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Regulatory Effects of Mowing on Biomass Allocation and Compensation Growth Mechanisms in Elymus Species

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  • Zengzeng Yang

    (Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Xining 810016, China
    Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three Rivers Region, Qinghai University, Ministry of Education, Xining 810016, China)

  • Chunping Zhang

    (Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Xining 810016, China
    Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three Rivers Region, Qinghai University, Ministry of Education, Xining 810016, China)

  • Quan Cao

    (Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Xining 810016, China
    Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three Rivers Region, Qinghai University, Ministry of Education, Xining 810016, China)

  • Yang Yu

    (Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Xining 810016, China
    Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three Rivers Region, Qinghai University, Ministry of Education, Xining 810016, China)

  • Yuzhen Liu

    (Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Xining 810016, China
    Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three Rivers Region, Qinghai University, Ministry of Education, Xining 810016, China)

  • Yongshang Tong

    (Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Xining 810016, China
    Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three Rivers Region, Qinghai University, Ministry of Education, Xining 810016, China)

  • Xiaofang Zhang

    (Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Xining 810016, China
    Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three Rivers Region, Qinghai University, Ministry of Education, Xining 810016, China)

  • Caidi Li

    (Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Xining 810016, China
    Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three Rivers Region, Qinghai University, Ministry of Education, Xining 810016, China)

  • Quanmin Dong

    (Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
    Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Adaptive Management on Alpine Grassland, Xining 810016, China
    Key Laboratory of the Alpine Grassland Ecology in the Three Rivers Region, Qinghai University, Ministry of Education, Xining 810016, China)

Abstract

Mowing is a crucial grassland management practice; however, its effects on biomass allocation and compensatory mechanisms across different growth stages remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated five Elymus forage species ( Elymus nutans ‘Aba’, Elymus sibiricus ‘Qingmu No.1’, Elymus submuticus ’Tongde’, Elymus breviaristatus ‘Tongde’, and Elymus sibiricus ‘Tongde’). Four mowing intensities (control, light, moderate, and heavy) were applied at three phenological stages (jointing, booting, and flowering). Biomass allocation patterns among plant components (roots, stems, leaves, and spikes) were assessed, and allometric growth relationships were analyzed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the contributions of mowing timing and organ biomass to overall compensatory ability. The results showed that mowing significantly altered biomass allocation patterns, characterized by an increase in root-biomass proportion, a decrease in stem and spike proportions, and species- and stage-specific changes in leaf proportion. The allometric growth relationships between plant organs varied across growth stages and were significantly influenced by mowing intensity, affecting organ growth coordination. SEM analysis revealed that mowing timing and root biomass were the primary drivers of total biomass compensation, with root biomass playing a particularly critical role under moderate to heavy mowing. Mowing exerts complex regulatory effects on biomass allocation and compensatory growth in Elymus species, with impacts varying by intensity, growth stage, and species. To enhance overcompensatory growth, moderate mowing at the jointing stage is recommended, while heavy mowing during the flowering stage should be avoided. Furthermore, maintaining root health is crucial for improving compensatory growth capacity. These findings provide valuable insights for the sustainable management of Elymus grasslands.

Suggested Citation

  • Zengzeng Yang & Chunping Zhang & Quan Cao & Yang Yu & Yuzhen Liu & Yongshang Tong & Xiaofang Zhang & Caidi Li & Quanmin Dong, 2025. "Regulatory Effects of Mowing on Biomass Allocation and Compensation Growth Mechanisms in Elymus Species," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:820-:d:1631671
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tian Tian & Jianying Guo & Zhenqi Yang & Zhenyu Yao & Xinyu Liu & Ziwei Wang, 2024. "Effects of Different Grazing Treatments on the Root System of Stipa krylovii Steppe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-11, May.
    2. Jihong Yuan & Ping Wang & Yunfei Yang, 2019. "Effects of Simulated Herbivory on the Vegetative Reproduction and Compensatory Growth of Hordeum brevisubulatum at Different Ontogenic Stages," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-14, May.
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    4. Zhiqiang Wan & Jiuyan Yang & Rui Gu & Yan Liang & Yulong Yan & Qingzhu Gao & Jie Yang, 2016. "Influence of Different Mowing Systems on Community Characteristics and the Compensatory Growth of Important Species of the Stipa grandis Steppe in Inner Mongolia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-11, November.
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