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Divergent responses of above- and belowground ecosystem functioning to shrub encroachment in the Tibetan semi-arid alpine steppes
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  • Jingxue Zhao,
  • Awei Ji-Shi,
  • Guangpeng Qu,
  • Gao-Lin Wu
Jingxue Zhao
Lanzhou University State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Awei Ji-Shi
Lanzhou University State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems
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Guangpeng Qu
State Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley and Yak Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement
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Gao-Lin Wu
Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau
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Abstract

Semi-arid alpine ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau are experiencing rapid climate change and extensive anthropogenic activity, concomitant with the encroachment of shrubs. Shrub encroachment leads to changes in both the structure and functioning of semi-arid alpine steppes. Yet, the encroaching impacts of shrubs on the above- and belowground ecosystem functioning of the semi-arid alpine steppes remains uncertain. To quantify shrub encroachment impacts on ecosystem functioning of the semi-arid alpine steppes, two shrub encroached alpine steppe sites are investigated, with one site encroached by a leguminous shrub ( Caragana spinifera) and another site encroached by a non-leguminous shrub ( Dasiphora fruticosa). Results showed that following both Leguminosae and Non-Leguminosae shrub encroachment, not only do these alpine steppes greatly increase the individual ecosystem functions but that this included significant enhancing of the ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF). We concluded that the main impacts of shrub encroachment were to facilitate belowground EMF (BEMF) rather than aboveground EMF (AEMF) in alpine steppes. Our findings also highlight that soil nutrients play critical roles in driving ecosystem functioning responses to shrubs encroachment. These findings further our understanding of shrub encroachment impacts on ecosystem functioning of the Tibetan semi-arid alpine steppes.
Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
11 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
29 Feb 20241st Revision Received
09 Mar 2024Submission Checks Completed
09 Mar 2024Assigned to Editor
09 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Mar 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 May 2024Editorial Decision: Accept