Trade-off Strategy of Three Dominant Species in Grazing Exclusion of Desert Steppe,china

Background and AimsGrazing exclusion is a powerful measure to restore the ecological environment in desert steppe. Studying the changing trend of functional traits and trade-off strategy about dominant species what is of great significance to understand the effect of grazing exclusion on species succession. Methods We studied that the change of leaf and root functional traits of three dominant species (Lespedeza potaninii, Agropyron mongolicum and Stipa breviflora) under different term of grazing exclusion. ResultsWe found that the leaf area and leaf nitrogen content, leaf dry matter content, total root length, specific root length and specific root surface of Lespedeza potaninii in grazing were higher than grazing exclusion. The highest specific leaf area, specific root length of Agropyron mongolicum and Stipa breviflora were observed in short-term grazing exclusion. Leaf tissue density and root tissue density significantly decreased in short-term grazing exclusion. Economic spectrum exist, Lespedeza potaninii have more conservation strategy in short-term grazing exclusion compared with grazing. Agropyron mongolicum and Stipa breviflora have more acquisition strategy in grazing exclusion. Average diameters have great effected on above-ground biomass.ConclusionThe result showed that grazing exclusion change leaf and root functional traits of three dominant species, different species have different trade-off strategy.