Method and system for improving functions of household alpine grassland

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and a system for improving functions of household alpine grassland. Investigating the current situation of the grassland by taking a family as a unit, and dividing the grassland into seven succession states according to an alpine grassland passive-active degradation succession theory; the grassland is improved by adopting rotation grazing, grazing reduction, interval pasturing, pasture population nutrition regulation, grass felt surface layer cracking and manual intervention recovery technologies; according to the annual grassland productivity, the number and structure of livestock groups are adjusted, and a function improvement technical system is constructed by combining family economy and grassland income dynamics. The method has the advantages that quantitative diagnosis of the degradation stage is realized by means of multi-parameter indexes and clustering analysis; through a long-term control test, screening effective technical combinations in each degradation stage; a family pasture ecological economic evaluation model is introduced, and an ecological target and herdsman income increase are both considered; a complete technical chain of diagnosis, testing, optimization and decision making is formed, dynamic adjustment can be achieved, and technology popularization standardization and adaptability unification are achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of grassland ecological restoration and sustainable management, and particularly relates to a family system alpine grassland function improvement method and system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Affected by the harsh climate of high altitude and low oxygen on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, environmental factors often in a critical threshold state under the condition of fragile land surface system balance. Small fluctuations in climate change will have a strong response to the plateau terrestrial ecosystem, leading to changes in the pattern, process and function of the plateau ecosystem, such as grassland degradation, desertification, and wetland disappearance.

[0003] Under the dual pressures of climate warming and increasing human activities, the structure and function process of alpine grassland ecosystem have undergone irreversible changes. The quality of grassland (including plants and soil) has declined, the productivity, economic potential and service function have decreased, the ecological environment has deteriorated, the biodiversity and complexity have decreased, and the restoration function of the ecosystem has weakened or even lost.

[0004] For a long time, the production function of grassland has been overdriven, leading to the weakening or even contradiction of the coordination ability and function of system components, resulting in irreversible changes in the structure and function process of the system. The stability maintenance ability, production and ecological service function of the system have been weakened or even lost to different degrees, which has a great impact on the living and survival environment of the people in the region, and even many herdsmen have to leave and become nomads, becoming real "ecological refugees".

[0005] Alpine meadow is one of the main types of vegetation of alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, accounting for about 49% of the area of alpine grassland on the plateau. The alpine, sensitive and fragile nature of alpine meadow has created a worldwide problem of ecological system repair, maintenance and management. For many years, in response to the degradation of alpine grassland, different measures such as enclosure, reseeding, rat control, fertilization and perennial artificial grassland construction have been taken in different regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau according to the different degrees of grassland degradation. However, according to the results of field investigation, the degradation of alpine grassland is still continuing and intensifying, and the speed of grassland management is far lower than that of its degradation, and the effect of ecological management engineering implementation is not ideal. For the use of natural grassland, grassland is contracted to households, and the government management department cannot effectively control the grazing intensity. At the same time, due to the lack of measures such as "grass determines livestock", quantitative discrimination index and threshold value, and the guidance of perfect theory of sustainable use of alpine grassland, grazing is in a state of disorder and out of control, and the number of grazing livestock is increasing year by year, exceeding the carrying capacity of grassland. The degradation of alpine grassland is widespread, and the management of degraded grassland is mainly for scientific research or set, and the management range is very limited, and often stops with the end of the project, and most of the management points are degraded again.

[0006] The sustainable utilization of natural alpine grasslands and the comprehensive management of degraded alpine grasslands urgently require robust theoretical support. This mainly includes: the coupling and feedback between the livestock-pasture-soil-microenvironment continuum in alpine grasslands; the process, dynamics, and quantitative indicators of the degradation and succession of alpine grasslands at each stage; appropriate utilization methods for grasslands at different stages of degradation and succession, such as grazing bans, rest periods, or rotational grazing; the processes of human intervention and natural restoration of degraded alpine grasslands; the stage at which grassland restoration reaches a stable state (the required timeframe and quantitative indicators for system stability); and whether artificial intervention (establishing perennial artificial grasslands) or natural restoration is more suitable, economical, and faster for alpine climates. However, research in this area is relatively scarce.

[0007] Based on this, this application takes the alpine Kobresia meadow of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as the research object. Starting from the changes in grassland internal factors (pasture and soil) caused by external grassland factors (livestock grazing) and the microenvironmental changes caused by their mutual feedback, this study investigates the degradation behavior, process and ecological effects of alpine Kobresia meadow under active and passive forms. It reveals the degradation mechanism of alpine Kobresia meadow in multiple modes and trends, proposes quantitative indicators for each stage, clarifies the bottlenecks in the functional improvement of alpine meadow at different stages of degradation succession, explores new grassland management systems, seeks suitable grassland improvement measures, and achieves a steady improvement in grassland production function while ensuring that the living standards of herders are not reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Based on the aforementioned technical problems, this invention investigates the current state of grasslands on a family basis. Guided by the theory of "passive-active degradation and succession process" of alpine grasslands, it classifies the grasslands into seven succession states and employs rotational grazing, reduced grazing, intermittent grazing, nutritional regulation of forage populations, surface layer breaking, and artificial intervention restoration techniques to improve the grasslands. Based on the annual grassland productivity, the livestock population size and structure are adjusted in a timely manner. Combined with the analysis of family economic structure and grassland income dynamics, a family-based alpine grassland functional enhancement technology system is constructed. The aim is to provide a family-based method for enhancing the function of alpine grasslands.

