The researchers studied two types of alpine vegetation in Qinghai, China, and found significant differences in soil moisture and evaporation between them. Potentilla fruticosa shrubs grow on northern slopes, while Kobresia humilis meadows are found along valley floors. The above-ground biomass of Kobresia humilis meadow is greater, but Potentilla fruticosa shrubs have higher annual net underground production. Both types of vegetation maintain high underground biomass values from May to September, but their peak and lowest values occur at different times.