Effects of rest-grazing in the regreen-up period on moderately degraded steppification meadow of Qilian Mountain

To solve the problem seasonal overgrazing in alpine meadows in the Qilian Mountain area, field control experiments of rest-grazing in the regreen-up period on winter-spring pasture were conducted for approximately 60 days from May to July, at Moeller Town, Qilian County, Qinghai Province. The characteristics of vegetation, including the height, coverage, and above-ground biomass of primary species, were investigated in August. The results showed that the measures of the rest-grazing in the regreen-up period significantly increased total coverage, grassland productivity, and grass plant height, coverage, and biomass. No significant influence was found on Cyperaceae plants, and the plant height, coverage, and biomass of the broadleaf weeds showed a downward trend. Compared with the rest-grazing for 1 year, that for 2 years showed that there were increases in the plant height, coverage, and biomass of graminaceous plants, whereas all indices of broadleaf weeds continued to decline. In conclusion, the measure of rest-grazing can effectively promote the substantial recovery of steppe meadow grassland vegetation and markedly improve the productivity of grassland in the Qilian Mountain area.