[0009] This invention protects a method for enhancing the functionality of a home-use alpine meadow, specifically comprising the following steps: Step 1, Diagnosis of grassland degradation succession stages and establishment of experimental plots: Based on the theory of passive-active degradation succession of alpine grasslands, the state of the family pasture grasslands to be restored is diagnosed and divided into seven continuous states: grass-Kobresia community, Kobresia community, normal Kobresia community, Kobresia community sod thickening stage, Kobresia community sod cracking stage, Kobresia community sod erosion stage, and mixed grass-black soil beach type secondary bare land; long-term enclosed experimental plots are established in each state of grassland, and functional zones for implementing different restoration measures are divided within the plots; Step 2, Multi-parameter baseline survey and dynamic monitoring: At the beginning of the sample plot establishment, a multi-parameter baseline survey is conducted to establish the baseline state, and the survey is repeated at fixed times every year. The parameters include vegetation indicators, soil physical and structural indicators, soil chemical and biochemical quantitative indicators, and soil biological indicators. Step 3, Differentiated recovery technology selection: Based on long-term dynamic monitoring data, verify and determine the optimal combination of recovery technologies for different degradation states, and establish a knowledge base on the correspondence between degradation states and recovery technologies; Step 4, Family Ranch Technology Integration and Decision-Making: Integrate the above diagnostic methods and technical knowledge base, combine them with the economic parameters of family ranches, construct an ecological and economic benefit assessment model, and generate a personalized ranch management plan that includes grassland resource allocation, livestock structure adjustment, and benefit prediction.

[0010] Furthermore, in step 1, the area of ​​the long-term experimental plot for each type of grassland is not less than 3 hectares, and the functional zones include grazing regulation control zone, grass surface breaking zone, biological crust breaking zone, nutrient regulation zone, and artificial vegetation establishment zone.

[0011] Optimally, the grazing system control zone is a delayed grazing zone with different delay days; a reduced grazing zone with grazing reduction gradients of 1 / 3, 1 / 2, and alternate-year grazing reduction; a rotational grazing zone with alternate-year, alternate-2-year, alternate-3-year, and alternate-3-year grazing zones; the surface layer of the haystack is broken according to different depths and widths; the biological crust breaking zone is broken by inoculating microorganisms or introducing pioneer plants; the nutrient control zone consists of exogenous beneficial microbial fertilizer and exogenous nutrients, wherein the exogenous beneficial microbial fertilizer is cellulose-decomposing bacteria, EM bacteria, or nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and the exogenous nutrients are urea and diammonium phosphate.

[0012] Further, in step 2, the vegetation indicators are the composition of dominant plant populations, coverage of each functional group, biomass, and importance values; the soil physical and structural indicators are the thickness of the sod surface layer, the development status of biological crusts, the coverage and morphology of bald patches and cracks, the bulk density of the surface soil, and the root-soil volume ratio; the soil chemical and biochemical stoichiometric indicators are the soil organic matter, total and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, and the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometric ratio of the soil and the main forage grasses; and the soil biological indicators are the microbial community structure, the abundance of cellulose-decomposing bacteria, and the activities of cellulose-decomposing enzymes, urease, and phosphatase.

[0013] The optimized functional groups are Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, and miscellaneous grasses.

[0014] Furthermore, in step 3, the optimized restoration technology for the dwarf Kobresia community is to moderately reduce grazing or rotate grazing; the optimized restoration technology for the thickening and cracking of the grass surface of the small Kobresia community is to break the grass surface and combine it with rest grazing; the optimized restoration technology for secondary bare land of miscellaneous grass-black soil beach type is to establish artificial vegetation and combine it with long-term enclosure.

[0015] Furthermore, in step 4, the ecological and economic benefit assessment model is constructed using the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method, which can quantitatively assess the grassland restoration time, cost input, and dynamic impact on the income of herders' families under different technical solutions.

[0016] The optimized model input parameters include the cost of grassland improvement measures, the increase in grassland productivity, changes in livestock production performance, and the benefits and costs of herd structure adjustment; the model output can quantitatively estimate the expected time for grassland to recover to the target state under different technical solutions, the intensity and duration of the impact on the annual net income of herders' families, and the long-term input-output ratio.

