Bare-Land Formation in a High Grazing Density Pasture of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

We examined the bare-land formation pattern in a high grazing density pasture of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. To develop a feasible grazing plan for this region, it is important to understand the present status of pastureland degradation. To know the status of grazing density, we conducted a questionnaire for twelve farms in Qumalai, Qinghai Province, China. The mean grazing density was 1.7 sheep‐unit per ha （0.1‐4.1 sheep‐unit/ ha）. This grazing density is similar to other area of Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. A vegetation survey was conducted in a warm season pasture of highest grazing density. Dominant species were good herbage such as Stipa and Kobresia. Although, the mean herbage mass of the pasture was smaller than other areas. A linear regression analysis was performed to examine the differences among the plots in the percentages of bare land. The result found that distance from cold season pasture had very large influence on the extent of bare ground. These results suggest that there is a great deal of spatial variation in the extent of degradation of this grassland.