Effects of grazing prohibition on grassland coverage A case study at Yanchi County of Ningxia

Abstract: On the basis of vegetation coverage monitor and indicator evaluation systems, using GIS software and pixel dichotomy model based on vegetation indices, this study reflected the grassland coverage images in 2000, 2005 and 2009 and analyzed the dynamic changes of grassland vegetation coverage in different periods at Yanchi County. The results showed that from 2000 to 2005, the areas of high, mediumhigh and medium coverage grassland at Yanchi County increased by 4.83, 907.03 and 714.67 km2, respectively. Meanwhile, the areas of low and extremely low coverage grassland decreased by 717.83 and 908.62 km2. From 2005 to 2009 the areas of high, mediumhigh and medium coverage grassland continuously increased by 228.47, 190.00 and 377.04 km2, respectively. Above analysis showed that the implementation of national ecological construction projects, such as Grassland Restoration Project ， Natural Grassland Grazing Prohibition and Natural Grassland Rodentfree Demonstration Area ， in 2000 have brought remarkable effects. The trend of grassland desertification has been controlled for the time being.