Initiation of rest-grazing during soil thawing improves interspecific relationships and stability of plant communities on alpine grassland.

Introduction: Grazing management is essential to maintain the stability of grassland ecosystems. Methods: To determine the optimal rest-grazing period of alpine meadow, five rest-grazing periods were set based on soil thawing and plant re-greening in this study. The niche, interspecific relationships, and stability of plant communities at different rest-grazing periods were investigated. Results: Rest-grazing during soil thawing resulted in a small niche width and niche overlap of plants, overall positive interspecific associations, and a high stability of plant communities. Delayed rest-grazing time to plant re-greening resulted in a large niche width and niche overlap of plants, overall negative interspecific associations, and a low stability of plant communities. Discussion: Rest-grazing in alpine meadows should begin as soon as possible to promote healthy and sustainable utilization of grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]