[0017] This invention also protects a home-use high-altitude grassland function enhancement system, comprising: The state diagnosis module is used to classify grassland state based on multi-parameter survey data and degradation succession theory; The technical knowledge base module stores optimized recovery technology combinations and their expected effects for different degradation states, which have been verified through long-term testing. The benefit assessment module integrates an eco-economic benefit assessment model, which is used to receive pasture economic parameters and knowledge base data to simulate the benefits of different schemes. The scheme generation module is used to generate comprehensive management schemes for specific family ranches, including spatial configuration measures, herd adjustment suggestions, and benefit predictions.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention, based on multi-parameter indicators and cluster analysis, moves the diagnosis of degradation stages from theory to operable quantitative practice. Through long-term controlled trials, it scientifically verifies and selects the most effective technology combinations for different degradation stages, avoiding technology misuse. It introduces an eco-economic comprehensive assessment model at the family ranch scale, combining the long-term goal of ecological restoration with the short-term demand for increased income for herders, making the technical solutions both scientific and economically feasible. It forms a complete technical chain from "diagnosis" to "experimentation," then to "optimization" and "decision-making," and possesses the ability to dynamically adjust based on feedback, achieving a unified standardization and adaptability in technology promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a map showing the surface features of degraded alpine grasslands according to the present invention. Figure 2 The response characteristics (relative cover) of functional groups of grass and dwarf sedge communities to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 3 The response characteristics (relative biomass) of functional groups of grass and dwarf sedge communities to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 4The response characteristics (importance values) of functional groups in grass and dwarf sedge communities to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 5 The response characteristics (relative cover) of functional groups of Kobresia dwarfii community to spring grazing under grazing system. Figure 6 The response characteristics (relative biomass) of functional groups in the dwarf Kobresia community to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 7 The response characteristics (importance values) of functional groups in the dwarf Kobresia community to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 8 The response characteristics (relative coverage) of functional groups in the thickened state of the Kobresia spp. community to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 9 The response characteristics (relative biomass) of functional groups in the thickened state of the Kobresia spp. community to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 10 The response characteristics (importance values) of functional groups in the thickened state of the Kobresia spp. community to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 11 The response characteristics (relative cover) of functional groups in the split state of the Kobresia spp. community to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 12 The response characteristics (relative biomass) of functional groups in the split state of the Kobresia spp. community to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 13 The response characteristics (importance values) of functional groups in the split state of the Kobresia spp. community to spring grazing under grazing regimes. Figure 14 Stratification characteristics of nitrate nitrogen in soils with different grazing intensities; Figure 15 Stratification characteristics of ammonia nitrogen in soils with different grazing intensities; Figure 16 Stratification characteristics of available phosphorus in soils with different grazing intensities; Figure 17 Stratification characteristics of available potassium in soils with different grazing intensities; Figure 18 Variation characteristics of available potassium in soil under different exogenous beneficial microorganisms; Figure 19 Variation characteristics of available phosphorus in soil under different exogenous beneficial microorganism additions; Figure 20 Characteristics of soil pH variation under different exogenous beneficial microorganism additions; Figure 21 Characteristics of variation in soil exchangeable nitrate nitrogen content under different exogenous beneficial microorganism additions; Figure 22Characteristics of variation in soil exchangeable ammonium nitrogen content under different exogenous beneficial microorganism additions; Figure 23 Variation characteristics of soil exchangeable available nitrogen content under different exogenous beneficial microorganism additions; Figure 24 Experiments on the effects of different types of crusts on the germination of vascular plant seeds; Figure 25 Soil physicochemical property response ratio under nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient addition background (0~10cm); Figure 26 Soil physicochemical property response ratio under nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient addition background (10~20cm). Figure 27 Soil enzyme activity response ratio under nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient addition background (10~20cm); Figure 28 Soil enzyme activity response ratio under nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient addition background (10~20cm); Figure 29 Soil enzyme activity at different stages of degradation and succession; Figure 30 The situation of artificial reconstruction of secondary bare land of mixed grass-black soil type; Figure 31 The impact of exogenous nutrient addition on the functional enhancement of alpine grasslands; Figure 32 This is a flowchart of the system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] Example 1 The theoretical basis of this application scheme design 1. Degradation and succession status and basic characteristics of alpine meadows Based on extensive surveys of alpine meadows in the Sanjiangyuan region of southern Qinghai Plateau, the Qilian Mountains in the north, and the northern Tibetan Plateau, the inventors proposed a theory driven by the coupling of internal and external factors in the degradation of alpine meadows, starting from the coupling and feedback of livestock, plants, soil, and microenvironment in alpine grasslands. This theory can be summarized as "four periods, three stages, and two driving forces." (1) Four periods Grass-Dwarf Kobresia community, Dwarf Kobresia community, Lesser Kobresia community, miscellaneous grasses-secondary bare land in black soil. Surface characteristics are: A. Grass-Dwarf Kobresia community; B. Dwarf Kobresia community; C. Dwarf Kobresia-Lesser Kobresia mosaic patches; D. Lesser Kobresia community; E. Lesser Kobresia community, stage of surfacing thickening of the surfacing layer; F. Lesser Kobresia community, stage of surfacing cracking of the surfacing layer; G. Degraded grassland in black soil; H. Erosion-type degraded grassland (see appendix for details). Figure 1 ).

[0022] 1) Grass-Dwarf Kobresia Community This is the original state of an alpine meadow of Kobresia. Its plant community structure is relatively complex, generally divided into upper and lower layers. The upper layer is dominated by Stipa heterophylla, Fescue, and Fescue rubra, along with Elymus nutans, Helictotrichon tibetica, Koeleria cristata, Poacrymophila, Poinosa orinosa, Poinosa praten, Gentianapaludosa, Scutellaria baicalensis, Saussurea nigrescens, and Aster diplostephioides. The lower layer is dominated by Kobresia pulchra, accompanied by species such as Saussurea saundersiana, Leontopodium nanum, and Lancea. The species include *Tibetica*, *Glaux maritima*, *Gentiana lawrencei*, *Gentiana grumii*, *Gentiana aristata*, and *Gentiana straminea*. Grasses reach a height of 25-35 cm, while dwarf kohlii is generally 10-15 cm tall. The soil surface has a 2-3 cm thick layer of grass. Alpine kohlii meadows in the grass-dwarf kohlii community stage are relatively common in the Qilian Mountains of northern Qinghai, but these are mostly formed after artificial reconstruction or restoration through enclosure. They are extremely rare in the Sanjiangyuan region and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region, and can only be seen within the enclosures of a few herders.

[0023] 2) Dwarf Kobresia community The vegetation composition of this grassland is basically the same as that of the grass-Kobresia meadow community at this stage, but the height and cover of grasses are greatly reduced. The grassland community is dominated by dwarf Kobresia, with grasses reaching a height of about 15-20 cm and dwarf Kobresia tufts having a diameter of about 4-5 cm and a height of less than 2 cm. In the later stages of this phase, dwarf Kobresia patches and small Kobresia patches are mosaic-like. As an intermediate stage of grazing-induced degradation succession, this represents a deviated succession of the alpine Kobresia meadow under long-term grazing conditions. This stage is relatively short, lasting approximately 2-5 years.

[0024] 3) Small Kobresia community Kobresia pygmaea is the dominant species, and grasses have disappeared. The plants are about 2-3 cm tall, grow densely, and provide significant cover, often forming a dense, felt-like, yellowish-green turf. Associated species mainly include Leontopodium nanum, Anaphalis sp., G. straminea, and Ajania tenuifolia. In the later stages of this development, the grassland surface shows numerous dead or semi-dead patches, dark brown in color, with mottled, collapsed, and cracked turf, and the surface turf reaching a thickness of 30-40 cm. After the grazing season, the surface is almost completely cleared of dead grass and litter, as if swept clean. The surface turf exhibits a rapid development and thickening trend. Based on the development of the mat surface of the Kobresia spp. community, the Kobresia spp. community was further divided into four sub-stages: normal Kobresia spp. community, mat surface thickening, mat surface cracking, and mat surface erosion.

