Mowing weakens the positive effects of nitrogen deposition on fundamental ecosystem service of grassland

Abstract Forage yield is the fundamental ecosystem service of grasslands. While quantitative responses forage to nitrogen (N) enrichment are well known, its qualitative remain unclear. Even less known relative contribution changes in community composition quality at level. We examined and both plant functional group levels with factorial treatments N addition mowing a temperate steppe. Nitrogen significantly enhanced community-level by favoring growth rhizomatous grass. Mowing tended mediate impacts on yield. increased concentrations crude protein fat Neither main effects nor interactive affected quality. The N-induced shifts species contributed Our results suggest that wound weaken positive deposition quantity but not Changes important driving deposition.