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Aims <p>Grazing plays a crucial role in regulating aboveground biomass (AGB) allocation, decomposition, and organic matter turnover (OMT) in grassland ecosystems. However, AGB allocation in different litter and excretion patches and its specific effects on decomposition and organic matter turnover remains unclear.</p> Methods <p>We conducted a two-year grazing experiment involving yak in an alpine meadow of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, in order to examine the AGB allocation in five litter and excrement patches [i.e., litter patch (L), dung patch (D), litter and dung patch (L + D), litter and urine patch (L + U), and litter, dung and urine patch (L + D + U)] and its effects on decomposition and organic matter turnover.</p> Results <p>L had the highest AGB allocation (2159.4&#xa0;kg&#xa0;ha<sup>−1</sup>), while D had the lowest one (145.1&#xa0;kg&#xa0;ha<sup>−1</sup>). The allocation coefficient was the highest for L + U (0.84) and lowest for L (0.2). L and L + U had the highest digestion coefficient, which was significantly greater that of other patches. Daily decomposition rate was the highest for L + D + U (0.02&#xa0;g 10&#xa0;g<sup>−1</sup> d<sup>−1</sup>), and lowest for L (0.009&#xa0;g 10&#xa0;g<sup>−1</sup> d<sup>−1</sup>). Decomposition mass was the highest for L (327.4&#xa0;kg&#xa0;ha<sup>−1</sup> a<sup>−1</sup>) and lowest for D (2.5&#xa0;kg&#xa0;ha<sup>−1</sup> a<sup>−1</sup>). Organic matter turnover was higher for L and L + D than other patches. L + U had the highest intake allocation (83.8%), while L + D and L + D + U had the highest OMT allocation (74.0% for both).</p> Conclusions <p>The results suggest that patches significantly influence biomass allocation, promoting decomposition and organic matter turnover in alpine meadows, providing insights into material flow in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.</p>

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Yak excretion drives patch allocation and turnover of aboveground biomass in alpine meadows of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月2日

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  • Weikang Zhao,
  • Yingxin Wang,
  • Fujiang Hou

摘要

Aims

Grazing plays a crucial role in regulating aboveground biomass (AGB) allocation, decomposition, and organic matter turnover (OMT) in grassland ecosystems. However, AGB allocation in different litter and excretion patches and its specific effects on decomposition and organic matter turnover remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a two-year grazing experiment involving yak in an alpine meadow of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, in order to examine the AGB allocation in five litter and excrement patches [i.e., litter patch (L), dung patch (D), litter and dung patch (L + D), litter and urine patch (L + U), and litter, dung and urine patch (L + D + U)] and its effects on decomposition and organic matter turnover.

Results

L had the highest AGB allocation (2159.4 kg ha−1), while D had the lowest one (145.1 kg ha−1). The allocation coefficient was the highest for L + U (0.84) and lowest for L (0.2). L and L + U had the highest digestion coefficient, which was significantly greater that of other patches. Daily decomposition rate was the highest for L + D + U (0.02 g 10 g−1 d−1), and lowest for L (0.009 g 10 g−1 d−1). Decomposition mass was the highest for L (327.4 kg ha−1 a−1) and lowest for D (2.5 kg ha−1 a−1). Organic matter turnover was higher for L and L + D than other patches. L + U had the highest intake allocation (83.8%), while L + D and L + D + U had the highest OMT allocation (74.0% for both).

Conclusions

The results suggest that patches significantly influence biomass allocation, promoting decomposition and organic matter turnover in alpine meadows, providing insights into material flow in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.