Spatial distribution and type characteristics of a natural grassland in Ningxia

Re-scientific understanding grassland types and characteristics in Ningxia is critical for sustainable utilization and fine management of these grasslands. Additionally, it presents positive significance for the construction of an ecological security barrier in the middle and upper reaches of the Yellow River. In this study, the comprehensive and sequential classification system (CSCS) grassland group distribution map and CSCS grassland group distribution map in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region were constructed using the CSCS on the ArcGIS platform, and the spatial distribution and type characteridtics were studied. Twelve CSCS grassland types were established in Ningxia, among which, warm temperate arid warm temperate semi-desert type had the largest area (14 786.73 km²), followed by mild temperate arid semi-desert type (8 187.36 km²), accounting for 48.44% and 26.82% of the total grassland area in Ningxia, respectively. Next, four CSCS grassland groups were established in Ningxia, including semi-desert grassland group, typical grassland group, temperate humid grassland group, and temperate forest grassland group from north to south. The area of these groups decreased gradually, occupying 75.27%, 12.39%, 8.45%, and 3.89% of the total grassland area in Ningxia, respectively. The different spatial distribution characteristics of grassland in Ningxia indicated that the grassland was divided into three areas, namely, north Ningxia Semi-desert grassland ecological protection zone, middle Ningxia typical grassland－temperate humid grassland ecological economic zone, and south Ningxia temperate forest grassland mountain landscape production zone. According to the principle of adapting measures to local conditions, grassland management measures such as setting livestock by grass, developing grassland ecological economy, and developing mountain－grassland landscape tourism were performed in the three areas, respectively. Our study is expected to provide scientific and theoretical support for the accurate classification of grassland types in Ningxia, and is of significance to guide grassland protection and ecosystem restoration in the Yellow River Basin.