Biomass allocation in grasslands is key to understanding plant response to environmental changes and grazing management. Yet, global studies on how this split between above-ground and below-ground biomass varies across continents and grazing practices are notably scarce. We employ a comprehensive field-oriented grassland database to examine differences in total net primary productivity (TNPP), above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP), below-ground net primary productivity (BNPP), and the BNPP to ANPP ratio across continents and between grazed and non-grazed grasslands. Oceania showed the greatest ANPP (916 g·m−2·a−1), while Asia had the lowest (192 g·m−2·a−1). BNPP values were similar among Oceania, Africa, and Asia (∼600 g·m−2·a−1), significantly exceeding those in Europe (289 g·m−2·a−1) and North America (408 g·m−2·a−1). South America, Africa, and Oceania had the highest TNPP (around 1418 g·m−2·a−1 to 1466 g·m−2·a−1), while Europe had the lowest TNPP (344 g·m−2·a−1). The BNPP to ANPP ratio was highest in South America (4.17) and Asia (3.46). Global differences in TNPP and BNPP between grazed and non-grazed grasslands were minimal, but ANPP (169 g·m−2·a−1 and 198 g·m−2·a−1, respectively) and the BNPP to ANPP ratio (4.87 and 2.40, respectively) differed significantly. Across continents and grazing practices, climate had a greater role in regulating grassland biomass allocation than altitude, and warming may have a more detrimental impact on grazed grasslands than non-grazed grasslands. Distinct biomass allocation trends under various continental and grazing conditions exert effects on the economic and ecological functions of grasslands. Our study underscores the need for balanced grassland utilization strategies at a global scale. This involves optimizing grazing in high ANPP grasslands and protecting those with significant BNPP, thereby contributing to a sustainable and ecologically sound use of grasslands in the future.

中文翻译：

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各大洲草原生物量分配和放牧方式及其对气候和海拔的响应


草原生物质分配是了解植物对环境变化和放牧管理的响应的关键。然而，关于地上和地下生物量之间的差异如何在各大洲和放牧方式之间变化的全球研究却非常缺乏。我们采用全面的面向实地的草地数据库来研究各大洲之间总净初级生产力 (TNPP)、地上净初级生产力 (ANPP)、地下净初级生产力 (BNPP) 以及 BNPP 与 ANPP 比率的差异，以及放牧和非放牧草原之间。大洋洲的ANPP最高（916 g·m−2·a−1），而亚洲最低（192 g·m−2·a−1）。大洋洲、非洲和亚洲的 BNPP 值相似（∼600 g·m−2·a−1），显着超过欧洲（289 g·m−2·a−1）和北美（408 g·m −2·a−1)。南美洲、非洲和大洋洲的 TNPP 最高（约 1418 g·m−2·a−1 至 1466 g·m−2·a−1），而欧洲的 TNPP 最低（344 g·m−2·） a−1).南美洲 (4.17) 和亚洲 (3.46) 的 BNPP 与 ANPP 比率最高。放牧和非放牧草地之间的 TNPP 和 BNPP 的全球差异很小，但 ANPP（分别为 169 g·m−2·a−1 和 198 g·m−2·a−1）和 BNPP 与 ANPP 之比（分别为 4.87 和 2.40）差异显着。在各大洲和放牧实践中，气候在调节草地生物量分配方面的作用比海拔更大，而且变暖对放牧草地的不利影响可能比对非放牧草地的不利影响更大。不同大陆和放牧条件下不同的生物量分配趋势对草原的经济和生态功能产生影响。我们的研究强调了在全球范围内平衡草原利用战略的必要性。 这包括优化高 ANPP 草原的放牧并保护那些具有高 BNPP 的草原，从而有助于未来草原的可持续和生态无害化利用。