A tentative study of influences of fencing on soil nutrientsof degradation desert grassland

Abstract: The influence of shortterm fencing on soil nutrients was discussed by comparatively analyzing the change of nutrients in the 0－20 cm soil layer inside and outside of fences at the degenerated desert grassland of Xinjiang. The results showed that the soil OlsenP content was depressed inside fences. The topsoil available N contents of fenced moderate degraded and fenced severe degraded grassland were depressed; while that of fenced extreme degraded grassland was increased. After fencing, soil organic matter content of moderate degraded and extreme degraded grassland were increased. It can be seen due to the local harsh natural conditions and levels of grassland degradation were different. The effect of shortterm fences on restoration of soil nutrients except OlsenP content was depressed consistently. The changes of the soil organic matter, available N and available K were not obvious. For that reason, only through longterm monitoring, the effect of fencing on soil nutrients will be evaluated objectively.