Difference in FVC Changes between Desert Grasslands with Different Stocking Rates in Response to Air Temperature and Precipitation

Abstract

The relation between climate and vegetation has always been an important research subject in the field of sustainable development of regional environment. Annual dynamic FVC (Fraction of Vegetation Cover) changes in desert grasslands with different stocking rates in response to meteorological factors were investigated based on FVC and meteorological data of the grasslands, which was obtained through RS (remote sensing) monitoring during 2002-2014. The results show that: 1) inter-annual dynamic FVC changes in desert grasslands were correlated significantly with precipitation in summer and autumn as well as air temperature in July and August; 2) precipitation and air temperature had greater influence on dynamic FVC change rates in grazed zones than those in control zones; 3) dynamic FVC change rates in MG (Moderately Grazed) zones and HG (Heavily Grazed) zones were greater than those in LG (Lightly Grazed) zones and CK (Control) zones. Therefore, it can be concluded that MG and HG zones are more sensitive to meteorological factors than LG and CK zones, and that conservative grazing in desert grasslands can help restore their FVC and reduce the range of FVC changes.