Effects of vegetation patchiness on ecosystem carbon and nitrogen storage in the alpine grassland of the Qilian Mountains

Vegetation patchiness is common in degraded grasslands. enhances the spatial variability of grassland soil organic carbon and total nitrogen. Stripped vegetation patches have a great impact on ecosystem (C) nitrogen (N) storage. Using field surveys, we examined effects storage four typical alpine grass species (viz: Leymus secalinus, Koeleria pers, Stipa aliena, Leontopodium nanum ). The results indicated that C, N, respiration were significantly higher intact than stripped patches. Also, recorded quantities gravel content In secalinus pers patches, approximately contributed about 62% 38% to storage, whereas aliena close 80% found while 20% stored vegetation. Soil phosphorus (TP), potassium (TK), available (AP), microbial biomass (MBC), (MBN) Ecosystem observed significant correlation with productivity. resulted decreased plant input an increased rate erosion. We conclude decline due reduction increase Grasslands are likely possibility serving as C sink if matter exceeds its output via sustainable management practices.