[0025] 4) Miscellaneous grasses - secondary bare land in black soil beach This is the final stage of degradation of alpine Kobresia meadows; strictly speaking, it can no longer be called alpine Kobresia meadow. It mainly includes Ligularia virgaurea, Aconitum pendulum, and Polygonum sibiricum. Based on the erosion of the grassland surface, the secondary bare land of mixed grasses and black soil is further divided into "black soil" secondary bare land and "erosion-type" secondary bare land.

[0026] (2) Three stages The three stages are: passive degradation (succession from grass-Kobresia dwarf to Kobresia dwarf), active degradation (succession from Kobresia dwarf to Kobresia simonii to secondary bare grassland degradation of mixed grasses-black soil), and transitional stage (Kobresia dwarf community).

[0027] (3) Driving force and mechanism In the passive degradation stage, selective grazing and trampling by livestock hinder the growth and reproduction of gramineous forage grasses, and the passive succession of the grassland vegetation community is the main driving force of this stage. In the active degradation stage, the extreme development of Kobresia pulcherrima and its special biological characteristics (high underground / aboveground ratio) increase the underground root-to-soil ratio and increase the biological fixation of nutrients, leading to an imbalance in nutrient supply and demand between the soil and forage grass and physiological drought. This, in turn, stimulates the expansion of plant roots into the lower soil layers. This vicious cycle eventually leads to the death of the sod surface under nutrient supply and demand collapse and drought stress, resulting in erosion and collapse. Under the influence of freeze-thaw cycles, precipitation erosion, and rodent activity, secondary bare land of mixed grasses and black soil is formed. In this stage, a highly elastic sod surface layer of 10-30 cm thick is formed on the grassland surface, and trampling has minimal impact on it.

[0028] 2. Bottleneck analysis of functional enhancement of alpine meadows in different states of degradation and succession Alpine meadows in different stages of degradation and succession face varying limiting factors for maintaining grassland stability and enhancing their eco-productive functions, as detailed below: (1) Community status of grass-dwarf kohlii The grass-Kobresia dwarf community is the zonal vegetation of the alpine Kobresia meadow on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The community consists of a two-layered structure, with the upper layer composed of tall grasses and the lower layer composed of low-growing plants. This stage represents the baseline state for the restoration of degraded alpine meadows.

[0029] (2) Dwarf Kobresia community Overgrazing inhibits the seed reproduction of grasses, becoming a bottleneck for grassland stability and functional improvement at this stage. Selective grazing by grazing livestock on alpine meadow plants severely restricts the growth and reproduction of grasses that primarily reproduce by seed, leading to their gradual disappearance. *Kobresia dwarf*, a ground-budding, short-rooted plant, is a resource-intensive clonal plant that primarily reproduces through clonal growth and is resistant to grazing trampling. However, *Kobresia dwarf* communities are now rare on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Under grazing pressure, grass-like *Kobresia dwarf* communities degenerate into *Kobresia dwarf* communities, but these communities exist for a very short time (approximately 4 years), further degenerating into *Kobresia septemlobus* communities under grazing pressure.

[0030] (3) Community status of Kobresia spp. The unique biological characteristics of the Kobresia spp. community lead to soil nutrient imbalances and physiological drought, which are bottlenecks for grassland stability and functional improvement at this stage. Under grazing pressure, the compensatory growth of the Kobresia spp. community results in a greater transfer of photosynthetic products from the aboveground to the underground, rapid development of the underground root system, and a sharp thickening of the dense sod surface, directly causing soil nutrient imbalances. The formation of an aging soil biocrust on the surface hinders rainfall infiltration, exacerbates soil aridification, and affects seed germination and germination.

[0031] (4) Secondary bare land of mixed grasses and black soil type Soil nutrient deficiency and seed scarcity are bottlenecks for maintaining grassland stability and improving its function at this stage. Due to rodent digging and disturbance, soil erosion, and exposure of the subsoil, the supply and demand of nutrients between the soil and pasture are imbalanced. At the same time, the erosion of the sod surface leads to the disappearance of the grassland vegetation layer and a depletion of the seed bank.

[0032] Example 2 Specific implementation process of the present invention 1. Diagnosis of grassland degradation succession stages and establishment of experimental plots (1) Determination of study area and family ranch unit A pasture belonging to six neighboring herder households was selected in Zhuozizhang, Huangcheng Township, Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, Qinghai Province (N37°39.732′, E101°10.789′, altitude 3232m). This area has a cold climate and is a typical alpine meadow region. Due to long-standing differences in grazing management strategies among neighboring herders, a complete successional gradient has naturally formed, making it highly suitable for the demonstration and application of this method. This pasture was considered a "virtual family ranch" research unit. The grazing livestock consisted of yaks and Tibetan sheep, both winter pastures, with grazing periods approximately from September 20th to May 20th of the following year. The grazing practices of each herder household have remained largely unchanged for many years.

[0033] (2) Diagnosis and classification of degeneration status A comprehensive survey of the grasslands belonging to these six households was conducted. Based on the "theory of passive-active degradation and succession processes in alpine grasslands," seven consecutive states of degradation and succession were clearly diagnosed in the area: Table 1 Grazing Intensity of Continuous Degeneration and Succession States (3) Division of standardized test plots and functional areas In each diagnosed successional stage of grassland, a standardized 3-hectare experimental plot was precisely delineated and enclosed. Within each 3-hectare plot, multiple experimental functional zones were further subdivided, implementing differentiated restoration / management measures. These functional zones included grazing regime regulation zones, surface pasture breaking zones, biocrust breaking zones, nutrient regulation zones, and artificial vegetation establishment zones. 1) Grazing system regulation zone: Set up delayed grazing, reduced grazing (reduced by 1 / 3, reduced by 1 / 2), alternate year reduced grazing (reduced by 1 / 2 every 2 years, reduced by 1 / 2 every 3 years), rotational grazing (normal every 2 years, normal every 3 years), etc.

