Effects of fencing on soil active organic carbon and carbon pool management index in mountain meadow steppe

The influence of fencing enclosure on soil organic, soil active organic carbon and carbon pool management index in the northern slope of Mount Tian’s meadow steppe were studied with free grazing treatment as control. The results showed that the contents of soil total organic carbon and active organic carbon increased significantly at 0-5 cm and 20-40 cm soil layers after eight years enclosed(P<0.05). Soil total organic carbon and active organic carbon decreased with the increase of soil depth, and soil active organic carbon of grazing treatment converted to stable carbon pool more quickly than that of fencing treatment. The soil carbon pool management index of enclosed grassland was over 100 in each soil layer, and increased with the increase of soil depth, suggesting the fencing enclosure enhanced soil quality and improved the grassland ecological environment.