New Study Reveals Carbon Sink Mechanism in Qinghai-Xizang Plateau Grasslands

A recent study has uncovered important insights into how alpine grasslands on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in western China function as a critical carbon sink, which is vital for maintaining ecological security. Conducted by the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology and published in the journal Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, the research sheds light on the seasonal and annual variations in carbon intake as influenced by climate conditions.

Researchers gathered extensive observational data from 24 diverse sites within the alpine grassland ecosystem, including areas such as alpine meadows, wetlands, shrub meadows, steppes, and cultivated grasslands. They examined variations in net ecosystem exchanges and the patterns of carbon uptake, correlating these with climate variables across different ecosystems.

The findings revealed that while alpine steppes had the longest duration of carbon absorption, they also registered the lowest maximum rates of carbon uptake. In contrast, tame grasslands showed shorter carbon uptake periods compared to their natural counterparts. According to the study, spring precipitation is crucial as it triggers the carbon uptake cycle in natural grasslands, with the duration of absorption during the growing season being influenced by both early-season rainfall and the type of grassland.

Moving forward, the research team plans to investigate how climate anomalies affect the carbon uptake period and the rate of maximum carbon uptake. They aim to refine dynamic predictive models of alpine carbon sinks, which will further contribute to the goal of ensuring ecological security in the region.