Vegetation Restoration by Seasonal Exclosure in the Kerqin Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia

Authors:
Katoh, K., K. Takeuchi, D. Jiang, Y. Nan and Z. Kou

Publication Date:
1998

Abstract/Summary:
The aim of the reported study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this seasonal exclosure on vegetation restoration. Species compositional data were obtained from 356 quadrats and ordinated by Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). Ordination indicated that landform was the most important factor influencing the species composition of the vegetation. Regardless of landform and type of grazing control, however, vegetation coverage, vegetation height and species richness were higher at sites where grazing had been controlled, than at sites lacking any control. Perennial species were dominant at the former while annual species were dominant at the latter. Both shrub and tree species were quite rare at the sites where seasonal exclosure had been carried out. It is concluded that seasonal exclosure is sufficient to restore and maintain grassland vegetation in and around the study area. When shrubby or tree vegetation is needed for reasons such as fixing sands or preventing sand dune remobilization, complete exclosure is recommended.

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Plant Ecology

Link:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/r2n6615115370448/