[0034] 2) Substrate improvement zone: Set up a straw mat surface cracking (removal or retention) and biological crust cracking (microbial cracking, grass plant cracking).

[0035] 3) Biological and chemical regulation zone: Set up a plant population nutrient regulation zone (regulated annually). 4) Artificial vegetation establishment (for black soil areas).

[0036] 5) Control area: The grassland outside the sample plot that is not enclosed, where the original herders maintain normal grazing management, serves as a natural succession control.

[0037] 2. Multi-parameter benchmark survey and dynamic monitoring 1) Survey on the degradation and succession status of alpine Kobresia meadows At the outset of each experimental plot and functional zone, a comprehensive baseline survey was conducted. The survey indicators were based entirely on the report content, including: vegetation indicators (dominant plant population composition, coverage, biomass, and importance values ​​of each functional group (Grassaceae, Cyperaceae, Leguminosae, miscellaneous grasses)); soil physical and structural indicators (thickness of the sod surface, development of biological crust, coverage and morphology of bald patches and cracks, topsoil bulk density, and root-to-soil volume ratio); soil chemical and biochemical stoichiometric indicators (soil organic matter, total and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, and the stoichiometric ratio of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the soil to that of the main forage grasses); and soil biological indicators (microbial community structure, abundance of cellulose-decomposing bacteria, and activities of cellulose-decomposing enzymes, urease, and phosphatase), among other quantitative indicators.

[0038] 2) Sample collection and analysis methods The longitude, latitude, and altitude of the sampling area were recorded using GPS; information such as species composition, utilization status, and characteristics were also recorded; all aboveground biomass and litter (or damping-off) of the aboveground functional groups of grasses, leguminous plants, miscellaneous grasses, and sedges were obtained using the standard harvesting method, with a quadrat area of ​​25cm × 25cm; the cover of grasses, leguminous plants, miscellaneous grasses, sedges, and edible forage grasses was determined by visual inspection, with an area of ​​25cm × 25cm.

[0039] Soil samples were collected in layers using a 6cm diameter soil drill (0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-30, 30-40cm), with each set of three drilled soil samples combined into one sample. Dead and live root samples were also collected in layers using a 6cm diameter soil drill, at the same sampling depth as the soil samples, with each set of three drilled roots combined into one sample. The samples were washed with water, and dead and live roots were distinguished by specific gravity. The dead and live roots were then packaged separately, dried at 60℃, and weighed.

[0040] Soil samples for total nutrient determination were air-dried, roots removed, and passed through a 0.25mm soil analysis sieve for later use; soil samples for available nutrients and enzyme activity determination were root-removed, passed through a 2mm soil analysis sieve, and stored at 4°C for determination; plant samples were air-dried and their dry weight was determined.

[0041] If the soil layer is thin, soil and plant samples are collected up to the underlying gravel layer. The transect method is used to determine the coverage of *Kobresia simonii* patches (patches with a single species coverage exceeding 30%), cracks, biocrusts, and bare ground cover. The transect length is 100m. The depth and width of cracks are measured. The soil root-to-soil ratio is determined by collecting soil samples in layers using a 1.5cm diameter soil auger.

[0042] The bulk density was determined using the ring cutter method (100cm). 3 The sampling depth was the same as that of the soil samples; the precipitation infiltration rate was measured using the ring injection method; the soil organic matter was measured using the TOC-5000A soil organic matter measuring instrument (Shimadzu, Japan), with three replicates for each index per plot.

[0043] Simultaneously, the initial productivity of each functional zone was measured, and spatial distribution maps of grassland degradation status and productivity were drawn. Using the same methods as the baseline survey, the experimental functional zones and control zones were remeasured annually at fixed times during the peak plant growth season to obtain long-term dynamic monitoring datasets.

[0044] 3. Selection of Differentiated Recovery Technologies Based on the aforementioned long-term dynamic monitoring data, we quantitatively analyze the restoration effects of different technical measures on grasslands in various degradation states, select and verify optimized technical combinations for different degradation states, and form a knowledge base with a correspondence between "degradation state, limiting bottleneck, recommended technology, and restoration time".

[0045] (1) Effects of grazing system reform The reform of the grazing system mainly includes measures such as reducing grazing intensity, implementing rotational rest, adjusting the time when livestock enter winter grazing pastures, and adjusting the number and types of cattle and sheep. These are also the most effective and economical means to improve the function of alpine grasslands.

[0046] 1) The impact of grazing reduction and grazing ban on plant community characteristics Grazing practices (half-grazing or no grazing) directly affect species cover and biomass in alpine grasslands, but different plant species show significant differences in their response to grazing intensity, which is also closely related to the succession status of the alpine grasslands.

[0047] Grassland community status: Grazing reduction inhibited the growth of sedges and miscellaneous weeds, while promoting the growth of grasses and legumes. With decreasing grazing intensity, the relative cover and biomass of grasses increased significantly. Compared to free grazing, the grazing ban treatment increased cover and biomass by 43.4% and 39.6%, respectively. After two years of grazing ban, grassland function was significantly improved, demonstrating a very effective grassland management measure (see appendix for details). Figures 2-4 In the diagram, FGP represents free grazing areas, DGP represents reduced grazing areas, and UGP represents no-grazing areas.

[0048] Community status of Kobresia dwarfis: Moderate grazing promoted the growth of grasses and miscellaneous weeds. The highest values ​​of relative cover and biomass of grasses were in the reduced grazing area and were significantly higher than those in the free grazing treatment. Reduced grazing inhibited the growth of leguminous plants. The relative cover and biomass of leguminous plants in the free grazing treatment were significantly lower than those in the reduced grazing and grazing ban treatments.

