A Meta-Analysis of Soil Organic Carbon Response to Livestock Grazing in Grassland of the Tibetan Plateau

Known as the “roof of world”, Tibetan Plateau hosts largest pastoral alpine ecosystem in world. Nevertheless, there is currently no consensus on how soil organic carbon (SOC) stock changes after livestock grazing grassland this region. Here, a meta-analysis was performed based 55 published studies to quantify grazing-induced SOC (0–30 cm) Plateau. The results showed that significantly increased bulk density by an average 11.5%, indicating significant compaction caused grazing. In contrast, content and decreased 14.4% 11.9% grazing, respectively. decline rate higher meadow (−12.4%) than steppe (−8.8%), but difference between two rates. stocks 10.1%, 6.2% 20.1% under light moderate heavy lower For different types, it observed yak 15.3%. Although induced those sheep mixed detected among them. Similarly, declines also did not differ subgroups season. positive relationships plant biomass indicated likely reason for declined condition. findings suggested with warm season may minimize losses from activities