Effects of reseeding on forage nutrition and physical and chemical properties of degraded alpine meadow soils

To determine a suitable restoration scheme for degraded alpine meadows in Diqing, eight forage types with excellent performance were used. Under three types of reseeding schemes (Dactylis glomerata + Festuca arundinacea + Lolium perenne + Medicago sativa, Bromus inermis + Lolium perenne + Trifolium repens, and Dactylis glomerata + Poa nemoralis + Lotus corniculatus), forage nutritive value, soil nutrients, and soil enzyme activities were analyzed, and effects on grassland restoration were comprehensively evaluated using the Membership Function Method. The results showed that 1) reseeding increased vegetation coverage by more than 38% and the levels of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) in the forages. The reseeding scheme of Dactylis glomerata + Poa nemoralis + Lotus corniculatus exerted a positive effect on forage nutritive value. 2) In the three reseeded area, soil pH increased from 5.75 to 6.00 and thetotal soil nutrient levels were significantly higher than those in control treatment except for available phosphorus (P < 0.05) (Control treatment is non-reseeded). 3) The grassland improvement measures adopted in this study can be used in soil fertility conservation as they improved soil enzyme activity. A comprehensive evaluation of the effects of the reseeding schemes on grassland restoration by the Membership Function Method showed that the reseeding scheme of 4.05 g·m⁻² Dactylis glomerata + 1.35 g·m⁻² Poa nemoralis + 1.35 g·m⁻² Lotus corniculatus was optimal and suitable for popularization in the Diqing.