Grazing boosts biodiversity but fertilization hinders in Tibetan alpine meadows.
The researchers studied how grazing and fertilization affect plant growth in an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau. They found that fertilization decreased species diversity but increased grass growth, while grazing increased species diversity but decreased grass growth. When both grazing and fertilization were present, species diversity stayed the same. Moderate fertilization can increase plant productivity without harming species diversity. This information can help manage grasslands effectively for more profit without damaging the environment.