Across China: Chinese researchers propose reploughing plan for degraded grasslands on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Source: Xinhua | 2026-02-11 | Editor:Doe
This 5-year reploughing strategy for Elymus nutans grasslands provides key empirical support for the scientific restoration and management of plateau-degraded grasslands, according to the NWIPB.
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a key ecological security barrier in China. Here, the construction of artificial grasslands is a major measure for restoring degraded grassland and the sustainable development of animal husbandry. By now, the total area of plateau artificial grassland on the plateau has reached around 16,470 square kilometers, according to He Fuquan, engineer at the NWIPB.
Elymus nutans, the most ecologically versatile and widely cultivated forage grass on this plateau, has been highly prized for its exceptional forage quality and sustained high yields.
Alongside the continued expansion of artificial grassland areas and the optimization of planting models, it is necessary to develop precise data on the productivity and carbon sequestration potential of artificial grasslands under various planting models, which remain scientific bottlenecks limiting the scientific management of artificial grasslands and the achievement of better ecological benefits.
To address critical knowledge gaps regarding specific planting and management strategies, the NWIPB study team conducted long-term in situ planting, observation, and investigation at a field scientific observation station for grassland ecosystems in Sanjiangyuan, where the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers originate, in northwest China's Qinghai Province.
Integrating in situ observation data over ten years and field investigations, the study team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the productivity benefits and carbon sequestration potential of two artificial grassland planting models, applied for five years and three years, respectively.
The results showed that artificial grassland established with Elymus nutans under a five-year planting model demonstrates significant advantages.
In terms of carbon sink function, the grassland can cumulatively store 6.64 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare over five years. In terms of economic benefits, within a five-year period, 2.73 tonnes of seeds and 19 tonnes of high-quality forage can be harvested per hectare, according to the study results.
Notably, the five-year planting model has maintained the water and light energy utilization efficiency of artificial grasslands at a high level, and the carbon utilization efficiency is stable by optimizing resource allocation.
This model has effectively addressed core resource constraints, such as water scarcity and fragile ecological conditions in plateau regions, thereby providing a feasible path to balance ecological protection and economic development, according to He.
"Our comprehensive in situ experiments and results will support restoring and managing plateau grasslands in a scientific manner," He added.
You May Like
-
Shanxi makes name for itself on ski scene
In Lingchuan county, at the southern end of the Taihang Mountains in Shanxi province, children glide across snowy slopes under the guidance of an Austrian Olymp...
InKunming 2026-02-09 -
Aumovio sets up China management board for a deeper localiza...
Aumovio has established a China management board, the first of its kind in the German automotive supplier's global operations, as part of its efforts to enable ...
InKunming 2026-02-09 -
Various extracurricular activities available for students ac...
InKunming 2026-02-09 -
China speeds up post-disaster rebuilding to secure sustainab...
For most Chinese farmers, the freezing winter period before the Spring Festival is typically a slack season in the agricultural calendar, but for 47-year-old An...
InKunming 2026-02-06 -
China to provide favorable long-term prospects for foreign b...
China will provide favorable expectations for the long-term development of foreign businesses in China during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), commer...
InKunming 2026-02-06 -
China opposes unwarranted interference by external forces in...
China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, opposes unwarranted interference by external forces, and rejects any attempt t...
InKunming 2026-02-06 -
Chinese foreign ministry holds 2026 New Year reception
Nearly 500 people attended the event, including diplomatic envoys from various countries, representatives of international organizations in China, and represent...
InKunming 2026-02-06 -
China's top political advisor meets with senior Cuban offici...
China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, a member of the Polit...
InKunming 2026-02-06 -
China promotes digital tourism, payment services for oversea...
Chinese authorities have issued guidelines on enhancing the convenience of digital services for the entry of foreigners and people from outside the Chinese main...
InKunming 2026-02-06 -
Across China: Novel coffee experiences brew new, elevated to...
Suspended on a cliff face over 200 meters high, a café in the dense forests of Libo County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, serves premium coffee with a das...
InKunming 2026-02-06
