4.1 | Recommendations for grazing in environmentally sensitive areas
In this study, soil nutrients decreased with increasing grazing intensity, and soil microorganisms MBC and MBN increased with increasing grazing intensity, indicating that the negative effects of grazing were greater in alpine meadows with poor geographical environment. The results of structural equation model analysis (FIG. 3(e)(g)) showed that under LG treatment, the grassland could maintain a relatively stable soil environment, while under MG treatment, there was a decoupling of the interaction between various soil factors and soil microbial biomass, and only a weak interaction relationship existed between SOM and other nutrient factors instead of an interaction network, indicating that the alpine meadow with restricted environment was more vulnerable. Excessive disturbance can disrupt the internal stability of the ecosystem and even impair its function, which may lead to grassland degradation in the long term. At the same time, the stimulating effect of soil microorganisms, although leading to short-term accumulation of TN and SOM, will cause more carbon release and thus affect soil carbon storage. In addition, overactive microorganisms will compete with vegetation for nutrients, resulting in nutrient competition between microorganisms and vegetation, which will slow the recovery of vegetation and cause vegetation degradation in the long run.