An integrated analysis of rotational grazing and continuous grazing experiments in arid and semi-arid grasslands in northern China

Practical grazing strategies are fundamental for effective utilization of rangeland resources, but it remains debatable whether rotational grazing is superior to continuous grazing in terms of livestock production and grassland environment. By synthesizing the experimental evidence from 38 sites in arid and semi-arid grasslands in northern China and using the integrated analysis method to compare the effects of rotational grazing and continuous grazing on herbage yield, forage quality, and livestock weight, we found that rotational grazing was indeed more preferable than continuous grazing. However, rotational grazing was not practiced by herders in the arid and semi-arid grasslands of northern China because of some major drawbacks, such as overgrazing, a short growing season, frequent drought, and the relatively high costs. In general, we suggest that rotational grazing be promoted and optimized and that feasible practices, including controlling the grazing pressure, improving the rotational grazing income, and promoting a rotational grazing system based on the location and time, be followed in the arid and semi-arid grasslands of northern China.