[0049] Grazing reduction increased the relative cover and biomass of sedges, and the effect of grazing ban treatment was significantly higher than that of free grazing treatment. Grazing reduction and grazing ban are effective ways to restore the dwarf sedge community state to a grass-dwarf sedge community state (see appendix for details). Figures 5-7 In the diagram, FGP represents free grazing areas, DGP represents reduced grazing areas, and UGP represents prohibited grazing areas. Based on plant community characteristics, the optimal time to implement reduced grazing and prohibited grazing is during the period when the *Kobresia pulcherrima* community is in its normal state.

[0050] In the case of thickened *Kobresia spp.* communities: Grazing reduction and grazing bans promoted the growth of miscellaneous grasses; the relative cover and biomass of forage grasses in the grazing ban treatment were significantly higher than those in the free-grazing treatment. Grazing reduction and grazing bans inhibited the growth of grasses and sedges. Therefore, short-term grazing reduction and grazing bans on grasslands in the case of thickened *Kobresia spp.* communities will not have a significant effect on improving grassland function (see appendix for details). Figures 8-10 In the diagram, FGP represents free grazing areas, DGP represents reduced grazing areas, and UGP represents prohibited grazing areas.

[0051] In the split state of the Kobresia spp. community: moderate grazing significantly promoted the growth of sedges and miscellaneous grasses; reduced grazing and grazing bans promoted the growth of grasses and legumes and inhibited the growth of miscellaneous grasses, but had no significant effect on these three plant groups.

[0052] Therefore, short-term grazing reduction or grazing bans during the cracking stage of *Kobresia spp.* can only promote the grassland's recovery from the cracking stage to the thickening stage. If grazing reduction or grazing bans are implemented during the cracking stage of *Kobresia spp.*, the functional improvement of alpine grasslands may require a longer period (see appendix for details). Figures 11-13 In the diagram, FGP represents free grazing areas, DGP represents reduced grazing areas, and UGP represents prohibited grazing areas.

[0053] 2) The impact of grazing intensity on available nutrients in soil The extreme scarcity of readily available nutrients in alpine grasslands is a major limiting factor for improving their function, especially for alpine grasslands in the succession stage of Kobresia spp. community. The trampling effect of grazing livestock may affect soil bulk density, compaction, and the intensity of mineralization, and the large amount of fecal matter brought in by livestock will also affect the nutrient content of the grassland.

[0054] Grazing intensity had a greater impact on the content of available nutrients in the soil than on total and slow-release nutrients. Moderate grazing was beneficial for the retention of available potassium and available phosphorus in grasslands. The content of available potassium in the 0-20cm soil layer and available phosphorus in the 0-30cm soil layer of lightly grazing alpine meadow soil was significantly higher than that in other plots.

[0055] The effects of grazing intensity on soil nitrate and ammonia nitrogen content are mainly observed in soil layers below the surface. The general rule is that available nitrogen content gradually decreases with increasing grazing intensity. Specifically, the nitrate nitrogen content in the 5-10 cm soil layer is higher in lightly and heavily grazing plots than in plots with moderate grazing intensity; the ammonia nitrogen content in the 10-15 cm soil layer is significantly higher in lightly grazing plots than in other plots (see Appendix for details). Figures 14-17 The statistical method used was one-way ANOVA (p<0.05).

[0056] (2) Damage to the surface of aging straw mat The dense surface layer of sod severely inhibits water infiltration, seed germination, soil nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient content, and turnover rate. The addition of exogenous microorganisms can improve soil microbial community characteristics, and the breaking of soil biological crusts can increase the rate of precipitation infiltration, promote seed germination, and provide a suitable habitat for the growth of gramineous forage grasses.

[0057] 1) Addition of exogenous beneficial microorganisms Compared with the control (CK), the EM mixed bacteria, cellulose-decomposing bacteria, and combined nitrogen-fixing bacteria treatments did not significantly alter the profile distribution characteristics of available phosphorus, available potassium, and pH in the 0-20 cm soil layer. However, each treatment changed the distribution characteristics of available nitrogen content in the soil. Specifically, the EM mixed bacteria treatment increased the nitrate nitrogen content in the topsoil, the cellulose-decomposing bacteria treatment increased the ammonia nitrogen content in the topsoil, and the EM and cellulose-decomposing bacteria mixed bacteria treatment significantly increased the available nitrogen content in the topsoil (see appendix for details). Figures 18-20 In the figure, CK is the control treatment, G is the turf-breaking treatment, W is the turf-breaking + water treatment, EM is the turf-breaking + water + EM microbial fertilizer treatment, FN is the turf-breaking + water + combined nitrogen-fixing microbial fertilizer treatment, and CD is the turf-breaking + water + cellulose-decomposing microbial fertilizer treatment.

[0058] Turf breaking treatment can only alter the distribution pattern of different forms of available nitrogen in the soil vertical profile, but it cannot increase the content of available nutrients in the soil. EM bacteria and cellulose-decomposing bacteria treatments increased the content of available nitrogen in the soil, but had a weak effect on improving available potassium and available phosphorus nutrients (see appendix for details). Figures 21-23 In the figure, CK represents the control treatment without any additional treatment, G represents the treatment with turf abrasion, W represents the treatment with turf abrasion + water, EM represents the treatment with turf abrasion + water + EM microbial fertilizer, FN represents the treatment with turf abrasion + water + combined nitrogen-fixing microbial fertilizer, and CD represents the treatment with turf abrasion + water + cellulose-decomposing fertilizer. Therefore, further screening of microbial strains adapted to alpine meadow ecosystems and formulation of microbial fertilizers are needed.

[0059] Table 2 Grassland Fertilization Treatments and Amounts 2) The effect of biological crusts on seed germination Biocrusts evolve with grassland degradation. Typical biocrust types at four different successional stages were collected to study their impact on seed germination. Patches with bald patches exceeding 20% ​​coverage were selected, and the surface of the sod was scratched with crack widths of 0.5 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm, and a depth of 5 cm. The control group consisted of un-scraped sod. Kentucky bluegrass and Chinese fescue were sown at rates of 1.0 kg / mu and 1.5 kg / mu, respectively, in early June.

