in livestock numbers,coordinating animal husbandry and ecological protection is an important issue facing Mongolia.Using Khutag-Undur as an example,this study explores the dynamic process,future scenarios,and optimization strategies of the animal husbandry system in a typical Soum of Mongolia from 2015 to 2050 under three future climate socioeconomic scenarios of CMIP 6:SSP1-RCP2.6,SSP2-RCP4.5,and SSP5-RCP8.5.First,the animal husbandry system was deconstructed into three subsystems:grassland primary production,livestock secondary production,and herder consumption.Based on the negative feedback mechanism of forage-livestock balance,a system dynamics model for the Khutag-Undur Soum animal husbandry system was developed.This model integrates spatial data such as land cover and NPP,as well as statistical data on livestock,herder income and expenditures,sample plot surveys,and herder questionnaires.The model was used to simulate the historical changes(2015-2022)in forage production and carrying capacity,livestock stock,and livestock output of Khutag-Undur,and then to forecast the future scenarios of those variables for 2022-2050.Second,the most suitable future scenario for the Soum was identified by comparing the three future scenarios using a pastural system sustainability evaluation method.Finally,based on three indicators of livestock numbers,a two-step livestock reduction strategy was proposed.The main conclusions are that the rapid growth of livestock numbers in Khutag-Undur places considerable pressure on the grassland,and the SSP1-RCP2.6 scenario is the most suitable future scenario for the Soum.However,even in this suitable scenario,grassland overloading remains evident.The continuous implementation of a livestock reduction strategy is recommended to maintain the sustainable development of animal husbandry and grassland conservation.
基金The Strategic Priority Research Program (A) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA20050103)International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Global Dryland Programme, 121311KYSB20170004)The National Natural Science Foundation of China (42001267)。
文摘Grasslands have critically important ecological and economic values while most of them have been suffering from various degrees of degradation in China due to overgrazing. The “Forage-Livestock Balance”(FLB)policy has been implemented for more than a decade, aims to balance the relationship between forage productivity and grazing consumption of grasslands by livestock. According to the review of statistical data and literatures on policy evaluation, FLB-dominated subsidies for grassland ecological conservation policies are ineffective on grassland restoration, livestock reduction in some overloaded areas and improvement on herdsmen livelihood. To deal with the dilemma, we suggest a fundamental shift of strategy from controlling livestock numbers to maintaining and improving grassland health(MIGH) based on ecological theories, and promote the sustainable development of grassland in China. The results show that, FLB policy failed to obtain expected benefits mainly because it interfered with the herders’ autonomous use of contracted grasslands along with the defects of its underlying theory and methodologies. Implementing reward and punishment based on ecosystem health will not only motivate herders to manage their grassland autonomously, but also be more scientific and feasible than FLB.
文摘Some principles and methods for the dynamic monitoring of forage-livestock bal-ance in the grazing system on the temperate grassland of China were discussed in thispaper. To prepare a dynamic monitoring system or the forage livestock balance of grazingrangeland system, the following theoretical bases will be observed in this work.
