Effects of Grazing Intensity on the Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Content, Stoichiometry and Storage of Plant Functional Groups in a Meadow Steppe

Studies on the impacts of grazing carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometry storage are crucial for better understanding nutrient cycles grasslands ecosystems. Using a controlled experimental platform in meadow steppe ecosystem, effects different stocking rates (0.00, 0.23, 0.34, 0.46, 0.69, 0.92 AU ha?1) contents plant functional groups were explored. The major results were: (1) carbon content Gramineae Barnhart was significantly reduced by intensity (p < 0.05), organic Cyperaceae Rotundus higher than that other groups; total nitrogen Gramineae, Leguminosae Sp., Cyperaceae, all increased with increasing 0.05). (2) amounts Leguminosae, Ranunculaceae L. decreased intensity. Heavy groups, while Compositae largest under moderate grazing. (3) each group highly negatively correlated C/N ratio, C/P ratio. Grazing foraging affected growth which turn their content, stoichiometry, storage. Moderate improved utilization efficiency grassland is beneficial promoting sustainable development.