[0060] The results showed that the type of biological crust significantly affected seed germination, and the interaction between crust type and seed location had a highly significant impact on seed germination. Different vascular plant seeds responded differently to crust type. Breaking the surface of the turf layer during the *Kobresia pulcherrima* stage promoted seed germination.

[0061] Crack formation has a highly significant impact on seed germination. There are also highly significant differences in the interaction between species and cracks, and between species and crust type and cracks. This indicates that breaking the turf and destroying the dense crust layer, which inhibits seed germination, will promote seed germination.

[0062] The formation of moss crusts and algal crusts inhibits the germination of Kentucky bluegrass seeds, while the germination rate is higher at the moss crust + algal crust stage. Algal crust formation also significantly inhibits the germination of alpine bean and Potentilla chinensis seeds. Algal crust formation mainly occurs at the Kobresia stage; therefore, the formation and large-scale development of algal crusts at this stage accelerates grassland degradation. This can be addressed by combining sod removal measures to promote seed germination and vegetation restoration (see appendix for details). Figure 24 ).

[0063] Table 3. Effects of species, crust type, and seed location on seed germination (based on a linear model) Table 4. Effects of different crust types and seed location on seed germination. Note: Different uppercase letters in the same row indicate significant differences; different lowercase letters in the same column of the same species indicate significant differences (p<0.05); * indicates extremely significant differences. (3) Addition of exogenous nutrients Exogenous nutrients were added to the soil as nitrate nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen. Ammonia nitrogen was applied using (NH4)2SO4, nitrate nitrogen using NaNO3, and a mixture of nitrate nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen using NH4NO3, at an application level of 0.38 g N / m³. 2 1.50 N / m 2 7.50 N / m 2 Dissolve all fertilizers in 5L of water and apply them in mid-July and mid-August each year. The control group only sprayed water (see attached). Figure 31) The addition of exogenous nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients to alpine meadows in a grass-Kobresia dwarf community significantly impacts soil available nutrients and enzyme activity. Both exogenous nitrogen and phosphorus additions significantly increased available nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil. Nitrogen addition reduced urease activity in the topsoil by 69.7%, and cellulase activity in the topsoil and subsoil by 46.5% and 64.9%, respectively. Phosphorus addition reduced alkaline phosphatase activity in the topsoil by 40.0%, while stimulating an 84.1% increase in chitinase activity in the subsoil, and also increasing cellulase activity in the topsoil. Increased cellulase activity is beneficial for the breakdown of aging sod and the grassland's own nutrient cycling (see appendix for details). Figures 25-28 In the figure, the symbols APA, UA, ASA, ChA, CeA, and SA represent alkaline phosphatase activity, urease activity, arylsulfatase activity, chitinase activity, cellulase activity, and sucrase activity, respectively; the significance level is p<0.05.

[0064] The addition of exogenous nitrogen and phosphorus reduces the activity of soil urease and alkaline phosphatase, which may affect the decomposition of organic matter on the surface of the meadow and is detrimental to the grassland's own material cycle. The productivity of alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is limited by both soil nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. Judging from the response of soil enzyme activity to human disturbance, the limiting effect of phosphorus is particularly severe.

[0065] Under grazing disturbance, as grassland degradation intensifies, the activities of soil alkaline phosphatase, cellulase, and arylsulfatase show an evolutionary pattern: highest in grass-Kobresia dwarf shrub communities, lowest in mixed grass-black soil secondary bare land, and slightly increased in the thickened sod surface layer of Kobresia spp. communities. Soil urease activity is highest in mixed grass-black soil secondary bare land, followed by Kobresia dwarf shrub communities. Soil chitinase activity is highest in the thickened and cracked sod surface layer of Kobresia spp. communities, and lowest in mixed grass-black soil secondary bare land. Soil sucrase activity in the topsoil shows the highest activity in grass-Kobresia dwarf shrub communities, followed by mixed grass-black soil secondary bare land, while the subsoil shows the opposite (see appendix for details). Figure 29 ).

[0066] (4) Establishment of artificial grassland Secondary bare land of the "black soil beach" type, characterized by weeds and remnants of aging turf, frequent rodent activity, collapsed surface of the grass, disappearance of native vegetation, exposed subsoil, and proliferation of poisonous weeds. Restoration of this type of grassland can only be achieved through artificial vegetation restoration and reconstruction. Artificial grasslands can significantly increase grassland productivity, increasing forage yield by 5-10 times, and are an important way to manage degraded "black soil beach" grasslands.

[0067] The stability of artificial grassland ecosystems is generally maintained for less than 5 years, after which grassland productivity declines sharply. Between 6 and 9 years, the weed *Pedicularis gansuensis* invades extensively, reducing the grassland's carrying capacity. Through 8-11 years of continuous enclosure management, zonal species such as sedges invade, forming a stable grass-Kobresia dwarf community. After 12-16 years of continuous protection, the cover biomass and importance of grasses and Kobresia dwarf show an increasing trend, while the proportion and importance of weeds decrease. The appearance of Kobresia dwarf patches is an important indicator of the evolution of artificial grasslands into natural zonal vegetation (see appendix for details). Figure 30 ).

[0068] In summary, the optimized restoration techniques for *Kobresia pygmaea* communities include moderate grazing reduction or rotational grazing; for *Kobresia simonii* communities during the thickening and cracking stages of the sod surface, the optimized restoration techniques include breaking up the sod surface and combining it with grazing rest; and for secondary bare land of mixed grasses and black soil type, the optimized restoration techniques include artificial vegetation establishment combined with long-term enclosure. These techniques will be compiled into a structured technical knowledge base.

[0069] 4. Technology Integration and Decision-Making in Family Farms By combining the aforementioned diagnostic methods and technical knowledge base with economic parameters of family ranches, an eco-economic benefit assessment model is constructed to generate personalized ranch management plans that include grassland resource allocation, livestock structure adjustment, and benefit prediction. The eco-economic benefit assessment model is constructed using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, which can quantitatively assess the grassland restoration time, cost input, and dynamic impact on the income of herder families under different technical solutions.

