A new study by Chinese researchers has found that grazing is a more effective way to manage grassland ecosystems than mowing. The study, published in Ecological Processes, compared the effects of these two practices on plant community diversity and productivity in a semi-arid region of Northeast China.

Researchers from the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, conducted a four-year field experiment to assess the impact of intensive grazing and mowing on the grasslands. They found that while both practices had some effects on the ecosystem, grazing was generally more beneficial.

Grazing increased plant species richness without reducing plant biomass, suggesting that it can help maintain a healthy and diverse grassland ecosystem. Mowing, on the other hand, reduced both total plant biomass and root biomass, and also altered the composition of the plant community without altering plant species richness.

These findings highlight the importance of carefully considering management practices for grasslands. While both grazing and mowing have their roles, the study suggests that grazing may be a more sustainable option for preserving grassland health and biodiversity.