Grazing as a driver for Populus euphratica woodland degradation in the semi-arid Aibi Hu region, northwestern China

摘要: Abstract The endangered river plain woodlands of semi-arid Central Asia provide numerous ecosystem services. Previous studies have focused mainly on changes in water supply and salinity as the underlying mechanisms Populus euphratica woodland’s decline. We tested whether vegetative regeneration P. serves an alternative pathway to propagation from seeds for reproduction a degraded tree steppe northwestern China this method also works grazed sites. measured effects different grazing pressures growth, survival, regeneration. When subjected high or moderate pressure, populations failed regenerate vegetatively, indicating recruitment limitation. A 25% increase pressure decreased ramet density 50% height 25%, well reducing average age ramets one year. As overgrazing seriously limits potential natural recovery balance between livestock Tugai forests is needed sustain positive increasing tables floods vitality To restore population structure, support early long-term management interventions exclude recovered land need be developed.