[0070] (1) Generation of technical solutions For new target family ranches, the degradation status is first diagnosed and mapped. Then, based on the knowledge base, corresponding verified and effective technical measures are matched for the grasslands in different states, and grassland resource allocation optimization schemes containing the correspondence between "plots and measures" are generated.

[0071] (2) Comprehensive evaluation model of ecological and economic benefits An assessment model suitable for family ranch scale was established. The model input parameters included: grassland productivity improvement (from a knowledge base), livestock production performance change parameters, costs of various technical measures (fencing, labor, materials, fertilizer), benefits and costs of herd structure adjustment, and local market prices. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was applied to construct an "investment-return dynamic model" and a "functional recovery process assessment model." The model can quantify the outputs: the estimated time for grassland to recover to the target state under different technical solutions, the intensity and duration of the impact on the annual net income of herding families, and the long-term input-output ratio.

[0072] (3) Comprehensive decision support output Based on the model evaluation results, the final family ranch implementation plan is output, including: ① a detailed grassland resource spatial configuration map and technical measures table; ② suggestions for adjusting the livestock population structure and scale to match the recovery period and post-recovery productivity; ③ a phased implementation plan and a table of expected ecological and economic benefits.

[0073] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for improving the function of alpine meadow in domestic system, characterized in that, Specifically comprising the following steps: Step 1, grassland degradation succession stage diagnosis and test plot establishment: according to the theory of alpine grassland passive-active degradation succession, the state of the family pasture grassland to be restored is diagnosed, and divided into seven continuous states: grass-forb community, Kobresia humilis community, normal Kobresia pygmaea community, Kobresia pygmaea community with thickened sward surface layer, Kobresia pygmaea community with cracked sward surface layer, Kobresia pygmaea community with eroded sward surface layer, and secondary bare land of miscellaneous grass-black soil beach type; long-term test plots are set up in each state of grassland, and functional areas for implementing different restoration measures are divided in the plots; Step 2, multi-parameter baseline survey and dynamic monitoring: multi-parameter baseline survey is conducted at the initial stage of plot establishment, and re-measured at fixed time every year, the parameters include vegetation index, soil physical and structural index, soil chemical and biochemical index, and soil biological index; Step 3, selection of differentiated restoration technology: based on long-term dynamic monitoring data, the optimal restoration technology combination for different degradation states is verified and determined, and a knowledge base of the correspondence between degradation states and restoration technologies is established; Step 4, integration of family pasture technology and decision-making: integrating the above diagnosis method and technology knowledge base, combining with the economic parameters of family pasture, an ecological and economic benefit evaluation model is constructed, and a personalized pasture management scheme including grassland resource allocation, livestock structure adjustment and benefit prediction is generated.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, In step 1, the area of the long-term test plot of each state of grassland is not less than 3 hectares, and the functional areas include grazing system control area, sward surface layer cracking area, biological crust cracking area, nutrient control area and artificial vegetation planting area.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, In step 1, the grazing system control area is a delayed grazing area with different delay days; the reduced grazing area has a gradient of reducing grazing by 1 / 3, 1 / 2 and every other year; the rotational grazing area has a gradient of normal every other year, normal every 2 years and normal every 3 years; the sward surface layer cracking area has different depths and widths; the biological crust cracking area is cracked by inoculating microorganisms or introducing pioneer plants; the nutrient control area is an exogenous beneficial microorganism fertilizer and an exogenous nutrient, the exogenous beneficial microorganism fertilizer is cellulose-decomposing bacteria, EM bacteria or nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and the exogenous nutrient is urea and diammonium.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, In step 2, the vegetation index is the composition of dominant plant population, the coverage, biomass and important value of each functional group; the soil physical and structural index is the thickness of sward surface layer, the development status of biological crust, the coverage and morphology of bare patches and cracks, the bulk density of surface soil and the root-soil volume ratio; the soil chemical and biochemical index is the content of soil organic matter, total and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and the carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus stoichiometric ratio of soil and main pasture; and the soil biological index is the microbial community structure, the abundance of cellulose-decomposing bacteria, cellulose-decomposing enzyme, urease and phosphatase activity.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The functional group is Gramineae, Cyperaceae, Leguminosae and miscellaneous grasses.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, In step 3, the optimal restoration technology for Kobresia humilis community state is moderate reduced grazing or rotational grazing; the optimal restoration technology for Kobresia pygmaea community with thickened sward surface layer and cracked sward surface layer is sward surface layer cracking combined with resting; and the optimal restoration technology for secondary bare land of miscellaneous grass-black soil beach type is artificial vegetation planting combined with long-term enclosure.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, In step 4, the ecological and economic benefit evaluation model is constructed by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, and can quantitatively evaluate the time efficiency, cost input and dynamic influence on the income of herdsmen family under different technical schemes.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The input parameters of the model include the cost of grassland improvement measures, the increase of grassland productivity, the change of livestock production performance, the income and cost of livestock structure adjustment; the output of the model: quantitatively estimating the expected time efficiency of grassland restoration to the target state, the influence intensity and duration on the annual net income of herdsmen family, and the long-term input-output ratio under different technical schemes.

9. A home system for improving the function of alpine meadow, characterized in that, The system is used for the method of any one of claims 1-8, comprising: a state diagnosis module for dividing the grassland state according to the degradation succession theory based on the multi-parameter investigation data; a technical knowledge base module storing the optimized restoration technology combination corresponding to different degradation states and its expected effect data verified by long-term experiments; a benefit evaluation module integrated with an ecological and economic benefit evaluation model for receiving pasture economic parameters and knowledge base data, simulating the benefits of different schemes; a scheme generation module for generating a comprehensive management scheme including spatial configuration measures, livestock adjustment suggestions and benefit prediction for a specific family pasture.

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