Spatiotemporal patterns of the forage-livestock balance in the Xilin Gol steppe, China: implications for sustainably utilizing grassland-ecosystem services

Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of forage-livestock balance is imperative for regionally arranging animal husbandry production while ensuring sustainable grassland-ecosystem service use. The Xilin Gol steppe an important native grassland resource in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. This study aimed to elucidate dynamics during period 2000–2015. We evaluated forage and corresponding livestock carrying capacity (LCC) growing seasons 2000–2015 using remote sensing data field surveys. were then assessed at regional, city (including city, county banner), village scales statistical household survey data. results showed that both LCC decreased from east west. During 2000–2015, regional average fluctuated without following a distinct trend, but consistent with variations precipitation. varied time, space, scale. At scale, steppes overgrazed early 2000s, or even grazing potential was achieved other years. approximately half region exhibited “forage-livestock balance” since 2000. However, about still experienced overgrazing, which mainly located southwest sandy zones. Such changes may have been affected by quality, production, compensation payment, so on. suggest location-specific management scheme constraints, ecological industry development aid harmonizing environmental restoration, promoting goals 2030.