The researchers studied grassland productivity in western Jilin Province from 2000 to 2006. They found that the average grassland productivity was 232.14 grams of carbon per square meter per year. Most of the grassland had a productivity between 200-300 grams of carbon per square meter per year. A majority of the grassland showed an increase in productivity, with some areas experiencing a significant increase. Water availability was the main factor influencing grass growth, and human settlements had a greater impact on productivity than roads, especially within 2 kilometers from the grassland.