Author: Zhang Qian, Li Wenjun

Source: Journal of Arid Land Studies, 19-1 2008

Abstract: Compared with equilibrial theory, which attributes vegetation change to livestock grazing rate simply, non-equilibrial theory has paid much importance on the impact of abiotic factors on vegetation growth. In fact, both stocking rate and abiotic factors are key variables for vegetation growth. However, it is very difficult to choose proper paradigm for the management of an ecosystem because the definition of equilibrial or non-equilibrial ecosystem is always depending on scales. By analyzing NDVI data and collecting related data on rangeland management and water resources through herders’ interviews, this article tries to establish a hierarchical framework for rangeland management in Xilingol Prefecture to combine equilibrial and non-equilibrial theories in order to provide reference for animal husbandry development and explore root reasons for rangeland degradation.

Keywords: Equilibrial ecosystem, Hierarchical framework, Inner Mongolia, Non-equilibrial ecosystem, Rangeland management

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