Abstract. This study aims to understand the response of ecosystem respiration (Reco) to warming and clipping in the alpine meadow of Tibet. A field warming experiment using open top chambers was conducted in three alpine meadow sites at elevation 4313 m, 4513 m and 4693 m on the Tibetan Plateau since July 2008. Clipping was conducted three times a year since 2009. Reco was measured from June to September in 2010–2012. For most cases, the seasonal variation of Reco was mainly affected by soil water content rather than soil and air temperature, especially under warmer environment. Experimental warming tended to decrease seasonal average Reco by 21.6% and 10.9% at elevation 4313 m and 4513 m, respectively, but significantly increased seasonal average Reco by 11.3% at elevation 4693 m. The different responses of Reco to experimental warming could be mainly dependent on temperature and water availability condition. Clipping decreased seasonal average Reco by 6.9%, 36.9% and 31.6% at elevation 4313 m, 4513 m and 4693 m. The consistent declines caused by clipping may be mainly attributed to clipping-induced decline in aboveground biomass. Our findings suggested that the response of Reco to warming differed among the alpine meadow and was regulated by soil water content on the Tibetan Plateau.
Response of ecosystem respiration to experimental warming and clipping in Tibetan alpine meadow at three elevations