Effects of fertilization on plant diversity and economic herbage groups in alpine meadow

Authors Chen Yaming; Li Zizhen; Du Guozhen

Journal Acta Botanica Boreali-Occidentalla Sinica , 2004,3:24

Abstract Effects of fertilization on plant diversity and economic herbage groups in alpine meadow of Southern Gansu province has been discussed in this paper. The results showed that species richness index,Simp son index, Shannon-Wiener index, and Pielou evenness index decreased along the increasing fertilization gradients. Comparing to controKno fertilization), the species richness index within 0. 25 m2 decreased 15. 16 and 73. 93 percent, Simpson index decreased 4. 68 and 34. 75 percent, Shannon-Wiener index decreased 13. 14 and 55. 39 percent,Pielou evenness index decreased 8. 62 and 24. 61 percent respectively after fertil ized for two and three years when the fertilization level was 120 g o m~(-2). The aboveground biomass of gramineae increased and the aboveground biomass of sedge,legume,forb,and poisonous plant decreased a-long the increasing fertilization gradients. Comparing with control (no fertilization), the aboveground biomass of gramineae increased and sedge, legume, forb, and poisonous decreased 574. 81,95. 41,93. 99, 62. 83,84. 06 percent respectively in average after fertilized for two years along the increasing fertilization gradients when the fertilization level was 120 g o m~(-2). The fertilization level should not to be more than 60 g o m~2 on the consideration of grass quality for legume will decease significantly from alpine meadow plant community when more than 60g.m~(-2).