Changing trends in grazing pressure in key ecological function area of the agro-pastoral zone

Agro-pastoral zone is the ecological transition and economic link zone between the eastern agricultural area and western pastoral grassland. In the ecological security pattern, the zone is the main barrier area of the northern sand control belt. This study analyzed grassland degradation and restoration, grass yield, and stocking pressure in key ecological function area of the agro-pastoral zone using remote sensing monitoring and model simulation methods. From 2000 to 2019, grassland degradation and restoration mainly were slight. Grassland yield increased at different degrees. The number of actual livestock increased continuously in Khorchin, whereas it first decreased and then increased in northern Yinshan, Hunshandake, and Hulun Buir. Stocking pressure decreased continuously in Northern Yinshan and Hunshandake; it first increased and then decreased in Khorchin, whereas first decreased and then increased in Hulun Buir. The increase in stocking pressure in eight counties was mainly due to an increase in the number of actual livestock; the decrease in stocking pressure in six counties was due to an increase in grass yield, and the decrease in stocking pressure in 20 counties was due to an increase in grass yield and decrease in the number of actual livestock. From 2000 to 2019, the tendency of changes in grassland took a turn for the better, but there is a trend of improvement and then deterioration by comparing the previous decade with the latest decade in some regions. More attention should be paid to maintaining and protecting the grassland from desertification through grassland management, fiscal transfer payment, and other multi-source approaches such as rotational grazing and good husbandry measures to protect the ecological environment, prevent sandification, and ensure the ecological barrier function of the zone.