Ecology of meadow steppe in northeast China
D. Wang A and L. Ba A BA Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, Jilin, China.
B Corresponding author. Email: bal337@nenu.edu.cn
The Rangeland Journal 30(2) 247-254 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ08005
Submitted: 30 January 2008 Accepted: 21 April 2008 Published: 3 June 2008
Abstract
Native grassland in China is mostly meadow, typical or desert steppe and comprises 400 million hectares, ~40% of the land area. We review past research on the meadow steppe of north-east China. Our foci are plant adaptation to climate, edaphic-related and defoliation stresses, vegetation production, grassland management, herbivore foraging behaviour, safe stocking rates, plant-animal interactions, ecosystem functioning, conservation of biodiversity and the influence of climate change on grassland function. Recent studies have provided some insights into ecological processes and functioning of meadow steppe, and have enabled better identification of research opportunities. Key areas identified for future research include plant adaptation, grassland function and value, monitoring of range health, ecological consequences of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Additional keywords: rangelands, environment, grasslands, climate change, plant adaptation.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to three reviewers for their comments that led to an improved manuscript and to Kenneth Hodgkinson for his subsequent editorial work.
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