Grasslands represent a significant ecosystem that exerts a profound influence on atmospheric greenhouse gas levels in the context of global change. Appropriate grassland management represents an effective means of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from grasslands. However, the information on the management effects on GHG emissions from natural grasslands is still insufficient for developing the best practice in grasslands for both production and carbon. The effects of three major management measures, fencing, grazing, and mowing, on ecosystem respiration (CO 2), methane (CH 4) uptake, and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were investigated in a typical grassland area of Xilingol, Inner Mongolia. The results demonstrated that moderate grazing reduced aboveground biomass, decreased CO 2 emissions, promoted belowground nutrient cycling, and increased CH 4 uptake. While mowing increased pasture production and soil carbon and nitrogen content, it was accompanied by higher CO‚‚ emissions. Reducing grazing frequency slowed biomass loss to some extent, while reducing N2O emissions. Climatic conditions largely control grassland GHG emissions or uptake, and different management practices control GHGs mainly by affecting the soil micro-environment and soil nutrient content. The results of the study provide data support for carbon sequestration and emission reduction in grasslands. It can be concluded that moderate grazing intensity and frequency are the optimal management practices to mitigate GHG emissions from grasslands. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of increased pasture production and increased GHG emissions from mowing should be weighed to further optimize grassland management.
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