Response of soil greenhouse gases emissions to grazing in alpine grasslands: a review

Abstract:

Due to the unique geographical environment and climate characteristics, the alpine grassland ecosystem is sensitive to grazing perturbation, contributing greatly to global greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. Therefore, it is significant to decipher the effect of grazing on GHGs emissions in alpine grassland. This study summarized the switch of GHGs sources or sinks and the response of soil microenvironment and microbial community structure under different grazing methods in alpine grassland. It is concluded that alpine grassland is the major CO₂ source, CH₄ sink, and N₂O source. Besides, grazing directly affects the aboveground plant, soil structure, temperature, humidity, and nutrient contents through selective feeding, trampling, and excreta returning of livestock, and then indirectly affects soil microorganisms and GHGs fluxes. This review provides a novel perspective for the healthy development and management of the alpine grassland ecosystem, the mitigation of global climate change in the alpine grassland.