Species co‐occurrence shapes spatial variability in plant diversity–biomass relationships in natural rangelands under different grazing intensities

Grazing can alter plant species interactions in natural rangelands, which turn might influence the productivity of ecosystem but we do not fully understand how spatial variability diversity-biomass relationships are modulated by grazing intensity. Here, hypothesized that co-occurrence rangelands is mainly driven niche segregation due to and heterogeneity local resources, grazing, therefore, modulates diversity–biomass relationships. We tested our hypothesis across 35 rangeland sites Iran, using a index assess aggregation within each site. At site, measured aboveground biomass, diversity, topography, soil nutrients, three levels High communities (low co-occurrence) was found at heavily grazed sites, whereas greater (high on low moderate showing varied associational patterns with Soil nutrients increased intensity high nutrient concentrations, indicating influences via deposited urine feces. Declining biomass related strong decline graminoid suggests relationship influenced selective palatable species. The between or diversity suggest non-random co-occurrences intensity, could be result competition livestock We, stocking rates should managed properly maintain production while promoting diversity.