Study on threshold expansion of the carrying capacity in desert grassland within the environmental capacity of grass and water resources

The life quality of livestock population in different time and space is determined by the limitations of water and grass resources and by the fixed position of resource. Carrying capacity is a variable which is closely related to the resource that the prairie can supply. Based on the systematic analysis on the grassland resources, water resources in Damaoqi desert steppe and on the ecological principles of “determining livestock by grass and keeping a balance among the water, grass and livestock”, the threshold expansion of the carrying capacity was analyzed in the desert grassland within the environmental capacity of water and grass resources. Studies suggest that if the ecological patterns are safe in the grass and water resources, the threshold of carrying capacity would be expanded and the animal husbandry would be sustainably and scientifically developed through the construction of efficiently irrigated grassland, the adjustment of livestock varieties or herd structure and scientific grazing and so on.