Promoting vegetation coverage using fertilization treatments in abandoned farmland in Mongolia

Abstract

We investigated the changes in vegetation responses following fertilization in abandoned farmland in Mongolia. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium were sprayed alone or in combination on abandoned farmland on a typical steppe in Mongolia, and changes in soil nutrients, species composition and vegetation cover were investigated. Abandoned farmland had lower vegetation cover and soil N and P levels than natural grassland. Phosphorus fertilization significantly affected soil phosphate levels. Nitrogen fertilization in abandoned farmland effectively increased vegetation cover. Moreover, combined N and P fertilization increased plant cover over